How Chiropractic Care Expansions Fit Into Treatment Plans
Chiropractic care is expanding. It is not just back, neck, hip and shoulder adjustments anymore. Newer, more modern chiropractic clinics are leaning towards and including massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, homeopathy and health products. If you are not sure what any of these things has to do with chiropractic care, the following will illuminate the connections that these therapies have with spinal adjustments.
How Chiropractic Care Has Long Been Viewed
Because chiropractic care does not involve the use of medicines to relieve pain and relies on spinal adjustments and treatment, chiropractic care has long been considered "homeopathic" or "naturopathic" medicine. This connection has created a following of many patients who prefer to heal their bodies without pharmaceuticals or needles (other than acupuncture needles, which some chiropractic clinics now offer). As part of this natural image of health, some chiropractic clinics also sell herbal remedies and natural medicines that amplify the health benefits of chiropractic care.
Craniosacral Therapy and Its Connection to Chiropractic Care
This type of therapy helps relieve deep tissue tensions, which in turn relieves pain near and surrounding the nervous system. When your chiropractor uses craniosacral therapy in conjunction with spinal adjustments, pain is not only significantly reduced, but also does not return as quickly when only one type of therapy is used. It is an excellent substitute for patients who cannot tolerate the deeper pressure of traditional massage therapy.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has been a part of chiropractic care for quite some time now. It was found to be, and still is, very beneficial to patients who have a lot of tension and pain accompanying their spinal conditions. The massages help clear toxins from the lymph system, encourage the patients' bodies to release serotonin and dopamine (which are natural pain relievers), and relax patients and help them regulate their own breathing and bodily systems. Although it is not life on the beaches, chiropractic massage therapy can make you feel like you are relaxing on warm sands.
Orthotics
Orthotics help compensate for deficiencies in the body. Spines that are out of alignment often result in hips that are slightly- to extremely tilted. By placing custom orthotics in the affected patients' shoes, the orthotics help shift and balance the weight of the body and the angles of the body into an upright position. This in turn helps support many of the changes made to the spine during chiropractic adjustments, similar to the way that braces help the orthodontic alignment process. Contact a local chiropractor, like Healing Hands Family Chiropractic & Massage Centre, for more information.