Chiropractic is a holistic type of medicine dedicated to spinal and joint health. It utilizes a host of methods and therapies to promote general wellness. Chiropractic serves as both preventative and conservative care. Chiropractors, who are licensed healthcare professionals with Doctor of Chiropractic degrees, realign the spine to allow the body’s natural healing process to take its course. Rock Creek’s own Dr. Groelz has been in practice as a chiropractor since 2003.
Who Benefits from Chiropractic
In a word, chiropractic can be helpful to anyone. Since chiropractic care focuses on improving spinal health so the body’s natural healing processes can be optimized, anyone with a spine is a candidate for chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic can be especially beneficial to athletes, the elderly, and those who suffer from chronic pain.
Kinds of Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic care is tailored to each person seeking improved spinal alignment and relief from pain. As part of the treatment process, our chiropractors here at Rock Creek Spine & Rehabilitation Center will consider an array of methods, including some that may not be traditionally associated with chiropractic care, like acupuncture and physical therapy. Even within the realm of traditional chiropractic treatments, there are a host of techniques available for improving spinal wellness. While the list below includes classic chiropractic methods, it is by no means exhaustive.
Traction
Traction treatments utilize a traction table, a computerized table with segments that can shift to release pressure on discs and joints. The process mobilizes the spine while simultaneously providing support to stretch ligaments and muscles. Your chiropractor customizes the settings on the table so the treatment is unique to you. Traction treatments are especially helpful for herniated or bulging discs.
Spinal Manipulation
Also called a chiropractic adjustment, spinal manipulation is the method that most people think of when considering a trip to the chiropractor. In this chiropractic treatment, your chiropractor will adjust your alignment through a series of quick thrusts applied to the spine or other joints. The chiropractor may have you lay on your back or side or twist at the hips before applying concise pressure to correct the posturing of the spine. You may hear little popping sounds during the treatment. This is just the release of air between joints.
Trigger Point Massage
Your chiropractor can also massage trigger points, painfully tight “knots” in your muscles. Trigger points can cause pain in places other than the knot itself. During a trigger point massage, trouble spots are rubbed and then stretched. This can be painful in the moment, but it works out the knot for subsequent relief and mobility.
Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascia is the dense tissue that covers muscles and bones. Damage to and tightness of myofascial tissue can lead to pain. Myofascial release therapy includes a series of techniques to loosen and stretch the fascia.
Exercise
Your chiropractor is your ally on the path to a healthier you. The goal is not only to alleviate pain but also to help you live your life so as to avoid experiencing more pain unnecessarily. Your chiropractor may prescribe different types of exercise to strengthen your core and back so that your alignment remains as it should after chiropractic correction.
Why Chiropractic
Chiropractic care stimulates the body to heal itself. Proper alignment has a cascading effect: if the spine is as it should be, the body can perform optimally to correct other problems further away from the spinal column. Chiropractic can provide relief from common aches and pains or more serious pain after an accident and injury. It is an excellent solution to reduce inflammation. If you wonder if chiropractic is the right fit for you, give us a call at Rock Creek Spine & Rehabilitation Center in Broomfield, CO for a consultation.