By Michelle Caron


There are many different types of treatment or care that make up chiropractic; however, the spinal manipulation or adjustment is the primary method of chiropractic care. Joints and tissues are manipulated into their proper place with a chiropractor's hands. Chiropractors manualy apply a force which helps to restore mobility to joints after a tissue injury. Activators, ArthroStim (TM) adjusting instruments and drop tables are also used for spinal adjustments. Pain relief is often felt immediately after an adjustment, and generally continues with time and additional treatments.

Ultrasound therapy is another method of care offered by many chiropractors. This ultrasound delivers a mini-massage, unlike the medical ultrasound used for diagnoses. Ultrasound therapy offers many benefits including a decrease in pain, muscle spasms, stiffness, and swelling, and an increase in blood flow. Ultrasound is effective for many conditions because it offers this wide range of health benefits. Spinal adjustments can also be more effective after ultrasound therapy, as the patient may be more relaxed.

Massage therapy encompasses soft tissue manipulation in the soft tissues of the body to relieve and prevent pain, discomfort, stress and muscle spasms, while increasing health and wellness. Manual soft tissue manipulations are made with the practitioner's hands including holding, applying pressure to the body, often causing movement. Massage therapy has been proven to improve posture, encourage relaxation, improve circulation, lower blood pressure, promote deeper breathing, improve flexibility, improve range of motion, relieve headaches, strengthen the immune system, improve post surgery or injury rehabilitation, and generally enhance a person's overall sense of well-being.

LLLT (low level laser therapy) or Cold Laser Therapy decreases pain and enhances healing by beaming lightwaves through the laser into the affected tissues. This laser enhances the body's ability to repair itself faster. Inflammation is reduced by LLLT, making it effective for many conditions for which people seek chiropractic care. This laser is useful for back pain, neck pain including whiplash, muscle sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and pain in all areas of the body.

A traditional form of Chinese medicine called acupuncture is performed at many chiropractic clinics. In this therapy the body's vital flow of energy, or qi, is regulated, helping to control your mental, spiritual, physical and emotional health. Traditionally, tiny needles are inserted in the skin along meridians or pathways. These needles enhance pain relief in the neck, joints, head and back (with back pain being the most common reason acupuncture is sought). Acupuncture is also beneficial for pain releif from dental work, menstrual cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, knee injuries, tennis elbow and arthritis. Many people took over-the-counter pain medications to relieve this conditions in the past, which came with potentially harmful side effects. People are now turning to acupuncture to relieve their pain, which has no known side effects.

Most clinics also offer lifestyle and wellness coaching, specifically in the areas of nutrition, exercise and ergonomics. Chiropractors believe that the body was designed to be healthy, and has an innate ability to maintain proper health if treated well. Most chiropractors can identify triggers in your daily life and routine that could be causing you problems, and offer solutions to keep your body functioning it's best.

A wide array of techniques and tools are used by chiropractors. Your method of care or treatment plan will be determined by how your body responds, and the condition being treated. Visiting a few chiropractors may be necessary before finding the doctor that best meets your needs.




About the Author:



0 comments :