Chiropractic Adjustment
A chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a common therapeutic treatment for lower back pain and many other musculoskeletal conditions. A chiropractic adjustment refers to a chiropractor applying manipulation to the spinal vertebrae or extremity joints that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. The objective of this chiropractic treatment is to decrease pain and inflammation, increase the range of motion, reduce nerve irritability, and improve function.
Types of Chiropractic Care (Adjustments):
Dr. Hanson at Hood View Chiropractic primarily gives chiropractic care through instrument-assisted and low velocity adjusting techniques, vs. the more commonly known high velocity adjusting.
- High velocity chiropractic care is the type most people are familiar with. The doctor applies a quick force to the joints using their hands, producing a sometimes ‘loud’ sound of cracking. This cracking noise comes from an audible release of gas (joint cavitation) that is caused by the quick gapping of the joint past its normal range of motion.
- During instrument-assisted adjusting, the doctor uses an activator (or electronic adjusting tool) to apply a quick tap to the restricted joint with the patient sitting or lying down in a non-stressed position. This re-aligns the joint and restores motion without bringing the joint to extreme ranges of motion.
- Low velocity chiropractic care is a technique where the doctor places the patient in positions that correct bone position without the quick gapping of the joint that causes a cavitation. This feels like a slow pressure that is similar to stretching but focused on one specific joint at a time.
Physiotherapy: In addition to spinal adjusting, Dr. Hanson uses ultrasound, class IV low-level light therapy (also known as cold laser), micro-current, percussor massage, cupping, craniosacral therapy, rock taping, and instrument-assisted soft tissue manipulation (similar to Gua Sha) to aid in treating different conditions.
Exercise Therapy: We offer personalized exercises to help patients recover from injuries. Many of the exercises are Yoga techniques designed to align the injured segments. Yoga/Pilates type exercises are shown using floor, free-standing, wall and therapy ball in order to meet all patient needs. This is especially important when patients suffer a chronic injury that may require ongoing care. It is her philosophy to give the patient ways to ‘self-treat’. This type of self-care empowers the patient to gain control of their individual healing needs and may reduce the number of future appointments. Empowerment is a primary goal in her practice.
Other Services: In addition to adjusting the patient’s skeleton and using physical therapy through chiropractic care, Dr. Hanson orders radiographic studies when needed. This may include MRI, X-rays or studies using dye. These studies may provide ‘motion’ MRI or X-ray.
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