CHIROPRACTIC MANIPULATIVE THERAPY

Chiropractic by definition is “to be done by hand.” Chiropractors are  healthcare professionals that focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the neurological and musculoskeletal systems, treating every joint in the body. Doctors of Chiropractic undergo 8 years of post secondary education and use an evidence-based hands-on approach to restore and enhance the biomechanical health of patients. In addition to broad diagnostic skills, Chiropractors are trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises and provide nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle counseling.

Our Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to restore joint motion, helping to relieve pain and inflammation. The most common type of treatment performed is a Chiropractic manual adjustment. This is a high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrust applied to a restricted or misaligned joint also known as a subluxation. The force is applied along one of the joint’s planes of movement, enabling the joint to move beyond its restricted range of motion. Generally, an HVLA adjustment will be accompanied by a pop of the joint, which is simply the sound of gasses within the joint fluid escaping. This HVLA force provides neural information by providing communication between the brain and the muscles surrounding the joint. As a result, a Chiropractic adjustment decreases localized pain and inflammation, reduces mechanical tension, helps to relax the muscles around a joint, and allows a joint to move through its entire range of motion. This is a gentle, safe, and effective way to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. 

Chiropractic adjustments can be performed on every joint in the body. Depending on each patient, their condition, and their comfort level, Chiropractic adjustments can be modified and low force adjustment tools such as an Activator or mobilizations may be utilized. An Activator provides a more subtle HVLA thrust and may be used on those with low bone density, smaller joints in the body, or those who prefer a more gentle approach. Mobilizations involve repeated pressure on the soft tissue surrounding the joint and can be used in more acute scenarios or on those who aren’t comfortable with a HVLA adjustment.

Conditions commonly treated with Chiropractic: