Chiropractors use a combination of physical treatments and careful diagnosis of the causes of problems to help patients. In this article, we’ll examine the 7 primary adjustments and treatments a chiropractor uses.
When you visit a chiropractor in Port Moody or Coquitlam, they’ll ask you questions about your lifestyle to find ways to prevent further injuries and issues – such as poor posture associated with work, for instance. they’ll also perform a thorough physical examination designed to identify the causes of pain, immobility, and discomfort.
In addition to adjustments, chiropractors also focus on soft tissues like tendons, muscles, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Therapy and manipulation of this type promotes blood flow and healing, relieves pain and eases stress, and can aid with muscle recovery.
You don’t need to be injured to benefit from visiting a Chiropractor in Port Moody or Coquitlam. Soft tissue techniques can help you recover after hard work or exercise and reduce muscle imbalances associated with repetitive strain. It also improves flexibility, reducing the chance of future injury, and can also help with alignment of the spine and neck, promoting a healthy nervous system.
The Diversified Technique
The diversified technique is one of the most commonly employed adjustments. Port Moody chiropractors apply quick pressure or ‘thrusts’ with their hands along different affected areas of the spine, relieving stresses and tension that can prevent correct circulation and cause immobility.
You may have seen this technique in action. The manipulation allows gas to escape from joints which causes a popping or cracking sound. Therapists often employ the diversified technique when treating disc herniations and realigning the spine.
Spinal Manipulation or Mobilization
Spinal manipulation is all about reducing pressure on joints which can cause inflammation and affect proper nerve functionality. Chiropractors in Coquitlam and Port Moody use spinal manipulation of mobilization in much the same way as the diversified technique or even in tandem with that treatment to promote correct spinal alignment. Spinal manipulation uses less force than the diversified technique, and therapists employ more stretching during the process.
The Thompson Drop-Table Technique
This technique requires the use of a specialized table that incorporates drop mechanisms that aid the practitioner as they work. Chiropractors apply force with thrusts at the same time as the table allows the patient to drop a fraction of an inch. Although it sounds a little dramatic, patients experience nothing but a slight vibration during treatment, and the technique allows the therapist to improve nerve function, reduce pain and stress, and promote mobility. The Thompson drop-table technique is often even employed to help restore proper sleep function.
The Gonstead Adjustment
This chiropractic treatment is a go-to for most practitioners and one of the basics. It’s used for both treating and diagnosing problems with the spine and consists of a very hands-on approach that allows the therapist to get plenty of feedback. It’s used to painlessly realign the spine while the chiro checks for issues and injuries, reducing inflammation, restoring blood flow, and helping the nervous system function optimally.
The Activator Method
The activator method involves the use of a spring-loaded instrument called an activator. The chiro holds the activator in their hand and uses it to deliver a relatively gentle force to individual vertebrae of areas of the spine in order to restore motion and relieve pain. When misalignments occur, they drastically impede on areas of the body designed for unrestricted blood flow and can physically stimulate nerves, causing pain and neurological issues. The advantage of an activator is in its ability to concentrate force, meaning the chiropractor can work while reducing the risk of discomfort to the patient.
Flexion-Distraction
Flexion-distraction is another relatively low-impact technique that offers patients a gentle option when it comes to spinal pressure relief and solutions to bulging discs. The chiropractor uses careful and measured manipulation in order to decompress vertebrae and promote correct nervous system function. Treatment takes place on a specially designed segmented table that moves when the chiropractor applies pressure, making it a pleasant experience for patients. Flexion-distraction is often employed when addressing lower back pain, treating sprains, and tackling the symptoms of sciatica and arthritis.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a fundamental chiropractic technique that is widely employed to treat a variety of ailments and injuries. The practice incorporates many of the aforementioned adjustments, which are all aimed at decompressing the spinal column to alleviate the symptoms and pain associated with bulging or herniated discs, as well as degenerated discs. When employing specific spinal decompression, the chiro will use a specialized table that helps to gently stretch out the spine during treatment. Decompression works wonders for blood flow, pain relief, and increased mobility.
Book an appointment with a Chiropractor in Port Moody or Coquitlam you trust. Find a qualified chiropractor at Inspine Therapy; a clinic focused on whole-body wellness and personalized care.
Inspine Therapy is a multi-disciplinary clinic offering a wide assortment of services from chiropractic treatment and massage therapy to acupuncture and clinical counselling. Inspine Therapy aims to help you at every stage of your recovery.
Start your healing journey with professionals who are eager to help.