Various Physical Therapy Methods used in Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic treatment is a common therapeutic method used to treat nervous system and musculoskeletal system issues. It involves chiropractic adjustment or manipulation, manual manipulation, or spinal manipulation. Chiropractors use several hands-on techniques to the spine in order to restore proper function to these systems. Chiropractors focus on repairing spinal misalignment, or subluxation, with the goal to improve range of motion and reduce pain and discomfort from nerve irritation.

There are many practices offering Chiropractic care in Omaha. They can help relieve your pain and make it easier for you to perform everyday tasks. Chiropractic treatment involves:

A high velocity, short lever arm thrust applied to vertebrae

An audible gas release (joint cavitation) caused by the release of nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, releasing joint pressure

A relieving sensation, although minor discomfort has been reported that usually lasts for a short time. This happens when the patient gets tense during the chiropractic care or if the surrounding muscles are spasming.

Chiropractors apply various physical techniques to treat their patients. There is a certain skill level required to perform these techniques with the right amount of pressure. Chiropractors know when to apply a specific technique, and how to apply it. Chiropractors also employ various other therapeutic methods, such as:

Heat and cold. Chiropractors may use hot and cold therapy to treat back pain. Ice packs may be used for a short time to numb the back, then switched to a heat wrap, heating pad, or hot water bottle to promote blood flow to the area.

Exercise. Chiropractors can recommend specific exercises to help strengthen and stretch the back.

Massage. Chiropractors may use massage on the soft tissues surrounding the spine, helping to improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and loosen the muscles around the spine.

Dietary management. Many chiropractors may provide nutritional advice to help promote healing and keep fitness levels up.

Ultrasound. Ultrasound can help reduce back pain, stiffness, spasms, and can increase blood flow, which accelerate the healing process. The sound waves create deep heat therapy that is applied to soft tissues and joints.

Diathermy. Diathermy can relax muscles and connective tissue, decrease muscle spasms, and speed up the healing process by increasing blood circulation.

Hydrotherapy. Chiropractors may provide hot baths, whirlpools, saunas or wraps, or hydrotherapy on your body to gauge your reaction to hot and cold stimuli. Cold stimuli can numb pain, whereas hot stimuli can promote blood flow and faster healing.

Electrical muscle stimulation. Using electrodes, electrical pulses are sent through various parts of the body to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and relieve pain.

Ergonomics. Chiropractors may make recommendations to posture and making changes to your workstation to facilitate proper posture and spinal alignment.

Patient education. Chiropractors can provide tons of information on lifestyle changes, diet and nutrition, exercise programs, and various other strategies to reduce pain.

These are some of the methods used by chiropractors to heal their patients, depending on their specific needs.

Dr. Eric Hinze is known for providing effective services in chiropractic and acupuncture in Omaha. He is a Palmer College graduate and a local Omaha, NE chiropractor.