Chiropractic adjustment (treatment) is an effective and (non-invasive) safe solution that addresses several musculoskeletal misalignments(disorders). When you are at a chiropractic appointment, the chiropractor will employ several adjustment techniques to target your specific misalignment issues, helping to improve your overall well-being and health.
There are several benefits to chiropractic care, such as improved joint function, improved range of motion, reduced stress levels, reduced pain, and better posture. If you have made a chiropractic appointment, there are a couple of things to observe before, during, and after in order to maximise your session and its benefits.
What to do before your chiropractic appointment?
Many are surprised to know that maximising the benefits of chiropractic care begins even before heading to the clinic for your appointment! It is crucial that you get your body ready. Here are four things to do in this stage.
1. Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment
You may need to remove any outerwear or shoes before the chiropractor works on you. Hence, wear something that you know you can move about in easily and comfortably. Loose-fitting or stretchable clothes are perfect.
2. Avoid consuming a heavy meal
Consume a light meal at least two hours before your appointment. Again, it is all about being as comfortable as possible during your appointment. Having a full stomach leads to bloating, which can make your chiropractic adjustments uncomfortable.
3. Stay hydrated
You need to stay hydrated with or without chiropractic care. Drink lots of water because it is vital for your nervous system and every tissue in your body to function optimally, allowing your body to be adjusted properly.
4. Take note of every ache and pain
Note how your body feels on each day leading up to your appointment so that you are able to communicate effectively with your chiropractor, helping them to know better which areas they should focus on during the treatment.
What to expect during your chiropractic appointment?
Chiropractic care involves a wide range of treatments, from lower back pain treatment to frozen shoulder treatment, depending on your affected region. You can expect a comprehensive care process that starts from a physical examination of your condition to an extensive adjustment process that involves the application of gentle pressure.
During your chiropractic adjustment process, you may feel or hear a popping sensation or sound. Some might find that popping uncomfortable and scary. However, while it might not apply to every one, rest assured that chiropractic adjustments are safe and some might even feel instant relief after the re-alignment.
What to do after your chiropractic appointment?
You should feel a sense of relief immediately after the adjustments. However, the effects are not permanent and will wear off after a couple of days. Hence, regular chiropractic appointments are vital in order to treat the pains and aches. However, on top of that, there are some tips you can observe in order to sustain those benefits.
1. Be diligent with the recommended stretches and exercises
Chiropractic adjustments are not a one-all-and-be-all solution for your pains and aches. The way we live our lives, from the type of activities we participate in to the postures we adopt, affects the effectiveness of chiropractic care. Your chiropractor will recommend a series of simple stretches and exercises that you should conduct at home as part of your chiropractic process. It is vital that you do them diligently as they help to maintain and improve your spinal alignment.
2. Rest up
Always listen to your body and ensure sufficient rest. Resting ensures that your body heals and adapts to the changes made during your chiropractic appointment.
3. Stay active but avoid any strenuous activity for a day
Continue with your daily, regular exercise or tasks and stay active, but avoid any strenuous activity for a day after your chiropractic appointment. Strenuous and excessive activities will tense your body, resulting in the adjustments not holding as well.
4. Avoid consuming alcohol and stay hydrated
Staying hydrated should not be an afterthought, especially after chiropractic adjustments. It ensures that your joints remain well lubricated and that your body flushes out the toxins that were released during the adjustments.
You should avoid consuming alcohol and sugary drinks as alcohol causes dehydration and sugar causes inflammation.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care is able to manage a wide range of pains and aches, from back pain and neck pain to carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches. Overall, it can improve your quality of life, making it highly beneficial for individuals with sports injuries, pregnant mums, and the elderly.
Our team of chiropractors at Healing Hands Chiropractic are capable of helping you achieve optimal spinal health. With various stretches, exercises, and manipulation techniques, you will definitely feel and move better. We even offer an extensive corporate wellness program for companies that want to adopt an improved working environment for their employees.
Do not hesitate to contact us should you have any concerns or questions. You can even drop us a visit at any of our six convenient locations, too!
