When it comes to chiropractic care, not all techniques are created equal. In this guide, we’ll cover the 3 best practices to look for and 3 red flags to avoid, ensuring you get the most effective and personalized care for your body.
What to Look for in a Chiropractor
Not all chiropractors are created equal. Here are the key styles and techniques to consider when choosing the right practitioner for your needs:
Gentle, Non-Forceful Techniques One technique to look out for is the Sacral Occipital Technique (SOT). This approach is gentle and focuses on assessing the spine’s overall health. Chiropractors using this method work to help your body tap into its self-healing and regenerative abilities. This technique relies on manipulating your spine subtly, allowing your body to correct itself naturally.
Chiropractic + Soft Tissue Work The most effective chiropractors also address soft tissue work before performing adjustments. A great example of this is Active Release Technique (ART), which combines muscle work with spinal adjustments. By working on the muscles first, the chiropractor ensures that your body is fully prepared for the adjustment, leading to long-lasting benefits.
Red Flags to Watch For
Unfortunately, not all chiropractic care is created equal. Here are some red flags to avoid:
The One-Size-Fits-All Chiropractor If a chiropractor performs the same adjustment every time, regardless of your specific complaint, and rushes you out the door, it’s a sign they’re not offering personalized care. This approach can be ineffective and may even result in long-term harm.
Pushing Lifelong Packages Be cautious of chiropractors who aggressively sell long-term packages without addressing your immediate concerns. If they’re more interested in locking you into a plan than treating your current issue, that’s a warning sign.
Loud, Forceful Adjustments High-velocity, low-amplitude adjustments that are loud and forceful may feel dramatic but could be a problem. Forcing a joint back into place without working on the muscles that control it can lead to recurring issues. Why? Because muscles move bones, not the other way around.
Why Muscles Matter
Let’s get this straight: muscles control bones, and if you’re only getting your joints adjusted without addressing the soft tissue, you’re missing half the equation. Here’s why:
When a muscle is tight, it pulls on the bones, and unless you deal with that muscle tightness, the bones will slip right back out of place after the adjustment.
Have you ever heard stories of someone feeling great after an adjustment, only to have the same problem reoccur when they do something as simple as reaching for a seatbelt? This is what happens when the muscles aren’t properly addressed.
Bottom line: If the chiropractor only cracks your bones but doesn’t work on your muscles, it’s time to reconsider your options.
The Best-Case Scenario
The ideal chiropractic session involves soft tissue work first. When a skilled chiropractor works on your muscles and soft tissue, your bones can naturally fall back into alignment—without force. In many cases, you might not even hear that dramatic crack, and that’s a good thing!
Final Thoughts
Chiropractic care can be a powerful tool in maintaining and improving your health. But like any healthcare decision, it’s important to choose a chiropractor who approaches your body holistically. Look for someone who balances both soft tissue work and spinal adjustments, and you’ll enjoy long-lasting benefits from your treatment.
Avoid the cookie-cutter approaches, and always remember: muscles move bones.
Stay healthy, and trust your body’s natural ability to heal itself—with a little help from the right chiropractor.
