Going to a chiropractor for the first time can be intimidating, but so can follow-up visits if you have no idea what is going to happen. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to ensure that you have the tools you need to feel as healthy as possible.

These are some of the techniques you can expect to see used during your visit with a chiropractor.

Exercises

The exercises involved with chiropractic care will be therapeutic in nature, helping you strengthen your back, shoulders, and neck. The goal is to ensure you have strong muscles that can stabilize your core and give you a healthy posture. The chiropractor will teach you some moves to do and watch you perform them to ensure you are not at risk for injury. You should continue to do these exercises at home if instructed.

Stretches

You will also perform stretches in the office and at home. Stretches improve your mobility and flexibility, and they also prevent injury. Again, you will perform the stretches in front of the chiropractor to ensure you are not at risk for injury.

Electrical Stimulation

Some therapies involve electrical devices. One device uses small bits of electricity to stimulate the muscles. This can treat painful conditions, including ongoing muscle spasms.

Heat Therapy

Heat therapy, sometimes performed with an ultrasound device, is also meant to warm up the soft tissues of the body. Heat can improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and decrease the pain you feel.

Massage & Manual Therapy

Manual therapy involves using the hands to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues of the body with the goal of relieving pressure and pain.  The professional will use their hands to stretch the soft tissues surrounding joints, tendons, ligaments, and more. The goal is to improve your mobility and flexibility, but it can also relieve pain.

Traction

Your chiropractor may choose to put you in spinal traction, which is a device used to separate the vertebrae. If you experience compressed discs or serious pain, you may benefit from this device.

Lifestyle Advice

Finally, a chiropractor can provide some lifestyle advice so that you can make changes to impact your spinal health. For example, they may advise that you exercise more or that you lose some weight to provide better support for your spine.

Chiropractic Services Are Available

If you are ready to make an appointment, call a chiropractic service to discuss your plan. You can determine what kind of problem your spine is facing and how to fix it.

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