What Chiropractors Can Offer Beyond Spinal Adjustments
Chiropractor
Chiropractors are known for their approach to treating those with spine-related problems. However, a chiropractor may not only use spinal adjustments when creating a personalized care plan. A chiropractor may suggest implementing other non-invasive strategies to boost the patient’s treatment, including heat, cold, light, exercise, massage, and water therapies. Anyone who is experiencing pain or discomfort that impacts their daily life, are encouraged to contact us for more information. If you have not tried chiropractics before, you may find this resource is exactly what you needed to find relief of symptoms.
Exercise Assignments
A chiropractor may recommend certain stretches and mild exercises based on the patient’s area of complaint. Many of the exercises entail elongating and strengthening the back. A chiropractor can go through the motions of the exercises with the patient when in office, and then he or she can perform them at home.
Temperature Therapy
When treating back pain, a chiropractor may suggest alternating between warm and cool therapy can help reduce discomfort and inflammation. In general, ice packs can be used for 10-15 minutes, then switch to a warm water bottle, heat wrap or pad to improve blood flow of the area. Temperature therapy can encourage the healing process.
Soft Tissue Massage
The tissues that surround the area of complaint may need care too. So, a chiropractor may advise the patient receives soft tissue massages, to help decrease inflammation and promote faster healing. It is important to note that for many patients, a deep and intense tissue massage may actually hinder versus help the condition. A chiropractor may have recommendations for who to see for appropriate massage therapy.
Diet and Nutrition
How much and what a person eats can be a very sensitive topic for patients. A chiropractor may encourage a patient to evaluate his or her current eating habits to see if making changes could improve overall wellbeing. Or, a chiropractor may suggest taking certain dietary supplements after spinal adjustments.
Ultrasound Waves
Ultrasound waves are used to create a deep healing heat therapy, when applied to joints and surrounding soft tissues. Ultrasound therapy can help decrease back spasms, stiffness, and pain, while increasing blood flow to the area. Ultrasound is essentially like a micro-massager for the body’s soft tissues and joints.
Hydrotherapy
As part of the treatment plan, a chiropractor may advise a patient to using varying water temperatures to help reduce pain and sensitivity. For example, cold water can help numb pain, and then heated water can improve blood circulation to the area. A patient can use hydrotherapy via whirlpools, wraps, saunas, or hot baths.
There are several non-invasive methods that a chiropractor can use in combination with adjustments, to help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms related to the musculoskeletal system. A chiropractor Wheaton, MD trusts wants to see you live the best life possible, through providing aid to areas that are tender, sore, or painful.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at AmeriWell Clinics for their insight into the chiropractic care and spinal adjustments.
