Chiropractors are manual therapists that are qualified in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders arising from the musculoskeletal system. There is no doubt that the primary focus of Chiropractic is the delivery of Chiropractic spinal manipulation which produces the characteristic ‘popping’ sound when spinal or extremity joints are mobilized. Spinal manipulative therapy is only a small part of what makes the Chiropractic profession unique. In today’s blog, we’re going to delve into other aspects of treatment and how Chiropractors can help you in more ways than just one!
Chiropractors don’t spend 5-years at University with the sole purpose of delivering spinal adjustments day in day out. Over this time, we receive training on a range of treatment modalities. We explore some of these modalities below so you understand how Chiropractors can help you besides spinal adjustments.
- Physiological therapeutics: Chiropractors use a range of therapeutics such as heat, ice, TENS machines, laser machines and ultrasound machines to assist healing, recovery and general rehabilitation
- Exercise prescription: Chiropractors are ideally placed to provide specific and individually tailored exercise advice to assist in your recovery. Particular exercises may range from general mobility, stretching, core activation and postural correction
- Spinal mobilisation: As we’ve discussed Chiropractors frequently use spinal manipulation as a treatment technique. However, spinal manipulation is not indicated for all cases. A fantastic alternative is spinal mobilisation whereby the practitioner stretches and mobilizes an area to improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension and alleviate pain
- Soft tissue therapy: Chiropractors may also use a range of soft tissue therapy techniques including massage, trigger point therapy and many more to assist with reducing muscle spasm
- General lifestyle advice: A hallmark feature of Chiropractic is our openness to work with other practitioners therefore ensuring you receive the best possible clinical outcome. Chiropractors may discuss with you general lifestyle advice such as dietary modification or daily habit changes to improve your complaint. Or we may simply refer you to an associated practitioner if you require an in-depth review
- Traction therapy: Some Chiropractic offices have traction tables which are designed to reduce disc pressure and assist with these types of injuries
- Atlas Orthogonal: While this technique is relative unknown in Australia it has extreme popularity in the United States. Particularly popular for being gentle, highly specific and effective for a range of clinical complaints that primarily are the result of upper cervical spine dysfunction
- Ergonomic advice: Clients regularly discuss with Chiropractors how they should appropriately setup their workplace desk, car chair and bed to allow for the best possible posure
- Pillow and mattress advice: While Chiropractors are clearly not mattress salesman, we do understand what goes into a good mattress and what the most suitable for you may be. Along with this, Chiropractors usually stock a range of therapeutic pillows that are ideal for all types of sleepers
- Nutritional supplements: Chiropractors typically stock a range of nutritional supplements that can assist your nutritional intake. Our clinic has a range of cardiovascular, pregnancy, energy and arthritis supplements
- Rehabilitative devices: If your presenting complaint requires specific spinal rehabilitation than chances are you clinic can assist with this. Our clinic has a range of spinal rehabilitative devices such as cervical Denneroll’s, posture poles, foam rollers, sacroiliac joint belts and more that can assist with these types of problems.
We hope you have found this topic helpful in understanding how Chiropractors can help you with your problem. If you would like any further information regarding spinal health please visit this link by clicking here.