There is power in words, and when it comes to health what we hear from our doctors can have a significant impact in respect to healing. It is paramount that we shift from a model of fragility and dependence to one of empowerment and overall resilience. Despite meaning well, medical providers of all types often reinforce patients’ feelings of physical decline and helplessness instead of promoting adaptability and active participation in care.
The way that we communicate with patients matters, says Adam Pembleton, DC, a chiropractic resident with St. Luke’s University Health Network. Often, it matters more than any care that we can provide. Negative narratives associated with movement are far too common in health care, and providers must adapt. At Engage 2026, Dr. Pembleton will present, “Anti-Fragility: Empowering Patients through Effective Communication” (1 CE).
Read more about Dr. Pembleton’s upcoming presentation below and register for Engage 2026 here.
How is the topic you are presenting at Engage 2026 relevant to today’s chiropractor?
Dr. Pembleton: Our treatments are powerful and important for our patients, but what we say to them often is even more crucial for long-term health. Patients often have a poor understanding of the mechanisms of their pain, and it is up to us to provide evidence-based explanations that empower patients instead of scaring them with harmful narratives. There are so many misconceptions out there about back pain, and unfortunately misinformation seems be increasingly rampant on social media. As chiropractors, we have an excellent opportunity to educate our patients about the realities of back pain and preach resiliency instead of fragility. We need more patients that are strong and confident to move their bodies, exercise and take control of their own health, not the contrary.
What makes you an expert in this area?
Dr. Pembleton: I obtained a kinesiology degree from The Pennsylvania State University where I focused a lot of my education on the psychology of movement and pain. I learned the importance of promoting self-efficacy and lifestyle change to get people to live a life where their health span matches their life span. As part of my residency at St. Luke’s University Health Network, I rotate with several types of providers: orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain management, physical therapy, etc. Throughout these rotations, I have firsthand experience seeing the best outcomes from effective treatment strategies combined with evidence-based education and empowerment even in differing specialties.
What first interested you in this topic?
Dr. Pembleton: While this has always been a passion of mine since college, my interest in this topic especially piqued during chiropractic school when I was serving as an intern in an federally qualified health center (FQHC). Serving a lot of patients that were sedentary and fear avoidant really showed me the importance of empowering people and developing strategies to get people to take a more active approach to their own treatment plan.
Can you provide one or two takeaways from your presentation/topic that Engage 2026 attendees will not want to miss…and why.
Even the best clinicians sometimes say harmful things to patients that make them feel anxious, fragile, or fearful of their condition/health. But why? We dive into some of the reasons that harmful narratives start or are perpetuated and some simple strategies to try to disbar these ideas.
Attendees of this session will learn ways to improve patient empowerment and guide patients to a thriving place in their health journey through effective narratives, analogies and self-efficacy strategies.
How many times have you attended or presented at ACA Engage in the past?
This will be my first time presenting at ACA Engage and I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to present at the event.
Don’t miss Engage 2026! Join with fellow ACA members Jan. 22–24 in Arlington, Va., at the Crystal Gateway Marriott to learn from top experts, sharpen your clinical and professional skills, and connect with your chiropractic community. ACA has applied for CE credits in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas, in addition to offering CE in more than 30 PACE-accepted states. Get the details here: Engage 2026 Continuing Education. In addition, take advantage of early-bird rates by registering today for the conference.
