“Chiropractic is not just about the spine, it is about proper movement in all parts of the body” (Bourdage Chiropractic and Wellness).
When most people think of chiropractic care, they picture back adjustments, spinal alignments, and other similar services. However, chiropractic services are available for other parts of the body as well. This includes joints in the ankles, wrists, knees, shoulders, etc. New moms, athletes, or people with physically demanding occupations typically benefit from these different adjustments.
What does it look like to have other joints adjusted?
Common joints that chiropractors adjust are in the shoulders, knees, wrists, ankles, elbows, feet, hips, and jaw. For a shoulder misalignment, chiropractors make gentle adjustments to the neck and upper back to relieve some of the tension. However, for knee discomfort, a chiropractor may make adjustments to your knee, hips, and lower back to realign joints and relieve pressure. Additionally, for jaw pain, chiropractors make gentle adjustments and suggest daily routines that will help improve the discomfort. Chiropractors recognize that pain has a root, and their mission is to ultimately find the root of the patient’s pain and help relieve discomfort.
When should you visit a chiropractor?
Individuals with any sort of joint pain should schedule an appointment with a chiropractor. Referred pain (pain that stems from the spine but appears to be coming from another part of the body) can easily be identified and treated by a chiropractor. Treatment is also beneficial to people with physically demanding jobs that can cause muscle/joint pain. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide when is the right time to visit a chiropractor, but it is wise to act when any sort of joint discomfort occurs.
What can you expect during treatment?
Depending on the joint, chiropractors approach tactics. Whatever the method of adjustment may be, the chiropractor’s goal is to relieve pain and suggest routines that will prevent further pain. This may include specific exercises to counteract repetitive movements that cause joint pain.
Bourdage, Dr., and Dr. Bourdage. “Do Chiropractors Adjust Other Body Parts besides the Spine?” Bourdage Chiropractic & Wellness, 9 Mar. 2014, https://bourdagechiropractic.com/chiropractors-adjust-body-parts-besides-spine/#.
“Chiropractic Adjustment Care, Treatment & Benefits.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21033-chiropractic-adjustment. “More than a Spinal Adjustment: Other Joints Chiropractors Can Work On.” Senara Chiropractic & Med Spa, 19 Sept. 2019, https://www.experiencesenara.com/chiropractor-peoria/more-than-a-spinal-adjustment-other-joints-chiropractors-can-work-on/.