How Acupuncture Can Support you Through the Seasons
13 Sep 2022
13 Sep 2022
Chiropractic adjustments are one of the most common complementary treatment options used in both adults and children.1 An adjustment is a controlled force directed at the joints of the spine or other joints in the body which cause them to move slightly more than they would on their own.1 This causes the pressure in the joint to change, and you may hear a slight popping sound.
Your joints have fluid inside them for lubrication called synovial fluid. When the pressure of fluid inside the joint drops quickly, a gas bubble is released. This is essentially what an adjustment does. A chiropractic adjustment quickly opens up the joint space of a restricted joint and causes the nitrogen gas to escape. Therefore, this popping sound heard during an adjustment is simply a gas bubble being released from the fluid inside the joint. Just like when you crack your knuckles! It is not your bones cracking or rubbing together, and there is no damage of any kind to the surrounding tissues.
Adjustments are not painful; they actually feel good in most scenarios. However, one of the common side effects that someone may feel after their treatment is some temporary soreness in the area. These symptoms are usually mild in nature and short-lived. The chiropractor will explain more about what to expect from treatment during your initial assessment.
Acupuncture/dry needling: this is a great treatment to get rid of stubborn muscle knots and help calm down tissues that are stuck in spasm. Needling can also increase blood flow to the injured area and help promote healing.
Soft tissue release technique: this is a hands-on technique that works to relax tight muscles. It is often combined with adjustments but also produces great as a stand-alone treatment.
Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy: handheld tools can also be used to work through tight muscles and fascia (the layer of tissue covering your muscles) to improve mobility and blood flow.
Extremity adjustments: adjustments are not only for your spine! There are synovial joints all
over the body that may get restricted and cause pain. Our chiropractor can assess your injury and decide if the pain is coming from a joint and if an adjustment is the best course of treatment.
Taping: Tape can be used for pain relief, proprioception, and support depending on the injury.
Exercise programs: here comes the homework! Home exercises and stretches are key elements to recovery and our chiropractor can get you started on what to do. Staying active even when you are in pain is a good thing. Remember, motion is lotion!
If you are interested in trying or adding Chiropractic care to your health care routine, our Chiropractor Dr. Nigel Ridge, DC is accepting new patients at our office in Guelph!
Book here!
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