United we stand, divided we fall. At last the UCA has taken the lead for chiropractors in the UK.

August 6, 2010
By

abth_chiro_chiro_fred_courtney-1921

Never ever ever give in to tyranny. These guys were prepared to go to jail for what the believed in.

The President of the United Chiropractic Association Kevin Proudman has proposed to form a coalition of chiropractic associations (UCA, SCA and MCA) within the UK called the Alliance of UK Chiropractors (AUKC).  The formation of the Alliance will be the largest chiropractic coalition in the UK, with a membership of nearly 1100 registered chiropractors.

Kevin states “We feel that if we can speak as one group rather than as a fractured and fragmented profession then our impact will be greater; particularly in light of recent decisions by the GCC that we can as an Alliance present a unified position.

The AUKC will represent Chiropractors who stand behind the founding principles of Chiropractic as a vitalistic drug free profession based on the identification and reduction of vertebral subluxations, The AUKC will support the ACC paradigm that the World Federation of Chiropractors adopted as its policy statement.

“Chiropractic is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.

The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. In addition, Doctors of Chiropractic recognize the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.

The Association of Chiropractic Colleges continues to foster a unique, distinct chiropractic profession that serves as a health care discipline for all. The ACC advocates a profession that generates, develops, and utilizes the highest level of evidence possible in the provision of effective, prudent, and cost-conscious patient evaluation and care.

The Subluxation

Chiropractic is concerned with the preservation and restoration of health, and focuses particular attention on the subluxation.

A subluxation is a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health.

A subluxation is evaluated, diagnosed, and managed through the use of chiropractic procedures based on the best available rational and empirical evidence”

Subluxation is a fundamental axiom of the Chiropractic profession.  The WFC policy statement reaffirms the use of the term vertebral subluxation and it is defined succinctly and accepted by the World Health Organisation (WHO)

This UCA, SCA and the MCA have drawn up a brief statement of principles to which we believe any chiropractic organisation in the world could ally themselves to. The vision, Statement of Purpose and Objectives are listed below, along with current issues that we believe need to be addressed:

VISION

To create a vitalistic, Chiropractic model of health and well-being for families in the UK by providing the distinct elements offered by Chiropractic as a healthcare profession predicated upon its philosophy, science and art. This model will positively impact on the healthcare of our nation
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The AUKC is an affiliation of the professional organisations dedicated to the protection, unity and strengthening of the Chiropractic profession in the UK. Emphasis is on education and political action to uphold and protect the rights of Chiropractors to serve their patients using an evidence based, patient centred approach. The AUKC fully supports that Chiropractic is a separate distinct healing profession that emphasises the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery with particular focus on the subluxation.
IDENTITY, VALUES AND OBJECTIVES
·           Adoption of the ACC Paradigm
·           Adoption of the WHO statement on Chiropractic
·           Adoption of the WFC statement of Prescription Rights
·           Adoption of the ICA Best Practices documentation
·           Provide Leadership and facilitate Unity within the profession in the UK
·           Support research into the VSC
·           Work with decision makers so that Chiropractic care is more widely known and understood by the public.
·           Commit to a rapid response on emerging issues
CURRENT ISSUES

·           Acceptance only of evidence from RCT’s not from biomedical evidence validating Chiropractic care
·           The proposed Revalidation scheme that has flawed assumptions, disproportionate risk from a misinterpreted poorly constructed survey which had less than a 23% response
·           GCC consultations
·           Teaching of Philosophy in Chiropractic colleges
·           Use of the term Subluxation concept of VSC
·           RESEARCH into Subluxation/Chiropractic Outcomes
·           Scope of Practice
·           Examining whether the GCC is fit for purpose for regulating the Chiropractic profession in the UK in its present form
As a member of the UCA you will automatically be given membership of the Alliance. Membership of AUKC is only available through membership of either, the UCA, SCA or MCA.

If you would be interested in supporting the Alliance  we do need help with funding and a pledge form can be downloaded from the members area of the UCA website or you can call Head Office.  Any amount big or small will help.

