The Benefits of Chiropractic Manipulation before Active Rehab

Chiropractic care has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to address various musculoskeletal issues and improve overall well-being. One common practice in chiropractic care is spinal manipulation, also known as chiropractic adjustment, which involves the application of a controlled force to a joint of the spine to restore proper function and mobility. When combined with active rehabilitation exercises, chiropractic manipulation can provide numerous benefits for individuals recovering from injuries or looking to improve their physical condition.

Before delving into the benefits of combining chiropractic manipulation with active rehab, it is essential to understand how chiropractic care works. Chiropractors focus on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, believing that joint restrictions in the spine and other regions can lead to movement dysfunctions, decreased muscle activity/response, and possible future injury. By performing spinal adjustments, chiropractors aim to restore proper movement, reduce pain, and enhance the body’s ability to move optimally. The adjustments also work with the body’s neurological system by activating deep muscle fibers to prime the targeted muscles to receive the benefits of the programmed exercises.

Benefits of Combining Chiropractic Manipulation with Active Rehab

When it comes to incorporating chiropractic manipulation before active rehabilitation exercises, several key benefits can be observed:

1. Pain Reduction: Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pain by addressing the underlying cause of discomfort, such as spinal misalignments or joint restrictions. By reducing pain levels, individuals are more likely to actively participate in rehabilitation exercises and achieve better outcomes.
2. Improved Range of Motion: Spinal manipulation can help increase joint mobility and flexibility, allowing individuals to perform active rehab exercises with greater ease and efficiency. Improved range of motion can also prevent further injuries and enhance overall physical performance.
3. Individualized Treatment Plans: Chiropractors often tailor their treatment plans to meet the specific needs and goals of each patient. By combining chiropractic manipulation with active rehab exercises, individuals can benefit from a comprehensive and personalized approach to their recovery and rehabilitation process.
4. The adjustment itself will stimulate mechanoreceptors in the spinal joints and affected musculature, which in turn activate the pain gate mechanism, thereby reducing transmission of pain signals to the brain and prime the muscles for activity. Furthermore, chiropractic care will include active rehabilitation, which includes exercises and stretches aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and function in the affected area. By combining the chiropractic adjustment and manual therapies with active rehab, we aim to not only alleviate pain but also address the underlying biomechanical issues contributing to pain and provide sustained relief as well as reduce further risk for injury.

3-Step Plan for Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

In our office our 3-step plan of action is to Reset, Reinforce, and Reload. Reset by manually resetting a muscle/joint through interventions such as adjustments, soft-tissue manual therapies, and decompression. Reinforce the muscle with proper, individualized exercises to identify and eliminate dysfunction. These exercises will encompass a full joint range of motion within a controlled manner that targets the affected area. These are light resistance exercises using bands or other assistive devices. This will improve proprioceptive function including motor control, coordination, and body awareness. Reload, this is the process of re-integrating the newfound motion into loaded positions. Reloading should be developed in a way that allows for increasing challenge through progressional stages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the combination of chiropractic manipulation and active rehab exercises can offer a holistic and effective approach to improving musculoskeletal health and overall well-being. By addressing spinal restrictions, reducing pain, improving range of motion, and accelerating healing, individuals can experience enhanced physical function and performance. If you are considering incorporating chiropractic care into your rehabilitation program, consult with us at Health in Motion Chiropractic to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.