CHIROPRACTORS CAN MOVE BEYOND THE DEFICIT DISCOURSE TOWARD A STRENGTHS-BASED APPROACH WHEN WORKING WITH AUSTRALIA’S FIRST PEOPLES.

Abstract

In the lands now known as Australia the health of its First People has historically been framed using the lens of deficit. While the discourse of deficit may permit the chiropractor to problem-solve issues and concerns related to neuro-musculoskeletal health, chronic disease, and related socioeconomic factors, it can become pervasive and defeatist. A strength-based approach allows the chiropractor to work with and alongside First Peoples in a collaborative manner. It involves shared decision-making, creating proactive collaborative management and as a result, manifests a truer representation of empowered and person-centred care.
The history of Chiropractic is replete with professional exclusion from public health systems, barriers to service provision and political suppression. We advance the position that the profession has a moral and social obligation to take measures that will enable a greater proportion of Australia’s First Peoples to access its services.
This paper presents lessons derived from personal perspectives toward chiropractic healthcare with the First Australians and moves into a broader commentary, discussing issues of social justice, equity, and liberty in healthcare.