Tel: 01752 658785

Yours in Chiropractic Service

Kevin Proudman

President

United Chiropractic Association

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Related posts:

  1. Why the United Chiropractic Association (UCA) and traditional chiropractors, should be supporting Simon Sings campaign for free speech.
  2. A Female BCA; The MacTimoney old girls club Originally posted in January 09
  3. GCC begin defining a biomedical scope of practice using the sceptic complaints as cover
  4. The Chiropractic Associations recognised the GCC was not fit for purpose in 2006
  5. McTimoney Chiropractic Association; no lovers of Free Speech themselves.
  6. The UCA asked me to write this for their rebranded Newsletter. Unfortunately they redacted the last few paragraphs. “Dont want to upset the GCC.”
  7. Zeno only doing what BCA leaders did to UCA executive

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  • Richard Lanigan

    “Your entire theory of Chiropractic Philosophy can’t be proven or relied” If Cancer has thought me one thing it is there are no “proven” truths in health care because we are all different and respond differently. Give me an experienced practitioner, over one who has all the research data at his fingertips any day.

    The problem the chiropractic profession has is all the salesmen selling shit to gulible fools who like to souround themselves with like minded gulible fools. What I am not going to do here is point the finger. No doubt you would point your finger at one wing of the profession and would assume I would point mine at the other extreme of the profession. You would be wrong. I resigned from the chiropractic register and in my opinion many chiropractors lack integrity. By UK law I can no longer call myself a chiropractor, practicing and not using the chiropractor title costs me 20% in extra tax each year. Beyond that whether I call myself a chiropractor or not is irrelevant, people come to my practice because I am very good at what I do. I dont need to be part of a group to legitamise what I do. So you were wrong again to state ” you think you are preserving a profession”.. Its yours enjoy another 100 years squabling over what you call “spinal dysfunction”.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_3UN3PTXXL7LISJZQ4RUJHCWRVM Alan

    The problem is you will never get 1100 Chiropractors to join your organization even if you gave away prizes. Your entire theory of Chiropractic Philosophy can’t be proven or relied on. The majority of practitioners are in favor of expanding the profession into a broad scope practice. I know you think you are preserving a profession but you are not the keepers of the flame. Any profession that does not expand, dies! Chiropractic colleges in the US are closing. New student numbers are dwindling. Keep up the fight and you will be the last chiropractors.

  • http://spinaljoint.com Richard Lanigan

    Its the spell check, I could never have done a blog without it.

  • Eugene Pearce

    Thats the problem with blogs (I just noticed on my other reply I cant spell tomorrow). Have you seen a good chiropractor for your dyslexia, it used to work really well, before we needed evidence.

  • http://spinaljoint.com Richard Lanigan

    Hi Eugene,
    I am very dyslexic so a play on words is often lost on me, I got “Cheetham”. .

  • Eugene Pearce

    Richard we agree, common ground, at last.

    Nothing to do with Carla at all, didnt even think of that. Did like the “Dewey Cheetham and Howe”, when I read it in Contact, (To be ridiculously clear “Do we cheat them and how”), well I thought it was funny.

    Just in case anyone thinks this is remotely based on any real chiro it isnt, just a light hearted parody of a happy clappy seminar on offer. Thats all.

  • http://spinaljoint.com Richard Lanigan

    Oh Dear,

    “moral guidance for the Dewey, Cheetham and Howe chain of chiropractic clinics” I was thinking does Carla Howe do practice building seminars? I guess thats the language that sells. I have never been comfortable with it. I was Tedd Korens European representative for ten years and loved doing it until he invented the “greatest chiropractic technique” and embellished it with glitter, having not practiced for 25 years.

    I dont believe skilled Chropractors need to market themselves like this. Give me Sid Willaims dropping his keys any day. Gravity works and so does a good adjustment and it does not need all that crap poured on top.

  • Eugene Pearce

    Great news everyone. I have just received a “Special Invitation Just For You” from the UCA.

