It takes a loose arm to throw a fastball.
Tension, whether physical, emotional, intellectual or spiritual, is a defense mechanism; a form of self protection. When you show up tense, guarded or what seems to pass for "professional," patients often interpret your demeanor as cause for worry, a lack of confidence or uncertainty.
That's not permission to be casual, indifferent or flip. Instead, assume the body language of someone who has "been there, done that." You take on the posture of "Sure, we see this all the time." You project the confidence of someone who has total faith in the principles of chiropractic and the patient's self-healing capabilities. Simply put, you show up certain and doubt-free.
Projecting an overly serious, "don't-bother-me-I've-got-to-focus" attitude might lead patients to believe you're the one doing the healing. It's a great way to get admiration, but a lousy way to teach patient responsibility.