Can Chiropractic Care Help You Move Better?
By: Dr. Tiffany T. Butler | January 25, 2023 | Read Time: 7 minutes
“Flexibility is the key to stability.” (John Wooden)
Flexibility is one of the key components of moving with ease, flow, and grace. Research shows that as our bodies age, we not only lose muscle mass and strength, but we also become less flexible.
How is your flexibility?
- Can you touch your toes?
- Can you touch your hands behind your back?
- Can you perform a deep squat?
If you have difficulty or pain when performing any of the above movements, chances are, there may be joint dysfunction present in your spine or extremity (e.g. shoulder, hips, or knees). Joint dysfunction can be the result of a pathology such as arthritis; in addition, it can also be the result of an injury, muscle imbalance, and/or the presence of scar tissue. Joint dysfunction can lead to abnormal body positioning (such as poor posture) and flawed movement patterns. If the joint dysfunction is not corrected or improved, it can lead to other problems such as – inflammation, pain, muscle weakness, decrease flexibility, and instability in the region(s).
If there is a restriction within the joint(s), in particular the spinal joints, mobility, and flexibility when performing complex body movements such as – sitting, walking, standing, and squatting – may be difficult or limited. Due to the inflexibility, edema and inflammation can form in the area due to the lack of mobility, thus causing pain at rest and/or with movement.
Improve Your Flexibility to Move Better with Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors help to improve joint flexibility through spinal adjustment. The spinal adjustment is a passive maneuver applied to the patient’s spine by the chiropractor’s hand or instrument. Only chiropractors are educated, trained, and skilled to identify areas of joint dysfunction that impede the normal function of the neuromusculoskeletal system such as – the intervertebral (within spinal joints) subluxation – and to eliminate intervertebral subluxation with the chiropractic adjustment.
When the chiropractor performs the adjustment to the joint(s) that are restricted or limited in motion (in particular passive mobility), the force of the adjustment helps to break up adhesive scar tissue (fibrous, unorganized tissue that is naturally formed by the body after tissue damage). As a result, the joint(s) that were restricted due to scar tissues are now able to move better.
The goal of the adjustment is to place the spinal joint(s) in the best position so that you can heal naturally by improving joint flexibility and mobility. When the spine is in a neutral position, it is in the best position that allows the muscles to be relaxed and less tense, which in turn will allow better movement. The chiropractic adjustment, when applied to the spinal joints, helps to restore normal biomechanics of the spine, which includes normal joint positioning that allows for normal joint movement and function.
Bottom Line: If you are experiencing difficulty performing complex tasks – such as walking, standing, lifting, and bending; if you want to improve your flexibility; and/or if you want to experience less pain at rest or when moving, schedule an appointment with your neighborhood chiropractor for a consultation.
Dr. Tiffany T. Butler (aka “The Pain Doctor”) is a chiropractor, author, and entrepreneur. She leads Harmonious Living Chiropractic: Fitness & Wellness Center, a pain management practice, in offering healthcare solutions that focus on patient-centered care. Her team consists of individuals who are passionate about improving patient outcomes by providing chiropractic care, in conjunction with therapeutic procedures. Their services have helped hundreds of people find pain relief and improved their quality of life. To learn more about Dr. Butler visit https://www.drtiffanybutler.com/dr-butler/ Connect with Dr. Butler on social media #drtiffanybutler
