Scope of Practice

Chiropractic physicians are highly trained, primary-care, healthcare professionals whose education and clinical scope encompass far more than the treatment of spinal conditions alone. In areas such as musculoskeletal health, biomechanics, functional movement, conservative care, nutrition, lifestyle modification, and whole-person wellness, chiropractors may possess specialized training that is equivalent to and in certain areas more extensive than that of medical physicians.

The chiropractic curriculum is much more extensive than simply learning spinal manipulation. Required areas include:

Human anatomy and cadaver dissection
Physiology
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Pathology
Neurology and neuroanatomy
Orthopedics
Physical and clinical examination
Laboratory diagnosis
Diagnostic imaging and radiographic interpretation
Biomechanics
Spinal and extremity manipulation
Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy/therapeutic procedures
Nutrition
Toxicology/pharmacology
Pediatrics
Geriatrics
Obstetrics/gynecology
Emergency procedures
Public health
Clinical decision-making

As a portal of entry provider, a chiropractic physician has authority AND with the scope of practice due to T.C.A. § 63-4-101 and shall include:

make a differential diagnosis
take patient history
utilize examination techniques
review lab analysis
use analytical instruments
check vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, etc) and screening of health status
orthopedic testing
neurological testing
range of motion
muscle testing
diagnostic evaluation
imaging of the human body
authority to utilize physical agent modalities
perform adjustments, manipulations, manual therapy
dry needling
rehabilitation
treatments which may include therapeutic care interventions to the human frame
recommendations and referrals
perform sports physicals, also called Pre-participation Physical Evaluations (PPE)**
preparing narratives, giving of depositions and in-court testimony as an expert witness
determination of impairment ratings
supportive care
nutritional evaluation
recommendation and supplementation
patient management in their mental and physical environment, concerning diet, hygiene, sanitation and rehabilitation
performance of x-rays
collection of blood, urine, saliva, and hair for analysis
ordering the analysis of blood, urine, or other bodily fluid, secretions, or excretions from a licensed

or certified laboratory for the diagnosis and management of the patient

use of “telehealth” also known as “telemedicine”

**The Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners states that Tennessee‑licensed chiropractic physicians are legally and fully trained and capable of conducting school, work, and sports physical examinations also called Pre-participation Physical Evaluations (PPE), as well as signing official sports physical forms.

The specialized orthopedic portion of the exam is where the chiropractor’s expertise shines during sports physicals. They perform specific provocative tests to check the integrity of the ligaments in the knees, ankles, and shoulders. This ensures that the athlete is not only healthy on paper, but physically robust enough to withstand the physical contact and repetitive motions of their chosen sport. The examination process in a chiropractic office is structured to be both thorough and efficient, adhering to the national standards set by sports medicine governing bodies.