    “Healing from the inside out” at the Spring Conference

    Here’s whats on offer this year

    A Socratic report of findings made easy
    …. “you have a disc injury”
    Knowledge that enable patients to choose the right care for them
    …. ASA, GCC, CAP, and Trading Standards approved
    How to run a principled chiropractic office in a non principalled culture- ethically
    …. moral guidance for the Dewey, Cheetham and Howe chain of chiropractic clinics
    Tools to take you away from fear and that hazy place to a place of certainty
    …. Strong Black Coffee. Sober up and never drink again
    Clarity about being a chiropractor
    …. just for me I guess
    Tools to engage your patients in their health
    …. exercise sheets
    How to create a TRIBE in your office
    …. Go back to that hazy place at the weekend and all get Tattoo’s
    Create a winning mindset for you practice
    …. Buy a lottery ticket and keep your fingers crossed
    The importance of your team
    …. Harlequins RL did not do well last season

    I know the comments by me after the …. are flippant, but seriously, does anything at this conference increase knowledge and patient care, or is it all about the Bu$ine$$ of chiropractic. I dont know.

    How does this fit into a CPD learining cycle, or can I get some life coaching, or a personal trainer and call it CPD? Also credit to Ian Hutchinson for Dewey Cheetham and Howe, borrowed from his recent letter in Contact.

    For clarity, all the bits after …. are added by me and arent meant to be taken seriously. The are not in the Invitation from the UCA.

  • Dr Bilbo Baggins

    Hi Eugene

    Not sure I personally know many chiros who would agree to that, but they must exist otherwise the AUKC wouldn’t.

    Oh and thanks to the back handed compliment ;-)

  • Eugene Pearce

    Aologies for the double post but I think this is more appropriate here.

    With regard to the Alliance, all of you that are members of the UCA ICA and SCA agree the following is ok, just to be clear you agree that:

    …Spinal care can help the cast majority of disease states
    …Best practice for uncomplicated axial pain, involves 25 visits in 8 weeks.
    …Complicated by reduced cervical lordosis 85 visits in 28 weeks.
    …Xrays of every new patient including kids, (breaching IRMR guidelines)

    Your Alliance signed up to the ICA “bent practices” document not mine. In any compromise between between good and evil it is only evil that will profit.

    I am sure most decent and honest chiropractors find these parts of the ICA document both farcical and abhorrent and wholly inapprpriate for chiropractic in the UK. If you do, ask your Association why is this acceptable. Why not ask the GCC if this is this an appropriate amount of treatment and appropriate use of xrays. Lobby your Association to distance itself from the big stick the ICA and Alliance has given the skeptics to beat us with.

    I cant think of another healthcare profession that would choose to be lead by a group who advocate breaking treatment and x-ray guidelines laid down by their registering body, no matter what you think of them.

    And I cant believe I am writing this… I agree with Dr Bilbo Baggins, Physios are required in their advertising to be “professionally restrained” thats it. We absolutely need a level playing field across the entire healthcare community, both in regulation and practice.

  • Dr Bilbo Baggins

    @ A.Macrae

    the problem isn’t the required level of evidence, it is the playing field that is required to be level, that seems to be the problem. If the evidence level for chiropractic was used across the board and without evidence, those treatments would stop, physiotherapy would not exist and medical procedures in hospitals would be cut in half. That is what the evidence says.

    Now we know certain procedures in hospital work, we also know that a certain percentage of the population are helped by physiotherapists. Do we then throw all this away to appease the ‘skeptics’, if we are then lets push forward with only evidence based treatment (based on the standards set for the chiropractic profession) for everyone. Scary stuff?

  • A.Macrae

    “Never ever ever give in to tyranny. These guys were prepared to go to jail for what the believed in.”

    It’s hard to see what this has to do with anything.
    If there is tyrannical repression of Chiropractic in the UK, I have seen no evidence of it. Evidence indeed is the issue, which still seems to be escaping some . What anyone believes is irrelevant.
    What matters is what we can prove.

