CHIROPRACTOR OR ACUPUNCTURIST
Get Relief With Passive, Corrective, and Wellness Care
Many people first see a chiropractor or acupuncturist because they are seeking pain relief. As you begin treatment, the first phase of care targets your main goal—to reduce your pain and other problematic symptoms. Sometimes this will require intense and repeated visits for a specific length of time.
Treatment starts with passive care
In this initial phase of passive care, your symptoms will be addressed by using a combination of conservative, non-invasive procedures. The emphasis will be on controlling pain, increasing the mobility of stiff joints and muscles, and educating you about specific health and healing practices. A passive care period is an excellent place to start. To prevent further injury or worsening of symptoms, you likely need this passive help before undertaking active forms of care and physical therapy services.
Regardless of your ailment, pain is often the last symptom to appear. When you begin care with chiropractic and acupuncture, pain is typically the first symptom to disappear, even if much of the underlying condition remains. In this phase, your treatment professional may perform:
- Chiropractic manipulative techniques
- Acupuncture
- Cupping
- Infrared light therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Traction techniques
- Hot and cold therapies
- Low-level laser therapy
Other targeted techniques may be applied as well, depending on your circumstances.
Treatment continues with corrective care
During the next phase of care, corrective measures are used to enable muscles and other tissues to heal more completely, thereby helping to prevent injuries. You will then be introduced to active care exercises. These take you through a routine of stretching tense or stiff muscles and joints to improve flexibility in the injured area(s). Proper joint positioning will be emphasized, with the goal of correcting postural distortions that are contributing to your symptoms. Weakened muscles will also be addressed with gentle strengthening exercises.
The next step is to incorporate dynamic therapeutic exercises and activities. Strength and endurance activities can help to recondition and stabilize the joints and spine. Proper control and coordination are also addressed. These exercises may incorporate the use of a fitness ball, foam mat, or rocker board. The emphasis is put on:
- Muscle awakening and control
- Core strength and stability
- Overall strengthening
- Balance
- Coordination
Lastly, the final phase addresses strength, endurance, and power. Here, residual muscle weakness, abnormal movements, imbalances, and poor postural habits will be corrected. This is done through weight training, resistance band exercises, and advanced balance exercises designed to help you attain your goal of optimal health.
Treatment continues with wellness care
Once your body has healed sufficiently, routine chiropractic and acupuncture care can help ensure that your symptoms do not return, and your body is kept in the optimal condition. Ongoing chiropractic and acupuncture care can ensure the health of your musculoskeletal system. When you make regular chiropractic and acupuncture care an integral part of your lifestyle, you may be able to avoid many of the aches and pains that so many people suffer through as they age. Your joints will stay healthy longer, and you can engage in the activities you love for years to come.