When Should I See a Chiropractor?

Have you been dealing with a nagging injury or pain, and you're wondering what your treatment options are? Or maybe someone suggested seeing a chiropractor, but you aren’t sure if it’s appropriate for your injury. This blog will help you understand when it might be time to seek chiropractic care.

First off, what is a chiropractor and what do they even do?

A chiropractor is a regulated health care professional who specializes in the health and function of the body and nervous system. Chiropractic care is a hands-on, non-invasive practice that safely and effectively helps relieve pain and improve the body's overall function using a variety of treatments depending on your needs, from spinal adjustment to soft tissue therapy to exercises and rehab advice.

Many people think chiropractors can only help with problems such as back pain, neck pain and headaches, but there is so much more to chiropractic than just pain. Chiropractic care is about total health and well-being. It is about helping people to feel great, work towards their goals, recover from injuries, and get the most out of life.

Carl the Chiro, 416 Physio’s very own Chiropractor in Etobicoke

What is a spinal adjustment?

One of the most common chiropractic techniques is spinal manipulation, also known as a spinal adjustment. A chiropractor applies a short controlled force to the restricted joints to increase range of motion, release pressure on the nerves and  to correct misalignment. During an adjustment, you may hear a little harmless popping sound, which is simply gas bubbles being released from the joint.

A chiropractor performing an adjustment for the thoracic spine

What if I don’t want an adjustment?

At 416 Physio, we will never push you to try a technique you aren’t comfortable with!! Our chiropractor has a variety of tools to work with to help you achieve your goal.

Chiropractors can use an activator to provide a gentle and controlled alternative to manual adjustments. It is a small, spring-loaded handheld instrument designed to deliver a quick, low-force impulse to specific joints. Contrary to what it looks like (let’s be honest, the activator looks like a giant syringe), the use of an activator is completely pain free and the instrument has a rubber tip.

Because of its gentle nature, the activator is suitable for various patients, including those with osteoporosis,  individuals who are sensitive to pressure or touch or for patients who simply do not want manual spinal adjustments.

Activator technique used on the neck

Other treatment options commonly used by chiropractors:

1. Manual therapy/joint mobilization, active release techniques (ART). These are different hands-on techniques without delivering adjustments. They are all used to assess and treat the muscles, fascia, joints and nervous system. Your chiropractor will choose the right technique based on your specific needs.

2. Soft tissue mobilization, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (Graston). A manual therapy approach that uses techniques to stretch, massage and release soft tissue tension.

3. Acupuncture/dry needling. Acupuncture needles are thin, sterile needles that are placed in different areas of your body to help decrease pain, inflammation and muscle tension. Our chiropractor is highly skilled and trained in delivering safe and effective treatment using acupuncture.

Dry needling acupuncture technique for shoulder and neck pain

4. Exercise prescription. Based on the assessment findings, chiropractors can create a personalized exercise program that address your specific injury and goals 

Common misconceptions about chiropractors

Let’s dispel some common myths you have heard about chiropractors

1. Chiropractors only perform adjustments. MYTH. As mentioned above, chiropractors can do a lot of things to help you out, such as soft tissue therapy, electrotherapy, dry needling, stretching, exercise, patient education and more.

2. Chiropractors can only treat the spine. MYTH. Chiropractors are trained in assessing, diagnosing and treating a variety of musculoskeletal problems such as headaches, shoulder pain, hip pain, knee, ankle injuries and more. 

3. Adjustments are painful. MYTH. Adjustments do not hurt. Many patients report significant pain relief following an adjustment.

Carl the Chiro treating a shoulder issue with ART (Active Release technique)

Common Conditions That Chiropractors Treat

Chiros can treat a wide range of injuries: 

• Back Pain (acute or chronic)

• Neck Pain (acute or chronic)

• Headaches 

• Joint Pain or Stiffness

• Sciatica

• Whiplash

• Arthritis 

• Pinched nerves

• Sports injuries

• Shoulder, hip, knee pain

• Frozen shoulder, rotator cuff pain 

• Ankle sprains or fractures 

• Achilles tendon pain 

• Achilles rupture 

• Post-surgical care such as hip replacement, knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff 

• Muscle strains

• Much more

Chiropractic postural exercises

Signs That I Should See a Chiropractor:

No need to keep wondering when you should seek help from a chiro! 

• Acute Pain: Working with a chiropractor can help reduce your recovery timeline so try not to wait! 

• Chronic pain: In cases, where the pain has been persistent, we can help manage the pain and in some cases help to eliminate it.

• Limited mobility: Having limited mobility and flexibility can influence tasks in your everyday life like trying to squat or reach overheads. If you are an athlete it’s important to have your full mobility to be efficient in your sport!

• Numbness or tingling, nerve pain: These could be signs of nerve impingement in the spine or in the extremities like your elbow or wrist

• Sleep disturbances: Whether due to being in pain, limited mobility or feeling stressed, chiro can help!

• Frequent headaches or migraines: Chiropractic treatment can reduce the frequency and severity of headaches

•  Muscle, ligament or tendon strain: Chiropractors are highly trained to treat a variety of injuries, including sprains, strains or tears. 

• I have no injuries but I want to achieve certain athletic goals. Chiropractors are movement experts. They can assess the entire body and create a personalized treatment plan that will get you where you want to be!

Chiropractic care for hamstring injury

Benefits of working with a Chiro

There are many benefits to seeking out a chiropractor:

• Pain management and relief 

• Helps you to improve your range of motion and flexibility 

• Decrease inflammation and get relief from nagging injuries

• Can help with postural imbalances and issues

• Provide advice on your ergonomics 

• Reduce joint and muscle stiffness 

• Boost athletic performance or help you become more functional (easier to get in/out of a car)

• Help your body recover faster and better post-race/competition

• Advice and exercises that will help you to maintain the gains from your session and get you closer to reaching your goals

• Collaborative care with a physiotherapist and a massage therapist when multidisciplinary care is indicated

Spinal adjustment for low back pain

What to Expect During Your First appointment with your Chiropractor

• At first, your chiropractor will listen carefully to your concerns and overall goals. They will ask questions to help them gain clues as to the cause of your problem. For instance, when do you feel the pain and what irritates it? They will also ask questions about your medical history to have a clear picture and choose the right (and safe) treatment approach.

• Afterwards, a physical examination is performed where you are asked to perform movements to get a sense of your range of motion and function and strength. Your chiropractor will then use their hands to gently assess the quality of movement to feel for restrictions and areas of tenderness. During this assessment, we will also rule out any major health concerns.

• Based on the findings, your chiro will provide treatment during the session. This could include: soft tissue massage and manual therapy followed by an exercise to help maintain the gains made during the session.

Summary

Chiropractors treat different parts of the body that may be injured or seem to be the source of your pain. Whether you have neck or knee pain or need a tune-up before a race, we’ve got your back.

Our chiropractors in Etobicoke embrace an integrated treatment approach consisting of manual therapy, active release techniques and exercise prescription. These techniques aim to reduce your pain, restore your function and eliminate the chance of injury recurrence.