The Tools of the Modern Chiropractor

A modern chiropractor may specialize in a specific area only but may use a wide variety of methods and tools to address different general health issues and neuromuskuloskeletal problems. Most common methods include soft tissue therapy, dry needling, strength training, traction, functional electrical simulation, and nutritional recommendations. Alternate methods are sometimes used as a part of a holistic treatment approach.

There may be many forms of treatments involved in Chiropractic Medicine but the cornerstone of care remains to be chiropractic adjustment. This is to restore and maintain function of extremity joints and the spine.

Here are the different methods of diagnosis and care that chiropractic doctors most commonly use today:

Graston Technique

This is the latest technology in soft tissue therapy that entails deep muscle massage to relieve pain and tension along with reducing scar tissue formation. This is often applied in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments as it helps relax the muscles.

This offers a quick and effective way of treating various conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, neck pain, back pain, rotator cuff syndrome, and fibromyalgia.

The great benefits make Graston technique a popular choice among athletes like those in NBA, NFL, AFL, NHL, MLB, and even PGA.

Digital Motion X-ray (DMX)

This is a modern-day diagnostic test that allows radiologists to visualize and evaluate all body joints in motion enabling doctors to specifically determine which ligament or soft tissue is damaged or injured. This enables recording of any joint in motion with real-time, full motion x-ray imaging.

Trigger Point Injections (TPI)

This is a famous option among patients with chronic pain. This is a procedure done by treating painful areas of muscles that contain the trigger points or the knots that tensed muscles form.

The injection usually contains a local anesthetic with corticosteroid that renders the trigger point inactive that further results in alleviation of the pain.

Spinal Decompression

This is the non-surgical and drug-free method of treating chronic lower back pain, sciatica, herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, and even relapsed or failed back surgery. The method entails using a state-of-the-art technology to apply a distraction force to relieve nerve compression that causes pain.

Spinal decompression also works in the way that it causes the disc to heal through stimulating the cartilage to regenerate and causes the nutrient-rich blood to fill the disc spaces.

Kinesio (Sports Tape)

This is a latex-free therapeutic taping technique that is more popular among athletes. It is applied to the body in various ways over joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments to support and stabilize the certain area.

Kinesio taping facilitates the natural healing process of the body while helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate the pain.