Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Purpose: To analyse the use of non-manipulative therapies by chiropractors in South Africa.
Method: Participants registered with the AHPCSA and CASA were recruited for this study
through the respective databases. An email containing a link to the survey was sent out. If the
participants wished to partake in the survey, they could click on the link provided in the email.
This link redirected them to an independent website where they could anonymously answer the
survey. The survey consisted of a series of questions that the participant could answer by
clicking on the most applicable answer. The survey was accessible from 25th July 2016 to 26th
August 2016. A total of 100 responses were required for statistical analysis and a total of 135
responses were received.
Results: From the data retrieved, it was found that factors such as age, gender, experience in
practice and institution of graduation had no influence on the frequency of non-manipulative
therapy use in practice. Despite the above, it was noted that the time taken to consult with and
treat follow up patients was lengthened with increased frequency of non-manipulative therapy
use in practice. No trend was found with new patients. The three most frequently used nonmanipulative
therapies were dry needling, strapping and cervical traction. Majority of the
participants received training for these non-manipulative therapies as part of their chiropractic
syllabus, except for strapping which generally is taught as part of a postgraduate course. Despite
the various options available, some participants received no training for these non-manipulative
therapies and still use them in practice. It was also found that the strongest motivation for using
non-manipulative therapies was when manipulation was contraindicated.
Conclusion: The analysis of this survey showed that the biographic factors relating to
chiropractors have no influence on how frequently non-manipulative therapies are being used in
practice. The impact of using non-manipulative therapies more frequently on length of
consultation times may be a factor that discourages chiropractors from using non-manipulative
therapies. In South Africa, majority of the non-manipulative therapies are being taught at
university level as part of the chiropractic syllabus. Very few are being taught through
postgraduate courses, medical representatives and via other means. There are chiropractors that
are using certain non-manipulative therapies in practice without having any form of training.
Therefore, the introduction of additional postgraduate courses in South Africa will be valuable...