Do you ever find yourself looking at online videos of chiropractic adjustments, and wonder, “Is it the same adjustment for everyone”? From an observer’s standpoint, it might look that way. In reality, all patients are NOT adjusted the same way, and here is the explanation!
Different diagnosis, different treatment
First off, all patients go through the initial New Patient examination (history, physical exam, possible imaging), which leads to a specific diagnosis of their condition. Depending on the diagnosis, the chiropractor will choose which technique is best suited to treat the issue. There is such a wide variety of treatment techniques, such as manual adjustments, drop table assisted adjustments, decompression techniques, soft tissue release, instrumentation adjusting, trigger point therapy, and the list goes on! For example, the treatment technique used for a herniated disc won’t likely be the same treatment used for a posterior costo-vertebral joint irritation (rib pain).
Different adjustments within the same technique
When watching a chiropractor adjust several people using the same technique, it may look like they are doing the same thing on everyone. However, even when using the same technique (i.e. manual adjusting), there is a vast difference from one person to the next. The chiropractor must identify which joint is subluxated (restricted, fixed joint), and assess in which direction it must be adjusted. When performing the adjustment, the chiropractor chooses the appropriate point of contact on the joint, and thrusts in a specific vector, with a certain force and speed. These parameters of the adjustment vary depending on the joint restriction, and on the patient’s body type and skeletal maturity. Every adjustment is based on the findings of the assessment, and is meticulously planned and executed for the needs of that specific spine and diagnosis.
Does the patient have a say in it?
Absolutely! Chiropractic is a patient centered care, and the patient’s preference is a valuable part of the treatment strategy. Of course, the chiropractor will be the one determining WHAT needs to be adjusted, but will happily take into account the patient’s preference on HOW it is adjusted. For example, some patients prefer the low-impact instrument adjustments, whereas others favor the audible release from a manual adjustment. Patients are encouraged to voice their opinions. After all, the treatments we provide are easily tailored to fit with our patient’s needs and deliver the best outcomes possible!