13/08/2025
AI Is Evolving Fast… But It Can’t Replace the Power of Human Touch 🧠🤲
I’ve been following some fascinating discussions lately, particularly from Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X and a leading voice in AI ethics. He’s been talking about how rapidly AI technology is developing—and how, over the next 10 years, it’s going to exponentially reshape our world.
We’re talking major changes to jobs, careers, the way we live, and most significantly, how we connect as humans.
And while that sounds both exciting and a little unnerving… it’s also a reminder of how important certain things will always be—especially when it comes to health, healing, and human connection.
As a chiropractor with over two decades of hands-on experience, I believe our profession is uniquely positioned to be a grounding force in this new AI-driven world.
Because here’s the thing AI can’t do:
✅ It can’t assess the nervous system through human touch.
Chiropractic is one of the few professions that works directly with the nervous system via manual assessment and adjustment. We use our hands to detect areas of dysfunction, imbalance, and stress—and then help the body return to optimal function. This has a direct impact on the brain, helping people feel more connected, calm, and aligned.
✅ It can’t feel what we feel.
We’re trained to palpate, observe, and intuitively sense subtle changes in the body. Over years of practice, we develop the ability to recognise when someone isn’t functioning at their best—even before they tell us. That’s a refined skill honed through thousands of patient interactions. Not something AI can download.
✅ It can’t build human connection like we can.
Every day, chiropractors listen—really listen. Not just to physical symptoms, but to emotional stressors, lifestyle factors, and the full complexity of a person’s experience. We provide reassurance, education, and support. We help people feel seen, heard, and empowered.
✅ It can’t read the body the way we do.
Muscle guarding, shallow breathing, flinching, tension patterns—these subtle, non-verbal cues give us powerful insight into what’s going on. Chiropractors constantly adapt our approach based on this feedback, even mid-treatment. No AI has the sensitivity or adaptability for that.
✅ It can’t problem-solve complex cases in a holistic, human way.
Many patients come in with multifaceted issues that don’t fit into neat diagnostic boxes—and definitely can’t be solved by a quick Google search (or even ChatGPT 😉). We’re trained to think critically, draw on a wide base of knowledge, and find tailored solutions for each person.
✅ It can’t replicate trust and healing through touch.
There’s something incredibly powerful about hands-on care. The act of being touched in a therapeutic, skilled and compassionate way is itself healing—and no technology can replicate that.
Now don’t get me wrong—AI is doing amazing things. I welcome advancements that streamline the admin side of our work. Tools that help with note-taking, appointment scheduling, even analysing radiology or scans? Fantastic. Let’s use them.
But when it comes to the human body, human connection, and human healing—chiropractic is more relevant than ever.
As we head into an increasingly digitised future, we need more grounding, more touch, and more connection—not less.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just not quite yourself… don’t underestimate the power of chiropractic to bring you back to centre.
We’re here. With our hands, our hearts, and our whole focus—just for you.
Warmly,
Dr Jo
