Its the beginning of a new year — a symbolic time to start again. Here on the blog we’re starting out the new year by going back to basics. If you’re new to the services we offer, or you want to send a loved one to a trusted source for more information on integrative care, you’re in the right place!

What is Chiropractic care?

Chiropractic treatment involves manipulation of the joints of the body to improve function.
A chiropractic adjustment applies controlled force to a joint in a precise direction. You be familiar with chiropractors as “back doctors” and yes, often chiropractic adjustments target the spine, but they can also be applied to other joints such as the pelvis, knee, ankle, and wrist. You can think of a chiropractor as a primary care provider specializing in the muskuloskeletal system, joints, and nervous system. Chiropractors can play an important role in diagnosing and referring patients for the most effective treatment for their symptoms.

What can I expect during a chiropractic appointment?

At your first chiropractic appointment at Equilibrium, your doctor will talk to you and get to know you, your medical history, relevant life factors, and the symptoms you’re experiencing. They will then perform tests as necessary to gauge your pain level, range of motion, and basic function. Once they’ve assessed you, your chiropractor will adjust you as long as they consider treatment to be safe for you at that time.

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is the precise application of force to a joint in a specific direction. Our chiropractors often use manual adjusting, meaning they use their hands and the force of their bodies to adjust you, but we have other tools and methods to use as well. All of our chiropractic rooms are equipped with drop tables and activator tools. For a more detailed look into different treatment techniques, click here.

Do I have to be adjusted if I see a chiropractor?

No! While adjustments are what chiropractors are most widely known for, they have many other treatment tools in their toolboxes! Your chiropractor may perform manual therapy and/or mobilization of your joints to help promote pain-free range of motion. Your Equilibrium Chiropractor can also advise you on how different lifestyle changes may improve your symptoms (like improving your home office), home exercises to build and balance strength and flexibility, and/or refer you to imaging or other specialists as your symptoms warrant.

What kinds of things can Chiropractic care help with?

Chiropractic can help with things like arthritis, scoliosis, sciatica, headaches/migraines, pregnancy, pain management and pain relief, vertigo, whiplash injuries and other traumatic injuries (such as from motor vehicle collisions or falls), and other musculoskeletal conditions like tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, and plantar fasciitis. Often what feels like muscular pain can be improved with an adjustment because the misalignment of the joints is causing unusual stress to those muscles.

What should I wear for my chiropractic appointment?

There is nothing specific you need to wear for a chiropractic appointment, but it can be helpful to wear clothing that you can move in. You may want to avoid wearing dresses or overly-bulky clothing.

You do not need to remove your clothing for an adjustment. Depending on your specific condition, your chiropractor may provide more movement-conducive clothing for you or ask you to remove bulky outer layers.