Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
TITLE
Best Practices for Chiropractic Care for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Consensus Update
37-Expert Consensus Panel
SOURCE
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28302309/
REFERENCE
20
NICE
REFERENCE
123
organisation
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
TITLE
Best Practices for Chiropractic Care for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Consensus Update
37-Expert Consensus Panel
SOURCE
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28302309/
DISC COMMENTARY
This paper combines a systematic review with a formal, structured consensus process among a 37-member multidisciplinary expert panel, to set evidence-based recommendations for chiropractic treatment of older adults, covering both effectiveness and safety considerations for this age group.
What was studied?
The review identified 12 directly relevant studies, six on effectiveness and six on safety, which the panel then worked through over three rounds of structured consensus discussion to reach agreed recommendations.
What did they find?
The panel strengthened existing safety statements about manipulation in older adults and confirmed it contributes to positive outcomes beyond pain reduction alone. They emphasised that chiropractors should actively advise older patients on exercise, not just provide hands-on treatment.
Why it matters
Older adults often have reasonable questions about whether manual therapy is safe for them, given more fragile bones or other age-related conditions. This consensus gives a considered, cautious answer rather than a one-size-fits-all one.
Why we included it
It shows how care should adapt to the patient in front of you: combining manual therapy with active exercise advice, and adjusting the approach for different age groups rather than treating everyone identically.
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What was studied?
The review identified 12 directly relevant studies, six on effectiveness and six on safety, which the panel then worked through over three rounds of structured consensus discussion to reach agreed recommendations.
What did they find?
The panel strengthened existing safety statements about manipulation in older adults and confirmed it contributes to positive outcomes beyond pain reduction alone. They emphasised that chiropractors should actively advise older patients on exercise, not just provide hands-on treatment.
Why it matters
Older adults often have reasonable questions about whether manual therapy is safe for them, given more fragile bones or other age-related conditions. This consensus gives a considered, cautious answer rather than a one-size-fits-all one.
Why we included it
It shows how care should adapt to the patient in front of you: combining manual therapy with active exercise advice, and adjusting the approach for different age groups rather than treating everyone identically.