What is ChiropracticChiropractic is a health profession specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the affects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health.
Chiropractic practitioners essentially rely upon non-invasive treatment methods and will refer patients to medical practitioners should medication or surgery be indicated. This approach is further reinforced by chiropractors in their promotion of healthy lifestyles such as the avoidance of smoking and excess stress, proper diet and exercise. |
Conditions TreatedBack pain, neck pain and headaches are extremely common and can be very debilitating symptoms. They also treat other joint pains including shoulder, wrist, hip, knee and ankles as well as other conditions including muscle strains and ligament sprains and colic in babies. These are the primary reasons patients seek chiropractic care.
The distinguishing features of chiropractic care that has allowed for having patient and public acceptance has been the ability to provide a readily available, caring and sympathetic, low cost, low risk, non-invasive and natural healing approach to relieving symptoms of back pain, neck pain and certain types of headache. |
Techniques usedThe basic treatment offered by chiropractors is relatively quick and inexpensive that may include adjusting, dry needling and occasionally kinesiotaping.
Other techniques used include: Manual muscle activation techniques, sports massage, fascial release techniques, flexion-distraction, blocking techniques and impulse adjusting using an activator. In South Africa the majority of medical schemes make provision for reimbursement of chiropractic services. |
Chiropractic in Pregnancy and babiesDuring pregnancy a majority of mommies to be, experience lowerback pain due to physiological changes in the pelvic girdle. Chiropractic treatment will aid in reducing additional tension in a variety of ligaments.
Chiropractic treatment is safe and effective in infantile conditions such as: colic, reflux and restlessness. Chiropracticc treatment uses a gentle pressure and manipulation of the spine to relieve irritation on the nerves which run through the centre of the spinal column. The spinal cord carries information throughout the body and is responsible for all bodily functions, so if malalignment occurs in the spine, this can cause a knock-on effect to the rest of the body. |
Chiropractic in SportAny sport participants performance is determined by various factors, one of which is the biomechanical functionality of every joint and muscle. Chiropractic treatment for sports participants provide care in the conservative management, rehabilitation and performance optimization of neuromusculoskeletal system in a multi-disciplinary sports injury care environment.
Chiropractic treatment in sports participants focus through the application of a multimodal treatment approach that include one or more of the following: manipulation, mobilisation, soft tissue therapies and other movement/exercise therapies, nutritional advice and strapping. Chiropractic treatment optimises the athletic performance through the pursuit of the highest efficiency in neuromusculoskeletal functioning. |