Chiropractic Manual Therapy – How it Can Help You

So what does “chiropractic manual therapy” mean?

It’s sort of a mouthful, but basically it means hands-on therapy used for healing or lessening pain in many areas of the body. Quite often, a chiropractor will do spinal manipulation (or make “adjustments” to your spine) but that’s just one type of treatment among many others he or she might employ. The alignment of the spine affects all other systems of the body, so making sure it’s lined-up and in good shape is critical to overall good health.

Are chiropractic treatments only used for back problems?

Not at all! Through spinal manipulation, a chiropractor can relieve pressure and open up energy channels in your body that may be blocked. Many chiropractors use manual stimulation on muscles to stretch and relax them, which can be a significant pain reliever for active, sports-minded people. And you may be surprised to learn that chiropractic manual therapy has even been shown to improve respiratory circulation, among many other health issues. This treatment is usually quite effective in eliminating or significantly decreasing low-back pain and disc herniation discomfort. It’s also commonly used to treat neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and a number of joint issues.

Chiropractic looks at the big picture

In addition to performing manual therapy, chiropractors generally take a wholistic view of your health. Which means that while it may seem they’re working on one specific problem area, their treatments can affect the health of your whole body due to the important role of the spine. They may suggest a lifestyle program for you to undertake including exercise, better nutrition, hot and cold therapy, and – here’s a legitimate excuse to have one – massage. Stress is a huge factor contributing to “dis-ease.” Manual therapy, in conjunction with a healthier lifestyle, go hand-in-hand to create optimal health.

But does it hurt?

Roosevelt said it best: “The only thing you have to fear is fear itself!” If you’ve never had a chiropractic adjustment, it can initially be intimidating. However, if you’re in the hands of a skilled, qualified practitioner, you can rest assured that any pain you might feel will be minimal and the relief you experience after being adjusted is extremely welcome!