The Chiropractic Adjustment

Model of spine
Rather than hijacking your body with a drug, chiropractic care centers on the adjustment.

Adjustments are special.

We use our hands to add just the right amount of energy at the right time and place along your spine. Our precise adjustments improve the biomechanics of affected spinal joints. That helps reduce muscle spasm and restore proper nerve communications between your brain and body.

So health can return.

At Gallagher Family Chiropractic, we rely on two highly-effective, time-tested adjusting approaches.

Gonstead

First, we perform an analysis of your spine using a special heat-sensing instrument. You’ll be gowned so we can accurately measure the temperature from top to bottom.

We correlate these results with full spine X-rays. Then, using our hands, we feel how each joint is moving. Together, these details tell us where to deliver the specific adjustment(s) that require the least amount of force.

Learn more about the Gonstead Technique.

Diversified

This approach combines the best features from a variety of different chiropractic adjusting methods.

We’ll have you turn and bend and study the way individual spinal bones move. We’ll use our hands to detect areas that are “stuck” and not moving properly. Sometimes, while you’re lying face down, we’ll check the length of your legs. This can reveal problems in your upper neck.

With a clearer picture of your spine, we deliver a precise thrust using our hands. Sometimes you’ll hear a slight “popping” sound. This is from the shifting of gas and fluid in the joint. The sound isn’t particularly important and varies from patient to patient and visit to visit.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is a hands-on, whole-body approach for the evaluation and treatment of pain and the restoration of motion. This involves muscles and the connective tissue (fascia) that holds your entire body together.

You Body’s Body Suit

Think of fascia as a densely woven fabric, like a sweater, that connects all your organs, muscles and tissues, even your heart, blood vessels, lungs and spinal cord. Fascia “holds you together.” Since it covers you from head to toe, think of it as a body suit that you live in.

When you’re healthy, the fascia is relaxed. Like our clothing, it has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. But that changes when we experience physical trauma, scarring or inflammation. Then, the fascia loses its pliability. It can become tight, restricted and a source of tension, reduced motion and even producing pain.

What You Can Expect

First, we’ll conduct a thorough evaluation, looking at your posture, your ability to turn, bend and move. We’ll identify specific movements that produce increased pain or discomfort.

Then, we’ll use our hands to locate the tender areas. Gently stretching the fascia and involved muscles causes them to release. This is not a massage! You’ll have some homework: drinking more water. By drinking more than your usual water intake, you’ll help flush out toxins that have built up and reduce soreness.

Your New Normal

Progress is rarely a straight line. Expect some ups and downs as your body learns it can abandon its defensive posture. As your body heals, your brain will eventually recognize your new posture and muscle tone as normal. With time, expect better movement, more strength, flexibility, improved posture and greater vitality.

Adjustments Feel Great

Thankfully, adjustments feel great. If they didn’t, patients simply wouldn’t return the repeated visits necessary to retrain and strengthen their spines.

As nerve interference resolves, your body’s ability to self-heal revives, symptoms subside and health can return. Naturally. Without drugs or surgery.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’ve been to a chiropractor before and prefer to be adjusted in a particular way, let us know. We want you to relax, enjoy and fully benefit from your chiropractic care. Contact us today to make an appointment with our Orefield chiropractor.
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