Chiropractor sanctioned over repeated weight remarks to patient
A General Chiropractic Council tribunal found that chiropractor Kevin Burns acted unprofessionally while treating a woman for neck and arm pain, making repeated remarks about her weight and touching her inappropriately. The ruling matters because it found he continued after she told him the comments were unwelcome and said his conduct fell far short of the standards expected of a registered chiropractor.
The patient attended eight sessions in early 2023 and was trying to lose weight. Burns admitted telling her she had “plenty of insulation” when she said she was cold, and said he had tapped her leg; he denied grabbing her belly fat, though said he may have touched her stomach. The tribunal imposed practice conditions for 24 months: Burns must write a reflective account of his actions, have monthly supervision and review a personal development plan.
- Tribunal found Burns acted unprofessionally during treatment.
- He must complete reflective work and meet a supervisor monthly.
- Practice conditions will remain in place for 24 months.
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Chiropractors treat problems affecting the joints, muscles and nerves, often using hands-on techniques. In the UK, they must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council, which sets standards for their professional conduct.
The council can investigate complaints and hold a tribunal to decide whether a chiropractor’s conduct met those standards. It can impose conditions on a practitioner’s work, including supervision and requirements for further reflection or development.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Chiropractor told obese patient she had ‘plenty of insulation’ and grabbed her belly fat saying ‘we just need to burn it away’, tribunal hears”.