Which of the following is outside the scope of practice for a chiropractor when using a laser?

The scope of practice for chiropractors primarily focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders through non-invasive methods. When it comes to the use of lasers, chiropractors are allowed to incorporate certain therapeutic laser procedures that enhance their treatment modalities, which can include physical therapy techniques.

However, ablation and special surgical procedures are distinctly outside the scope of chiropractic practice. These types of interventions typically require a medical license and involve invasive techniques that chiropractors are not trained or licensed to perform. Therefore, using a laser for such purposes would exceed the boundaries of what a chiropractor is permitted to do under California law.

Physical therapy procedures can fall within a chiropractor's scope, especially when integrated into chiropractic care. Routine chiropractic adjustments are also clearly within the scope of practice, as they are fundamental to the philosophy of chiropractic treatment. Allergy treatments, while not conventional for most chiropractic practices, can sometimes be approached through alternative methods, but they still do not involve invasive procedures typically associated with surgery.

In summary, the main reason ablation and special surgical procedures are considered outside the scope of chiropractic practice is because they are invasive and require additional training and licensure that chiropractors do not possess.