    If UK chiropractors are enabled to speak with a single voice, that’s great. Perhaps this will facilitate discussion of the facts.

  • http://www.flatirons2store.com chi straighener

    This is the marvelous post that I have come over after huge searches. I am really thankful to you for providing this unique information.

  • Mark

    As a chiropractor practicing in Europe, it is great to see a group of you standing up to the tierany that is going on in Britain.

    Where did this Margaret Coates come from, and why has she not been thrown out of the GCC? I don´t really understand how this has gone so bad for UK chiropractors. I have met many of you from the UK and you don´t seem like a weak group of Chiro´s.

    It was suggested at a UCA meeting in 2004 that all of you stop paying dues to the GCC. I am just wondering why, with all of the happenings now, if more people are running from the GCC?

  • Amit Patel

    The You Tube is funny………will the GCC be showing that at there workshops……. i odnt think sooooo !! hahahahhahahahahahhahahahhaha

  • j

    Not getting HTFU! then click here
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unkIVvjZc9Y

  • http://spinaljoint.com Richard Lanigan

    They dont have reserves as demonstrated by these actions http://www.chiropracticlive.com/?p=489 but they own the building.

    In March they had not increased the mortgage but I have heard a figure of £1,500,000 to cover increased costs for invesigating the 600 complaints and IC meetings. If chiropractors went for public hearings could go as high as £6,000,000 which they dont have and will have to increase registration fees.

    The GCC can not prosecute you for practicing chiropractic only calling yourself a chiropractor. I practice chiropractic and everybody else call me a chiropractor. In fact my youngest (I am not going to say her name) thinks she is a chiropractor. I am considering putting her name on the website to see if the GCC will send new private investigators.

    When asked what do you call yourself, I say Richard Lanigan, yes but what do you do; I practice chiropractic so you are a chiropractor, you might say that but I could not possibly comment. I have become good at answering these questions.

    I am also a member of the Irish Chiropractic association and the ECU http://www.ecunion.eu/default.asp?p=85&sbl=1&sbr=30. I practice chiropractic not the medicalised GCC version and I love it and I would advise registered chiropractors to do the same. Down side you have to pay VAT small price to pay for peace of mind

  • Paul

    Perhaps the first action of this new alliance is the show of testicles and the inplementation of something resembling this idea of J’s although I doubt it.

    I wonder will the ECU further back the BCA (with the same direct threat they made at the last GC meeting) or some new made up and well choreographed lay out of information as per the last extortion, blackmail, and intimidation they used previous previously with the more minor members of the ECU.

    It ‘ll be interesting to see how the ECU react to the BCA proposal to the ECU how and why they should embrace the McTimms and how Christina reacts and discards the politically naive members of the alliance.

    I see more prevarication from the McTimms, BCA and GCC.

  • Rosemary

    And I meant to add – I can’t see it happening! Although I would be delighted if it did.

  • Rosemary

    J has just about said it all!

    I understand the GCC made a loss in year end 2008 due to the Simon Singh debacle. Does anyone know how 2009 and 2010 stacked up? It may be a bit early for 2010 accounts but I can’t find 2009 from Companies House either.

    I’ve heard from one quarter that the GCC have large reserves. I don’t know whether this true. If it is, they may be able to withstand chiros not paying up and pursue them en masse. On the other hand, if the GCC doesn’t have reserves, it could be a different matter. However, how many chiros, realistically, would be prepared to withhold their fees and risk prosecution? Such an action could only make an impact if chiros united in this cause.

  • j

    Keep paying your 12-month title rental fees fella’s!
    Don’tcha get it? You’re just nuthin’ but rent-boys…
    Year after year… on and on ad nauseum, havin’ a whinge,
    havin’a moan & havin’ a sook!
    Marge & Co. has ya chubby white asses flailing in the air and
    every single one of ya sqealin’ like little piggies “Wee, weee!”
    It’s pathetic.

    You’re all funding this Chiro-perversion.
    This ain’t ChiropracTIC fella’s, you know that.
    And deep down you know, every year that cheque is sent – you’ll keep rogering yourselves…!

