What is Chiropractic?
CHIROPRACTIC
Typically in the past, chiropractors focused on spinal adjustments as their main and only form of treatment. At Lifetime Chiropractic we take pride in utilising a multifaceted approach to treatment. We like to take a thorough approach to each individual patient and our treatment includes a wide variety of soft-tissue therapies, rehabilitation & strengthening exercises, dietary and lifestyle advice, as well as traditional chiropractic joint adjustments. We combine these types of treatments to enable you to get better quicker and to stop the problem from coming back. Our aim is to give you a lifetime of good health!
WHAT DO WE TREAT?
You could benefit from chiropractic care if you recently or previously suffered from any of the following;
- neck or back pain,
- sciatica,
- disc herniation/injury
- scoliosis,
- sporting injuries,
- headaches,
- whiplash injuries,
- joint sprains/muscle strains,
- postural dysfunction,
- repetitive strain injuries (RSI),
- restricted joint movement.
Not sure whether you would benefit from chiropractic care?
Feel free to get in contact with one of our friendly team members and they will be happy to answer any further questions!
SPINAL MANIPULATIONS
There are over 100 types of spinal/joint adjustments used by chiropractors worldwide. Some use a controlled, quick force - spinal manipulation. While others techniques are more gentle - spinal mobilisation. They both help to increase joint movement and decrease pain and pressure around the joint.
In spinal/joint manipulation, the practitioner uses their hands to apply a controlled, sudden force to a specific joint. Patients often hear popping noises, similar to when you crack your knuckles. The pops/cracks are known as cavitation, and is created due to the increase force applied across the joint (during a joint manipulation) affecting the gas in the surrounding joint fluid.
In spinal/joint mobilisation, practitioners use less forceful thrusts and more stretching based movements. Mobilisation technique is ideal for gentle but affective care.
SOFT TISSUE THERAPY
Soft tissue therapy is a general term used in reference to techniques/modalities applied to treat parts of the muscular system. The muscular system includes muscles, ligaments, tendons and connective tissue. Some commonly used soft tissue therapies are:
- Deep tissue massage
- Trigger point therapy
- Active Release Therapy (ART)
- Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM)
- Heat Therapy
- Assisted Stretching
Whilst traditional chiropractic methods may not involve the incorporation of many soft tissue therapies, the team at Lifetime Chiropractic believes that treating both muscles and joints together as part of a complete musculoskeletal system is an important foundation of getting the best results possible for our patients.
STRENGTH AND REHABILITATION
Once your injury has healed and is back to normal function, it is important to carry out the appropriate rehabilitation program in order to restore adequate strength and fitness to the affected area.
It is also the best way to try and prevent new episodes from re-developing in the future. Your Chiropractor will explain your personal plan in detail during your treatment process, as each patients rehabilitation will differ depending on injury, goals and physical ability.
X-RAY AND IMAGING
Chiropractors often use forms of imaging to help diagnose problems. It is not always essential to undergo diagnostic imaging (such as x-rays, MRI, ultrasound) in order to treat an injury. Sometimes further imaging is needed to understand the extent of the injury. Your chiropractor is trained to determine whether you will need any extra imaging during your initial consultation or throughout any stage of your treatment. If you have any further questions regarding diagnostic imaging, feel free to contact our staff prior to your consultation.