Common Questions
“What is the difference between Chiropractic & Physiotherapy?”
Chiropractors are specialised in the diagnosis and restoration of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions and their impact on everyday activity, health, and wellbeing. Chiropractors specifically address and restore spinal subluxations/misalignments caused by acute/chronic injury, repetitive stressors, and spinal neglect using spinal manual therapy (SMT). Education around the maintenance of spinal health and prevention is vital to Chiropractic practice.
“Physiotherapy provides services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain, restore, and optimise health and function throughout the lifespan. This includes providing services to people compromised by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors” and utilising exercise regimes in addition to other modalities to address these conditions. (Physiotherapy Board of NZ)
Do adjustments hurt?
No, spinal manual therapy/adjustments do not hurt when performed by a highly trained and qualified Chiropractor. Chiropractors utilise skill rather than force or strength for safe & effective adjustments. You may hear a ‘pop’ when the adjustment is made, this often can be surprising if it is your first Chiropractic adjustment. This sound is essentially the release of gases within the joint capsule - similar to the sound made when pressing your knuckles together. There are also several other adjustment methods that do not produce this sound for those who would prefer this option. This can be discussed with Dr. David.
When do I need to see a Chiropractor?
If you have an acute injury or have been suffering from chronic aches and pains, research evidence supports Chiropractic adjustments as a natural and effective method to alleviate these symptoms. A Chiropractor specialises in the neuro-musculoskeletal system taking a holistic approach. We assess each individual part of the body and how its function contributes to the greater whole. Often your body is very clever and will prompt you when there is a problem i.e. pain, and if ignored this can lead to irreversible damage.
Who should see a Chiropractor?
Everyone.
Chiropractic care is suitable and beneficial for people of all ages and from all walks of life. It addresses the physical, emotional, and chemical stressors present in our lives that impact how well our body functions on a daily basis. Pain does not need to be experienced in order to seek Chiropractic care which is a common misconception. While Chiropractic is a suitable solution to pain management, it is recommended everyone see a Chiropractor for a spinal check.
Preventative health is important much like other realms of health care where regular check-ups are essential for preserving optimal health and preventing future damage from bad habits. If you are looking at getting well & staying well, Chiropractic is your go-to.
Do I have to keep coming on a regular basis?
Health is a journey rather than a destination. For example, preparing for a marathon requires frequent training in order for your body to adapt to this workload. Chiropractic reflects a similar trajectory in that it takes time for the nervous system to adapt and overcome the stressors on your body.
Your Chiropractic journey works in three ways - Correct, Stabilise, and Maintain.
Correct is the initial month of care. This is where the adjustments assist in getting the inflammation under control, stimulate tissue repair, and encourage your nervous system towards new habits.
Stabilise is the care provided once your symptoms have resolved. It focusses on reinforcing your progress, strengthening the weakened areas of your musculoskeletal system (which may have been the reason for your injury), and working on solidifying those into becoming healthy new habits. In this phase we are working towards gaining long term results from care, ensuring adequate time is given to the healing of damaged tissues.
Maintain is for the individuals looking to be proactive about their health and are interested in preventing relapse. At this stage, we have worked together to address what you initially presented with in the correct phase. Continuing with Chiropractic during this phase helps maintain your health and vitality, while also establishing further resilience to the stressors you place on your spine and nervous system on a daily basis so that you can stay well.