David A. Lustgarden, marketing and sales consultant for Therapeutica Inc, Toronto

How can chiropractors ensure that their patients are following treatment protocols at home? Chiropractic Products asked David A. Lustgarten, marketing and sales consultant for Therapeutica Inc, Toronto, about offering pillow and back supports to support patient compliance.

Why is correct spinal alignment during sleep important to include in overall back care?
Too often good habits are only implemented during waking hours. Many do not think of the fact that up to one third of each day is spent asleep. Just as critical is that, unlike those waking hours, it isn’t difficult to move into an involuntary, yet improper, sleeping position. To maximize spinal health and a restful sleep, correct spinal alignment during sleep is at least as important and impactful as during waking hours.

How can DCs use therapy products to retain patients and keep them in compliance with their treatment plans?
Chiropractors have a wholistic approach that transcends a quick office visit. Subsequently, many chiropractors recommend exercises, posture, and movement processes to ensure optimal comfort and health. Therapy products almost act as an extension of, and certainly an enhancement to, regular chiropractic care.

What is the history of Therapeutica?
Many know us as Innovative Choices Inc. We recently changed our name to Therapeutica Inc to better identify our brand, Therapeutica, and ensure a consistent marketing message. Ed Keilhauer founded Therapeutica nearly 10 years ago from a need to for a better pillow to address his severe neck problems. After a consultation with Peter MacKay, DC, Keilhauer developed a pillow that finally gave him the comfort he was searching for and the spinal alignment that his chiropractor insisted was necessary. Word traveled quickly, as did the amazing benefits of the Therapeutica Back Support, which offered comfort while either sitting at his desk or driving his car.

Tell us about your commitment to the chiropractic profession.
We at Therapeutica feel a very special kinship to the chiropractic profession, as it was not only a chiropractor who assisted in the design of our two primary products, but it is that very profession that is our most significant proponent agent to sell to the consumer. Given the enormous amount of support from chiropractors for many years, we owe them gratitude and reciprocal support, which is accomplished through attendance at trade shows and seminars and serving their patient needs.

What do you see for the future of chiropractic?
Chiropractic, like any professional field, continues to evolve over time. That evolution has clearly resulted in better overall health for those willing to seek this care. As more of the population learns to accept the benefits of chiropractic and the fact that good spinal health is about so much more than just a comfortable back or neck, chiropractic will undoubtedly continue to grow in importance and have a positive impact on people’s lives. CP