Chiropractic Adjustments
What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment, also known as joint manipulation or mobilization, is a mechanical thrust into a joint. This treatment is primarily used to improve motion and function in a joint that has lost its normal or optimal mobility.
Overall, the goals of treatment with a chiropractic adjustment are similar to other treatments used in therapy and rehabilitation. These goals include:
- Relieving pain in injuries and conditions associated with joints, muscles, and nerves.
- Restoring adequate mobility to joints that have poor motion.
- Improving a patient’s ability to move and function normally in everyday activities and sports.
- Relieving muscle tension and mechanical stress on associated structures of the body.
Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?
Chiropractic adjustments and joint manipulation techniques have been studied extensively and have been shown through peer-reviewed research to be a safe treatment when used appropriately by a trained provider. When compared to other treatments (over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs, surgery, and injections) chiropractic adjustments have significantly less serious risks and side effects. In some situations, chiropractic adjustments may not be an appropriate treatment. In these scenarios, there are other treatments chiropractors provide that can be similarly effective.
What Types of Chiropractic Adjustments Do I Typically Apply?
I primarily utilize diversified chiropractic manipulative therapy. Diversified chiropractic adjustments are also known as manual manipulation and are the most researched treatment method used by chiropractors across the world.
Some patients may respond better to different methods of chiropractic adjustments, or diversified chiropractic adjustments are not appropriate for them. For these patients, other manipulation techniques such as instrument-assisted adjustments, drop piece adjusting (Thompson Technique), and flexion-distraction (Cox Technique) can be applied.
Although joint manipulation is the treatment chiropractors are most recognized for, they’re only a part of the treatment strategy and are not typically used in isolation. When used in conjunction with other treatments like rehab exercise, dry needling, and soft tissue therapy they are effective and a safe and conservative first line approach for many musculoskeletal conditions.