Scope of Practice and Permitted Modalities
Scope
The practice of chiropractic in Illinois centers on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the human neuromusculoskeletal system, including the spine and extremities, and the effects of those disorders on the nervous system and general health. The license permits spinal and extremity adjustments, manipulation, mobilization, physical modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction, and hot/cold therapy, therapeutic exercise, ergonomic and nutritional counseling, and diagnostic x-rays. It does not permit surgery or prescribing or dispensing legend drugs. Additional procedures that are separately regulated, such as acupuncture or venipuncture, must be specifically authorized by the Act and rules and any required additional credential; do not assume they are included simply because they are adjunctive.
Worked example
A patient presents with low back pain and leg numbness. The chiropractor can take a history, perform an examination, order x-rays if indicated, diagnose a neuromusculoskeletal condition, adjust the spine, and use electrical stimulation. If red flags suggest fracture, infection, or tumor, the chiropractor must refer. If the patient asks for an antibiotic for a urinary infection, the chiropractor cannot prescribe it; that is outside scope and requires referral.
Traps
General health does not make the chiropractor a primary-care physician. Physiotherapy does not authorize any device or procedure. Using a technique that is separately licensed without the required credential is practicing beyond scope.