Adjusting techniques
I often talk with my patients about how they like to be adjusted. This can be very important insight in to how my patients like to be treated. It lets me know, if they have been treated by a chiropractor in the past and how long ago. It also lets me know how they respond to different styles of adjusting.
I practice with a “Diversified” technique. This can sound broad, because it is. I have been trained to use a variety of adjustments to get more movement in spinal regions. I use my hands and position your body to get the adjustment which is called a manual adjustment. Yet I can also use tools such as Activator or drop table. There are chiropractors that will use only one type of technique or use many such as myself, it is important to know your style to find a practitioner that matches your goals.
By knowing how my patients like to be adjusted, it allows me to use their technique of preference or discuss other options that might be more beneficial for their body and condition. Communication is key when talking with your chiropractor. If something does not feel right, or hurts more than you think it should, you should convey that to your practitioner. Usually, they should be able to pivot and find a technique that works for you. It is also important to talk about areas of your body that you want adjusted or not. I have patients that come in not wanting their neck adjusted. Again communication on what you want your care to look like is extremely important!
Remember, that you need to feel comfortable with the care you are receiving!
Being a sports chiropractor, I use the adjustment as another tool to the treatment. Is an adjustment going to be the thing that “fixes” it all? IT ISN’T! I use it in conjunction with soft tissue techniques as well as rehabilitation exercises. The research in our field is showing that just an adjustment may not be the answer, but combining it with other treatment options, it can give the patient longer lasting results and prevent injuries in the future.