What Is A Chiropractic Adjustment?

Chiropractic care has gained immense popularity for its non-invasive approach to treating various musculoskeletal issues. At the heart of chiropractic treatment lies the chiropractic adjustment, a cornerstone of the practice. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of chiropractic adjustments, demystifying what they are, how they work, and the numerous benefits they offer.

What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment, also known as manipulation, is a specialized and precise manual technique performed by licensed chiropractors. It involves applying controlled movement to specific joints - this can be the spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, foot.. any joint - to improve motion in that joint and help it move better. 

A great analogy we love to use is thinking about a door on it’s hinges - if the door hinges are not moving properly or have not moved much in the last few years, they get rusty. The rust can then cause the door hinges to squeak, creak, and not open/close properly. This is quite similar to joints! If they do not move properly and have not moved very well over the years, they become creaky (or painful and stiff). With a chiropractic adjustment, movement can be restored so the joint can move properly - it’s the same concept as applying WD40 to your door hinges to help it open and close smoothly without any bumps or dings along the way. 

How Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Work?

• Assessment: Before any adjustment, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination. This assessment helps identify areas of concern and determine if an adjustment is suitable for your condition.
• Locating the Restricted Area: Restriction of movement in a joint or joints is when they do not move as well as they should through all ranges of motion they were intended (flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation). Chiropractors use their trained hands to locate these restrictions in your joints.
• Precise Adjustment: Using controlled force, your chiropractor applies a quick and targeted (and pain free!) thrust to the affected joint. This action aims to restore proper mobility to the joint.
• Release of Pressure: The adjustment often results in the creation of a gas bubble between the joints, creating a popping sound. This sound is entirely normal and is not indicative of the success of the adjustment.

Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments:

• Pain Relief: Chiropractic adjustments are highly effective in alleviating various types of pain, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and many more conditions. It also aids in your body’s ability to perform for your sport optimally. 
• Improved Mobility: By restoring proper joint function, adjustments can enhance your range of motion, making it easier to perform daily activities and sports.
• Drug-Free Approach: Chiropractic care is a natural and drug-free alternative to managing pain and improving health.
• Preventative Care: Regular chiropractic adjustments can help prevent future injuries and maintain optimal wellness. We love to say: It is much easier to prevent a fire than put one out! 

Safety and Effectiveness:

Chiropractic adjustments are generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained chiropractor. Adverse side effects are rare and typically mild, such as temporary soreness.

Conclusion:

Chiropractic adjustments are a fundamental aspect of chiropractic care, offering a drug-free and non-invasive solution to pain relief, improved mobility, and overall wellness. If you're considering chiropractic care or have any questions about chiropractic adjustments, consult with a qualified chiropractor at Fortitude Performance Chiropractic who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs.

If you're seeking chiropractic care in Scottsdale, Arizona, contact Fortitude Performance Chiropractic today to schedule a call and discover the benefits of chiropractic adjustments for yourself! 480-913-6097