Gentle Chiropractic Techniques: No Cracking Needed for Effective Relief

When you think of chiropractic care, you might immediately envision a cracking noise or recall endless videos of people being adjusted (what you might think of as being "cracked") on TikTok. Social media is a wild place, and chiropractic videos often amplify this wildness. Straps, towels, and hammer-like tools are used with a lot of force. More often than not, the patient starts to cry after the adjustment and claims they feel good, leaving us all to wonder, “Do they really?”

In reality, social media often exaggerates life, and this holds true for chiropractic care as well.

Typically, we do not use straps, hammers, or make people cry. Most chiropractors use just their hands to adjust their patients, and often, we don’t adjust patients at all.

Why Don't We Always Adjust?

The number one reason we won't adjust is if you don't want to be adjusted.

Now you might be thinking, "What is the point of going to the chiropractor if I'm not going to get adjusted?"

Well, chiropractors are trained to treat conditions of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. We are skilled in testing for and treating a vast array of conditions, from low back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome to plantar fasciitis.

At Restore Health and Sport, we stay updated with the latest research from various fields and reputable journals for treatment recommendations. As a result, we know multiple ways to treat a single condition. This approach benefits not only patients who are nervous about adjustments but also our broader patient base. Often, patients with the same diagnosis respond differently to the same treatment intervention. Having various options helps us resolve symptoms more quickly.

There is no cookie-cutter approach to treatment.

Medical Reasons for Avoiding Adjustments

Another reason we don't adjust is if someone is medically unsuited. We carefully rule out red flags and discuss your health history. For instance, a patient with osteoporosis is not an ideal candidate for an adjustment. Other conditions are more nuanced, but a thorough health history helps us determine if an adjustment is right for you.

If you are perfectly healthy and simply don’t want to be adjusted, that’s fine with us too.

Non-Adjustment Treatments

Some conditions we treat, like Achilles tendon injuries or other tendon issues, won’t benefit significantly from an adjustment. For such injuries, we provide advice, education, kinesiology taping, exercise, and/or acupuncture.

Alternatives to Adjustments for Pain Relief

If you are seeking relief from traditional chiropractic complaints such as low back pain or neck pain but don’t want to be adjusted, we can still help.

When we don’t adjust a neck or low back, we aim to achieve the benefits of adjustments—decreased pain, increased range of motion, and muscle relaxation—through other techniques.

One such technique is spinal mobilization.

Mobilizations are similar to adjustments but without the extra force at the end that produces the crack.

Spinal mobilization involves gentle rocking of your joints with little to no pain, and there is substantial evidence supporting its use for joint pain.

We can also use tools like the activator or a drop piece. An activator is a small device that creates a small amount of motion at the joint. I've nicknamed it “the stapler” because it sounds like one when used. It produces a gentle amount of pressure that feels great. The drop piece is part of the chiropractic table that raises and drops with pressure, providing a comfortable and effective treatment.

At Restore Health and Sport, we prioritize your comfort and preferences while ensuring you receive the most effective treatment for your condition. Whether or not you prefer adjustments, we have a range of options to help you achieve optimal health and wellness.

Enhancing Patient Experience and Education

We believe in educating our patients about their conditions and the treatment options available. Education empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health. For instance, understanding that chiropractic care isn't solely about adjustments can alleviate anxiety for those apprehensive about the "cracking" sound. By explaining alternative techniques like spinal mobilization, the activator method, and the use of drop pieces, we demystify the treatment process and highlight the gentle, effective options available.

Additionally, we emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to health. Chiropractic care at Restore Health and Sport is not just about addressing immediate pain but also about enhancing overall well-being. We incorporate lifestyle advice, ergonomic recommendations, and exercises to support long-term health and prevent future injuries. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients not only find relief from their current issues but also build a foundation for sustained health.

Building Trust Through Personalized Care

Every patient is unique, and so is their treatment plan. We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your medical history, and conduct thorough assessments. This personalized approach allows us to tailor treatments to your specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or seeking preventive care, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, effective treatment.

Our commitment to patient-centred care extends beyond the clinic.

We follow up with patients, monitor their progress, and adjust treatment plans as needed. This ongoing support helps patients stay on track with their health goals and fosters a trusting relationship between the patient and practitioner.

A Welcoming Environment for All

At Restore Health and Sport, we strive to create a welcoming, inclusive environment. We understand that seeking chiropractic care can be daunting, especially for first-time patients. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and make your experience as comfortable as possible. From the moment you walk through our doors, you'll feel welcomed and cared for.

In conclusion, chiropractic care is much more than the dramatic adjustments often depicted on social media.

It's about personalized, evidence-based treatment that addresses a variety of conditions and promotes overall well-being. At Restore Health and Sport, we are dedicated to providing high-quality care tailored to your needs, whether or not that involves adjustments. We invite you to experience the benefits of chiropractic care in a supportive and professional setting.