Chiropractic Treatment
Hands-on care focused on improving movement, relieving pain, and supporting your body’s natural ability to heal.
What Is Chiropractic Care?
At Primus Physiotherapy, chiropractic care begins with a thorough assessment and a personalized plan for your needs.
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure—mainly the spine—and its functioning. The word chiropractic combines the Greek words cheir (hand) and praxis (practice), describing treatment done by hand.
Hands-on therapy, especially adjustment of the spine, is central to chiropractic care. The goal of treatment is to address alignment and movement problems, alleviate pain, improve function, and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Spinal adjustment or manipulation is a core chiropractic treatment, but it is not the only option. Chiropractic care may also include other manual therapies, exercise, and practical education to support your recovery.
Your Chiropractic Treatment Plan
Care is selected based on your assessment, your goals, and what is appropriate for you.
1
Thorough Initial Assessment
Your first visit includes a health history and physical examination, with special emphasis on the spine. Other examinations or tests, such as x-rays, may also be performed when appropriate. If chiropractic treatment is suitable, a treatment plan is developed.
2
Adjustments & Manual Therapy
During follow-up visits, care may include adjustments and other manual therapies. An adjustment uses the hands or a device to apply a controlled, rapid force to a joint, with the goal of increasing the range and quality of motion in the treated area.
3
Movement for Lasting Function
Joint mobilization is another manual therapy that may be used. Your care may also include rehabilitative or general exercise and guidance on lifestyle factors, helping you move better and support your progress beyond the clinic.
Care May Include More Than an Adjustment
Chiropractic treatment can combine spinal adjustments and other manual therapies with additional approaches selected for your presentation and goals:
Comfort Measures
Heat, ice, electrical stimulation, and relaxation techniques may be used as part of a broader treatment approach.
Rehabilitative Exercise
Exercise can help build movement, strength, and confidence as you work toward returning to daily activities and the things you enjoy.
Lifestyle Guidance
Care may include counseling about diet, weight loss, and other lifestyle factors, as well as discussion of dietary supplements when relevant.
Safety Is Part of the Conversation
Side effects from spinal manipulation can include temporary headaches, tiredness, or discomfort in the parts of the body that were treated. Rare reports of serious complications, including stroke, cauda equina syndrome, and worsening of herniated discs, have been reported, though cause and effect are unclear.
Safety remains an important focus of care. Our team regularly participates in continuing education to stay current with techniques and clinical research. Please share your medical conditions, medications, over-the-counter products, and dietary supplements so your care can be coordinated appropriately.
Questions to Ask
- Ask about the clinician’s education and licensure.
- Discuss your condition and whether the clinician has relevant training or experience.
- Ask about insurance coverage and typical out-of-pocket costs.
- Tell all of your health care providers about the approaches you use to manage your health.
Explore Related Care
Primus Physiotherapy offers a range of hands-on and rehabilitation services to support your movement and recovery.
Physiotherapy
Personalized guidance to help improve mobility, strength, and independence following an injury.
Massage Therapy
Explore another hands-on service available as part of our comprehensive care options.
Neck, Back & Sciatica
Learn about care options for neck pain, back pain, and sciatica.