Testimonial Value: Chiropractors vs Orthopedic Surgeons

 
It is strange to consider, but often the most effective treatment for soft tissue injuries is given by the practitioners whose testimonial value is seen as the lowest. For example, alternative medicine techniques in acupuncture, homeopathic treatments, massage therapy and herbal remedies often provide effective relief, but they are at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to testimonial value. In short, the insurance companies know that defense attorneys can eat those practitioners for lunch and, therefore, their reports are not given full value. Conversely, orthopedic surgeons are at the top of the food chain. As mentioned before, they are indispensable in treating bone injuries and other disorders. However, when it comes to soft tissue damage, most people find better results with chiropractic.
 
In prior years, orthopedic surgeons were called by the defense to testify against chiropractors who were treating the claimant. It was difficult for the plaintiff to sell a jury on the concept that a chiropractor's belief and testimony could outweigh that of a respected medical professional. However, the situation has eased in the last decade. Chiropractors have treated much of the population. As a consequence, chiropractic opinion, if presented by a doctor with a sound foundation, can stand up well against the best of medical testimony.
 
Neurologists tend to be excellent witnesses. They and general medical practitioners do not appear to be necessarily as opposed to chiropractors as are some orthopedic surgeons. On the other hand, the knowledge of the medical practitioner is somewhat limited when it comes to soft tissue damage and treatment. A well-informed chiropractor will often prevail over a general medical practitioner when it comes to testimony regarding soft tissue injuries and treatment thereof.