    If it was’nt so completely sickening – I too would be guffawing at the utter stupidity! Damn sure Mag is! “Ha ha haargh, love my job, ha haargh”

    Rentpractor’s – you know there is only one immediate solution!
    1200 AUKC members
    En masse – HTFU!
    Pay £0.00

    Pick up Coate’s as you leave. Game over.

  • Garland Glenn

    Audits are healthy. People with nothing to hide should have no fear of them.

  • dazed

    please do the alliance survey (just once)

    http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6GNST8B

  • Amit Patel

    Hi Rod

    I certainly do …. I think it is well OVER due!!

    Anyone else agreee?

  • rodmacmillan

    Hi Amit

    does that mean you would be in favour of an audit ?

  • Amit Patel

    hahahahahhahahah

  • backchat

    Its about time!!!

  • dazed

    I think its a great step forward for the profession. The Alliance represents nearly 1200 UK chiropractors making it the largest group in the UK. Is it time for the BCA to step aside and realise that they no longer call the shots based purely on the numbers game?

    I understand that the BCA were invited to join the Alliance but would not step back from their stance on prescribing rights and VSC even in the face of knowledge that their vocal minority no longer represent the views of most UK chiropractors.

    Is this another serving of humble pie for the BCA Council to choke over?

  • http://www.chiropractorswarwick.co.uk Stefaan Vossen

    This is the most wonderful news I have heard ina very longtime.
    This is only the beginning
    Stefaan

  • dazed

    thanks Richard, I’ll bear the link thing in mind if I post anything else like that again.

    Its the survey that’s essential – it includes questions about confidence in the regulator.

  • http://spinaljoint.com Richard Lanigan

    Hi dazed, sorry your news did not come up until now. When there are more than three links in a comment it gets flaged as spam and I only just checked

  • dazed

    Here’s the letter that has gone out to every chiro in the UK in the last 24 hours. Please do the survey (just once).

    Alliance of
    UK Chiropractors

    Dear Colleague,

    We are writing to let you know of one of the most exciting, dynamic and historic events in UK Chiropractic.

    At the recent Edinburgh Lectures, the Leaders of the MCA, SCA and UCA announced an intention to form an Alliance of UK Chiropractors (AUKC) to create the largest chiropractic coalition in the UK, with a membership of nearly 1200 Registered Chiropractors. The MCA, SCA and UCA have been working very closely over the last couple of years. During this time it has become clear that there is much common ground between the three associations and a proven track record of working together to achieve shared objectives. This includes wholehearted agreement with the core values of many international bodies such as the World Health Organisation, World Federation of Chiropractic and the International Chiropractors Association. The MCA, SCA and UCA have met with the BCA to explore common ground and extend an invitation to join to form a body that represents almost the entire profession in the U.K. We will regardless work together in the best interests of the profession if this is not the case.

    This news was greeted by the assembled delegates from all four UK chiropractic associations with overwhelming approval and, in the interests of inclusivity we now extend a hand of friendship to you as an individual. If you are already a member of one of the three founding associations, you will be welcomed to the Alliance. If you are not currently a member of the MCA, SCA or UCA, please consider whether you would be better served by a group of leaders with vision and vitalistic intent. If you agree with the vision, statement of purpose and identity, values and objectives of the AUKC, then choose which of the founding associations you would like to be a member of :- and sign up today.

    Whether you are in an Association or not, we are asking all UK chiropractors for their views. Please go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6GNST8B and complete a short online anonymous survey which will help us to take action on the things YOU feel passionately about.

