Corrective Exercises

Chiropractors genuinely want to see their patients succeed and enjoy life as much as possible. Therefore, they aren’t likely to simply perform an adjustment and send you out the door. Chiropractors work to understand the root of your issue so that they can then offer a broad array of treatments to make sure that you get the most from their care. One of these avenues is corrective exercises. These are exercises that your chiropractor will suggest which are based on your unique history, condition, and limitations.

Understanding Corrective Exercises

Corrective exercises are not meant to be the sole factor in helping you with a condition but are used to develop a plan designed to be part of a well-rounded chiropractic treatment strategy. While there are many issues that chiropractors can help with, most patients suffer from pain caused by muscle tension in the spine. While your adjustments focus on the proper alignment of the spine, corrective exercises can help to strengthen muscles that are not performing adequately.

When muscles are underdeveloped, other muscles must work to compensate. This overcompensation can lead to joint misalignment and is often linked to an increased number of sprains or strains in an individual. Corrective exercises can help to strengthen the appropriate muscles which decrease the risk of injury.

Chiropractors who utilize corrective exercises will base their instruction on your individualized needs. They can review your goals and current fitness level to tailor a program that is unique to you. They also understand that over time, you may require changes to keep you improving and eventually reach your target.

Understanding Your Treatment Plan

Corrective exercises aren’t the only part of your overall chiropractic treatment but is the bulk of the work that you will do outside of the office setting. Therefore, you should work with your chiropractor to understand the entire process. Your chiropractor will teach you the proper movements for the exercises while you are in the office and can also send you videos and educational material that you can review at home. With the combination of office demonstration and the ability to evaluate the exercises at your own pace, the chances of success with your treatment program increases. This is truly a win-win for you and your chiropractor.

Progressing in Your Plan

No one can begin something new and expect to perform at the level of a seasoned professional. Your treatment plan is no different. If you are in extreme pain or facing serious muscle deficiencies, your exercises will be tailored and amended to fit your specific needs and limits. As your muscles strengthen, once difficult exercises should no longer pose a challenge and your chiropractor will review and update your plan. You may perform the same moves, but with added weight, more time, or increased repetitions. You may also be introduced to entirely new moves as your level of fitness increases.

Corrective Exercises vs. Physical Therapy

While physical therapy is similar to corrective exercises, physical therapy typically utilizes office visits much more heavily as you may need constant monitoring by a physical therapist during prescribed exercises. Though this can be an effective practice for many individuals, there are some who prefer to work more independently or may not have the time to make additional office visits.

Overview

If you’ve been injured or are experiencing pain, you should consider scheduling an appointment with a chiropractor today. They have the skill and means to treat your issues with a broad approach that will lead to increased health and mobility in all areas of your life.