Interview With A Chiropractor In Madison, WI: What Is My Chiropractor Feeling For During An Adjustment?
Most people know chiropractors perform adjustments, but few understand what they're actually assessing before, during, and after treatment. Is it just about relieving pain, or is more happening behind the scenes? We’re breaking down what a chiropractor is truly looking for during an adjustment, how they break down problem areas, and what those findings reveal about overall health and movement patterns.
It’s more than just a crack. There’s a reason behind every adjustment.
What Is A Chiropractor Really Feeling For At The Start Of A Chiropractic Adjustment?
“We're feeling for joint restriction. Sometimes it's difficult to feel a singular joint, but we're feeling for a few segments that are not moving as they should. We're putting motion into segments to see how they glide over each other. If we find that one is restricted, oftentimes that's where a subluxation is located. In that case, we’re aiming to restore movement.
If the clothes are thin enough, we may be able to see an edema or swelling in the area too, along the side of the spine. That’s also a good indication of restriction. We’re looking for anything that shows where there's an imbalance or where there's stress on the nervous system.”
How Does A Chiropractor Know If A Joint Isn’t Moving The Way It Should During A Chiropractic Adjustment?
“Some areas of the spine, like the middle back, are going to be more restricted than others. But, if you've ever felt grandma and grandpa's back, we are looking for where it feels rigid, restricted, where it doesn't feel like it's going to move. It feels blocky or like stone. We're looking for that. That's an area where there's no joint movement and we aim to restore that.”
Does A Restricted Joint Feel Different From Person to Person?
“Totally. Everybody's different. That's why it sometimes takes an adjustment or two for some patients to feel different, but also why, at 360 Wellness, we don't adjust on day one. First, we see how somebody moves, how their spine looks. Because some people are going to be naturally more rigid or more mobile.”
What Would Surprise Most Patients About What Is Truly Being Assessed During A Chiropractic Adjustment?
“It would surprise people to hear that we are typically finding and adjusting these similar two or three spots, which might not seem like a lot, but to be totally honest, we're trying to get better motion and consistency in motion with those restricted areas. So, if we find that a joint has been stuck for a while, has a lot of scar tissue, or lack of movement, it takes consistency to get it moving again. We're finding that for some people there's patterns and we want to reduce those patterns.”
Starting something new in your health journey can come with lots of questions and uncertainty. At 360 Wellness in Madison, WI, we pride ourselves on communication. We’re transparent, comforting, and informative from the start, so that you can make the best decision for your body. Bring your questions! We're happy to walk you through every step!
