With time the accumulative effects of wear and tear tend to impact our capacity to move as we once did. When this happens, it may be challenging to continue everyday tasks, even like picking things up off the floor or buckling the shoes. Thankfully chiropractic care can improve your flexibility and range through different non-invasive, drug-free forms.
A study in the Journal of Chiropractic & Manual Therapies revealed that chiropractic adjustments improve cervical range of motion for those who lost a normal range of motion between vertebrates in their spine. Another similar study, in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, found that chiropractic care improves the range of motion in the neck. Both these studies also concluded that having regular chiropractic maintenance can help you improve and maintain your range of motion and flexibility in the long run.
Here are some common methods through which a chiropractor can improve your range of motion and flexibility.
Manipulation
We all have a natural alignment in our body that promotes better movement, range of motion, and flexibility. However, when this alignment is disturbed or altered because of repetitive movements, posture, inflammation or even injuries, it can interrupt the range of motion in your entire body. The manipulation method is used to restore these states of misalignment.
Depending on your condition, these manipulations can be done manually or using other techniques like ultrasound, trigger point therapy, electrical (non-invasive) stimulation or cold laser therapy.
Exercises
Your chiropractor can assess your condition and guide you towards mobilizing your restricted joints with stretches and exercises like those in physical therapy. Depending on your lifestyle and any other repetitive movement you’re engaged in, these exercises can also promote healing by strengthening the part of the body that may be at a high risk of injury. They can also help you to strengthen the muscles you frequently use to prevent injuries.
Chiropractic exercises aim to relax your muscles and allow them to open up to do more. When your muscles are relaxed, it becomes easier to get a wide range of motion in your daily lifestyle and sports activities. Most importantly, it helps you work out more efficiently, with less restrictions.
Chiropractic Massages
Usually, stiffness and reduced range of motion are experienced from tight and irritated muscles. Using already strained muscles will only further reduce the restricted range of motion. A chiropractor can give you a soft tissue massage that can relax muscles and boost blood circulation.
It can alleviate stress and tension in tightened muscles, which may be triggering restricted motions. These massages can also correct muscle imbalances and improve the range of motion in the spine and shoulders.
Similarly, chiropractic massages can also correct poor postures that contribute significantly to restricted motion, improving mobility and flexibility.
Which method works for you best will be chosen by your physiotherapist or chiropractor after a thorough examination of your lifestyle and other chiropractic conditions you may be experiencing. Maintaining your range of motion and flexibility through healthy chiropractic interventions can help you function optimally into the golden years.
