While spinal adjustment is the primary method used by chiropractors, many utilize other therapies as well.
Some of the therapies that chiropractors offer most frequently follow:
Therapeutic Stretches
After one is injured, therapeutic stretching is one critical method of preventing the formation of scar tissue. Continuing to engage in a regular stretching program even after the injury has healed helps maintain flexibility of the muscles, boosts mobility, and helps protect you from additional injuries. You will receive instruction on effective methods of stretching as the chiropractor guides you to a comfortable position that you can achieve on your own.
Soft Tissue and Massage Therapy
Chiropractors who practice Soft Tissue and Massage therapy have training to provide many kinds of massage therapies. Therapeutic massage enhances circulation while it minimizes pain levels. Each patient has different needs, that vary widely. The best technique for your particular needs will be selected by your chiropractor.
Therapeutic Exercise
For patients who experience back, neck, and extremity issues, Chiropractors frequently suggest particular strengthening exercises. Performing these exercises can result in pain reduction, prevent muscle deterioration, encourage joint health, boost strength, stability, and range of motion, and protect from additional or cumulative injuries. You will be taught how to do the exercises under the supervision of the chiropractor, until you are able to successfully do them by yourself. It is vital to maintain your fitness regimen as ordered. Patients who stick to their prescribed workouts recover quicker than others.
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound is a type of penetrating heat treatment produced by sonic vibrations. The sound waves, when applied to soft tissues and joints, act as a type of micro-massage that can help diminish swelling, boost blood flow, and reduce pain, stiffness, and spasms.
Muscle Stimulation
By placing electrodes onto the skin, electrical pulses can be applied, which transmit to certain areas of the body. Electrical stimulation comes in many different forms. Among these are methods more helpful for relieving pain or reducing inflammation, others for treating muscle spasms and also some which help muscle atrophy by contracting the muscles.
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Another method for controlling pain with adjustable degrees of electric current involves a portable muscle stimulation machine that delivers the stimulation to specified areas of the body. This therapeutic procedure is advised for subjects dealing with times of intense pain. Chronic pain conditions are not ordinarily an indication for TENS unit treatment.
Applied Kinesiology
A form of diagnosis utilizing muscle testing as the primary feedback mechanism to examine how an individual’s body is functioning. This type of diagnosis helps us determine the best form of therapy for the patient.
Gonstead
The Gonstead adjustment is a specific, precise and accurate adjustment that only addresses the areas experiencing the problem (the areas of subluxation). Special care is taken to make sure that a bio-mechanically correct position and accurate thrust is performed to provide the most precise and pain free adjustment possible.
Cox Flexion Distraction
A non-surgical, hands-on care for spinal pain. It is used for lower back pain, leg pain, neck and arm pain. It reduces intradiscal pressure and widens the spinal canal, reducing pressure on the spinal nerves, and returning motions to spinal joints.