If you’ve ever experienced chronic or recurring pain, then you know how frustrating it can be. For pain relief that is holistic and non-invasive, consider trying full-body chiropractic adjustment. Not only does it relieve discomfort due to injury or overuse, but its long-term benefits include better organ function, blood flow, and joint flexibility. Whether it’s head pain, neck pain, back pain, or any other discomfort, a scheduling trip to the chiropractor may be well worth your while.

 

 

What is a Full Body Chiropractic Adjustment?

A full body adjustment, also called a total body adjustment, is a chiropractic practice in which a chiropractor uses various techniques to manipulate the joints of the body. The goal is to promote mobility and pain relief throughout the entire body, not just a specific spot. Often, issues in one area of the body disrupt other functions as well. By adjusting the musculoskeletal system as a whole, we can reduce the risk of poor bodily function, injury, and chronic pain.

 

How Is a Full Body Adjustment Done?

A full body adjustment is done by manually manipulating the body through a variety of different techniques. Some involve instruments like drop piece tables, and others occur through a controlled application of sudden force. Each technique is used for a specific type of relief. Depending on the type of injury or pain relief goal, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan to match.

 

3 Most Common Total Body Techniques

 

1. Diversified Technique

The diversified technique is done for 3 main reasons: spinal manipulation and alignment, mobility, and joint dysfunction. This total body technique is used by 96% of chiropractors. Generally, it targets lower back pain relief, joint stiffness, and issues with misaligned bones. This method falls under the manual manipulation category as the only tools used are the hands of your chiropractor.

2. Spinal Mobilization/Manipulation

The spinal manipulation technique is similar in practice to the diversified technique. It is often used by chiropractors to relieve pressure on the joints, improve the function of the nervous system, and reduce any existing inflammation. Your chiropractor will use their hands to apply gentle pressure to manipulate the spinal area and provide relief.

3. Drop-Table Technique

The drop piece table technique varies from other methods as it uses a specialized instrument called a drop table to aid in adjusting. During this technique, the patient lays on the platform face down. The table then “drops” a fraction of an inch as the chiropractor applies a sudden controlled force. This small movement helps aid in the adjustment.  Though it may sound aggressive, it is comfortable and does not cause any pain.

 

What To Expect From Your Appointment?

Though going in for a chiropractic appointment can feel intimidating, it doesn’t need to be. Generally, your first meeting with a potential chiropractor will be a sort of consultation. This is when you will discuss your pain, your relief goals, and the benefits you hope to gain from full-body adjustments. This will depend in part on the root of your pain. Perhaps you are experiencing acute pain from a sports injury or car accident, or chronic pain from years of overuse.

 

Once you and your chiropractor have discussed the main point of pain you want to address, you will receive a treatment plan. Generally, if you’re new to a chiropractor, your first visits will be frequent and involve various different techniques. This is done to narrow down which methods work and which do not. Chiropractic adjustments should not cause you any pain. If certain techniques are uncomfortable, be sure to mention it so they can adjust accordingly.

 

Long Term Benefits of Full Body Adjustments

Total body adjustments can have advantages that span far past pain relief in a singular area. The body is a complex system in which each system relies on another. By using a holistic, full-body approach, you can actually improve multiple functions during your visit. Aside from pain relief and better alignment, chiropractic services can provide a range of long-term benefits. After participating in consecutive sessions you may notice:

 

  • Better sleep due to reduced stress and anxiety
  • Reduced tension in stressed muscles
  • Improved athletic performance
  • Decrease in injuries due to increased joint flexibility
  • Tension headache and migraine relief
  • An overall increase in muscle flexibility
  • Less acid reflux or colic due to an improved brain and nerve connection

 

Summary

If you are experiencing any sort of short-term or long-term pain, or want to take better preventive care of your body, consider calling a chiropractor today. Full body adjustments provide a multitude of benefits for any person, regardless of age, gender, or injury history. Most anyone can benefit from better joint mobility, spinal alignment, muscle flexibility, and pain relief. Mackenzie SDI offers expert chiropractic services that will take a holistic approach to your pain management. Our blend of modern and traditional methods makes pain relief possible for anyone. For a consultation, call us today.