Adjustments

The adjustment is a natural, noninvasive and safe procedure used by the chiropractor to restore and improve health. Learning the art of adjusting is a skill that requires years of study and practice. Chiropractic doctors are the only health care professionals trained to deliver the chiropractic adjustment. Spinal manuipulations by any other individual or health care professional have been shown to be ineffective and should be looked at as dangerous due to nonchiropractic training.

What Is A Spinal Adjustment?

In basic terms, the spinal adjustment or spinal manipulation refers to the process in which the doctor of chiropractic skillfully applies controlled force into one or more "subluxated" vertebrae of the spine. The adjustment is also frequently used in the pelvic region to normalize the sacroiliac joints. The adjustment is usually delivered using the hands or through the use of a specialized mechanical tool.

When Should Spinal Adjustments Be Given?

Spinal adjustments are applied to certain vertebrae of the spine which are not in their proper position or where functioning has become impaired. Vertebrae which lose their normal position or proper motion are commonly termed "vertebral subluxations". The chiropractor uses a number of unique tests and procedures to determine which vertebrae are subluxated. If subluxations are found, immediate correction is generally indicated. Since like cavities, subluxations are not always painful during the initial stages, even those who are not experiencing back or neck discomfort should receive periodic spinal checkups.

What Do Spinal Adjustments Do?

Adjusting helps correct vertebral subluxations. Correcting subluxations reduces pain and inflammation, reduces muscle spasm and tension, normalizes spinal biomechanics, and removes nerve irritation. Chiropractic adjustments are the only way to eliminate vertebral subluxations and only the chiropractor is trained to detect subluxations and deliver the chiropractic spinal adjustment to correct subluxations.

ACTIVATOR TECHNIQUE

This is a specific method of adjusting using a handheld instrument that is designed to help balance the spinal column based on the difference in leg lengths of the patient. The adjustments are given to specific points the body to help the pelvis return to the proper position. This allows the rest of the spine to maintain the curbes and posture that is necessary for the body to function at its optimal potential. Activator adjusting is comfortable and non-painful.

The Non-Spinal Adjustment

In addition to adjusting the spine and pelvis, almost every other joint of the body can be adjusted by the chiropractor. This includes the joints of the hands and feet, wrists and ankles, elbows and knees, shoulders and hips, ribs and the jaw.

Like the joints of the spine, joints in the extremities can also become misaligned and fixated. Chiropractic adjustive techniques can restore and enhance extremity joint functioning which can increase the life of the joint and keep wear and tear to a minimum. This is of special interest to athletes who generally demand optimal joint performance from highly stressed joints. Adjusting provides an increase in joint range of motion.

KINESIOTAPING

This is a specific form and method of taping that is applied to areas of the body where injury to the soft tissues, pain or instability has occurred. The tape is applied with a specific amount of stretch in order to allow the muscles, tendons and ligaments to have support and restore normal movement to the area. Kinesiotape helps to reduce pain, decrease inflammation and speed the healing process. It can also be used to promote proper posture and aid with sports performance. The tape is very comfortable, can be worn during bath/showers and is usually left on for 5-6 days.

GRASTON TECHNIQUE

This is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue technique that is designed to help break up scar tissue and adhesions. This is especially important when it comes to chronic injuries and post surgical scarring. Graston Technique helps to restore normal movement in the joints and proper circulation to the muscles that are necessary to allow them to function properly. This will alspo hrlp to reduce inflammation and pain. Graston has been shown to assist with conditions such as Achilles tendonitis, capral tunnel, adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, iliotibial band syndrome of the elg, lumbar strain and plantar fasciitis of the foot.