Voices of the BCA is a member spotlight series sharing the perspectives, experiences, and insights of chiropractors across the UK.
In this edition, we hear from Daniel De Rooij, a 2024 graduate from the University of South Wales. Daniel shares his perspective on the day-to-day realities of chiropractic practice, from communicating effectively with patients to navigating the practical side of working in a clinical environment. His reflections offer an honest look at the experiences that shape the early stages of a chiropractic career.
What was the hardest part of being a chiropractor or chiropractic student that people outside the profession rarely see?
The hardest part, for me, has been developing the level of understanding and confidence needed to promote yourself professionally, while still staying true to the values of care.
Chiropractic is both a healthcare profession and, in many cases, a business. That can be difficult to navigate, especially early on. You don’t want to come across like you’re delivering a sales pitch, but at the same time, you need to be approachable and able to explain what you do in a way that resonates with the public.
There’s also a side to the profession that isn’t always visible - learning how a clinic actually runs. Students and practitioners alike need to understand not just patient care, but the practical realities behind it. Balancing those two aspects - clinical practice and business awareness - is something that takes time to develop and isn’t always obvious from the outside.
What is one belief about chiropractic that you had early in your career that has since changed?
Early in my training, I came into the profession with the expectation that I’d be using imaging, like X-rays, with most patients. I assumed that imaging would be central to understanding their pain.
Over time, that perspective changed quite significantly. I began to see just how much can be achieved through hands-on assessment and treatment alone. While imaging absolutely has its place and can be an important tool in certain cases, it’s not essential for managing every patient.
What is a small communication habit that has made the biggest difference to your patient relationships?
There are 3 simple habits that have made a consistently positive difference for me.
One is showing patients where my information comes from when I explain a diagnosis. It helps them feel involved in the process and gives them confidence in the reasoning behind what I’m telling them.
Another is simplifying the language I use. Musculoskeletal healthcare can be full of complex terminology, and it’s easy for patients to feel overwhelmed. Breaking things down into clear, simple explanations makes a big difference in helping them understand what’s going on.
I also try to use visual aids wherever possible - images or infographics - to support what I’m explaining. Sometimes seeing something makes it click in a way that words alone don’t.
Together, those small changes help patients better understand their pain and feel more confident in their care.
Voices of the BCA is a fortnightly series where BCA members speak in their own words about practice, patients, and the profession they've chosen. If you are a BCA member and you’d like to participate, contact katrin.mahfuz@chiropractic-uk.co.uk.