Chiropractors specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves of the body.
We look for the underlying cause of pain or discomfort in order to address the problem, and therefore eliminate or reduce the need for medication and/or surgery.
Treatment by a chiropractor involves a wide range of techniques depending on the problem of the individual patient.
Treatment includes manipulative techniques to improve the movement and function of joints throughout the body, especially the spine. Alongside this, massage and dry needling (acupuncture) are used to relax muscles and relieve stress on tendons and ligaments. Tailored stretches and strengthening exercises will also be demonstrated and explained to ensure your new found health stays with you for longer.
The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as spinal manipulation, also called a chiropractic adjustment. The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile or restricted in their movement as a result of a tissue injury. Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time.
In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for the sufferer. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, and allowing tissues to heal.
Chiropractic adjustment rarely causes discomfort. However, patients may sometimes experience mild soreness or aching following treatment (as with some forms of exercise) that usually resolves within 12 to 48 hours.
In many cases, such as lower back pain, chiropractic care may be the primary method of treatment. When other medical conditions exist, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal aspects associated with the condition.
Doctors of chiropractic may assess patients through clinical examination, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and other diagnostic interventions to determine whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate. Chiropractors will readily refer patients to the appropriate health care provider when chiropractic care is not suitable for the patients condition, or the condition warrants co-management in conjunction with other members of the health care team.