    There has been disquiet for some years at the way that the UK Chiropractic profession is being regulated and recent events have done nothing to reassure the majority of chiropractors that the art, science and philosophy of chiropractic are being enhanced or safeguarded by the current model. The MCA, SCA and UCA have already written strongly worded letters to the GCC on the following topics:

    • Protested the Section 60 rule changes made by the GCC including removing a Registrants’ right not to pay the Registration fee whilst under investigation by the GCC.
    • Vertebral Subluxation Complex ‘Statutory Advice Note’
    • The removal of philosophy from the criteria for chiropractic education
    • Against prescribing rights for chiropractors
    • The content of the proposed revalidation scheme
    • Protesting the GCC decision to award the contract for delivering the revalidation scheme to WIOC rather than the College of Chiropractors in the face of letters of support written by all four chiropractic associations.

    We have worked together to lay down markers in the sand, and have stated what we are no longer prepared to accept. The Regulator is well aware of our combined views and chooses to ignore them, using a façade of consultation to enable it to tick the right boxes when CHRE come calling. We say that enough is enough and have agreed the following statements as a working paradigm for the AUKC:

    Vision

    To create a vitalistic Chiropractic model of health and well-being for families in the UK by providing the distinct elements offered by Chiropractic as a healthcare profession predicated upon its philosophy, science and art. This model will positively impact on the healthcare of our nation.

    Statement of Purpose

    The AUKC is an affiliation of the professional organisations dedicated to the protection, unity and strengthening of the Chiropractic profession in the UK. Emphasis is on education and political action to uphold and protect the rights of Chiropractors to serve their patients using an evidence-based patient centred approach. The AUKC fully supports that Chiropractic is a separate, distinct healing profession that emphasises the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself, without the use of drugs or surgery, with particular focus on the subluxation.

    Identity, Values and Objectives

    1. Adoption of the ACC Paradigm
    2. Adoption of the WHO statement on Chiropractic
    3. Adoption of the WFC statement of Prescription Rights
    4. Adoption of the ICA Best Practices documentation
    5. Provide Leadership and facilitate Unity within the profession in the UK
    6. Support research into the VSC
    7. Work with decision makers so that Chiropractic care is more widely known and understood by the public.
    8. Commit to a rapid response on emerging issues

    For many years all the associations have worked together on various issues and now is the time to strengthen that unity and work as a team to bring the vitalistic community together in a united and stable way. Our profession is diverse however there is room for that diversity taking an evidence based patient centred approach. Taking the approach that this is not the case has been divisive and often contrary to the fundamental aims and principles of chiropractic as we know and love it.

    We urge each and every one of you to sign up to a new way of working to make Chiropractic in the UK a happier, inclusive and unified profession.

    Yours sincerely,

    Ross McDonald Berni Martin Kevin Proudman
    Scottish Chiropractic McTimoney Chiropractic United Chiropractic
    Association Association Association

    MCA

    The MCA welcomes applications from graduates of all the UK chiropractic colleges, as well as overseas practitioners and students.

    If you would like to know more about joining the MCA, please get in touch with our Membership Administrator, Emily Wellock, via 01491 829211 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              01491 829211      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or emily@mctimoney-chiropractic.org :

    You can find out more about the MCA on our website: http://www.mctimoneychiropractic.org

    SCA

    The SCA offers membership to all GCC registered chiropractors in the UK as well as students, retired and overseas chiropractors. For a full list of our membership benefits and application forms visit our website: http://www.sca-chiropractic.org

    Telephone: 0141 404 0260
    Email: admin@sca-chiropractic.org

    UCA

    The UCA offers membership to qualified, professional, principal based chiropractors, associates and students within the UK and overseas.

    For further information and an application form please contact Head Office or visit our website:
    http://www.united-chiropractic.org

    Telephone: 01752 658785
    Email: admin@united-chiropractic.org

  • Garland Glenn

    Hallelujah!

  • http://welshandgrumpy.blogspot.com/ Colin Jenkins

    Can you add public perception of nomenclature to issues? “innate intelligence” and “wellness” just attract the hippies and do you no good whatsoever. Or am I missing the point…

  • Barney

    Always a gentleman – I salute you Kevin. You fought (gently and always with humility) for the true essence of chiropractic whilst a GCC member (and you were vilified, scorned and threatened with expulsion then) but you never retaliated. I wish you well in this latest endeavour. God bless you.

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