7 Types of Chiropractic Treatments

There are a variety of chiropractic treatments that can be used to treat the body. These treatments can depend on the patient’s preference, the injury being treated, as well as age and physical condition. Through a variety of chiropractic treatments, Chiropractors not only treat your symptoms, but work to find the root cause of your pain. Below are seven types of chiropractic treatments often used by trained chiropractors. 

1. Gentle Chiropractic Treatment

Gentle chiropractic treatments are non-invasive spinal adjustments and manipulations, employing gentle and targeted force to alleviate pain and improve joint mobility. This method encourages the body’s natural healing processes. By emphasizing a gentle approach, our chiropractors aim to enhance overall health and restore balance to the body. 

2. Activator Method 

The Activator Method may be the right choice for those who prefer a gentler approach. This treatment typically utilizes a handheld instrument, the activator adjusting device, to deliver precise and controlled adjustments to targeted areas. The activator method is performed by chiropractors who are skilled in using this tool to address joint dysfunction and promote optimal spinal function.

The activator method is necessary for patients experiencing extreme back and neck pain. Chiropractors use the activator instrument to perform the adjustments. The instrument utilizes a high velocity and low amplitude thrust to relieve the patient’s pain quickly.

This method is generally less forceful than manual adjustments and is suitable for individuals who may be uncomfortable with the traditional hands-on approach such as babies, toddlers, and seniors and those with sever injuries. 

3. Webster Technique 

The Webster technique is a chiropractic treatment designed to address pelvic misalignment and improve neuro-biomechanical function in pregnant individuals. This technique is helpful for anyone who is suffering from pain or stiffness in the sacrum. Pregnancy can be uncomfortable for many and the webster technique is used to relieve you from the discomforts or pregnancy.

Before booking a chiropractic adjustment while pregnant, make sure that your provider can offer this technique and/or can treat you while pregnant. 

4. Active Release Technique

Active Release Technique is a specialized manual therapy and soft tissue treatment technique used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. It is designed to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and improve the function of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. The goal of active release technique is to break down scar tissue, release muscle knots, and restore the natural movement of affected tissues. It is commonly used to address conditions such as overuse injuries, muscle strains, and repetitive motion injuries. Many athletes find this technique helpful, as it can help enhance athletic performance, prevent injuries, and expedite recovery. 

5. Soft Tissue Manipulation 

Soft tissue manipulation involves hands-on techniques that target muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues to alleviate pain and improve function. Some ways that Chiropractors utilize this method include massage, stretching, and direct pressure to address tension, knots, and restrictions in soft tissues. This approach aims to enhance flexibility, reduce muscle tightness, and promote overall musculoskeletal well-being. Some examples of soft tissue manipulation are:

• Myofascial Decompression
• Active Stretching
• Graston Technique

6. Traction Table

Traction is a chiropractic technique involving the application of controlled force to the spine or extremities to stretch and decompress the vertebral or joint structures. By creating space between the spinal or joint components, traction aims to alleviate pressure on nerves, reduce disc bulges, and promote better alignment. Manual adjustments like traction are often used to address conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal nerve compression. 

7. Class 4 Laser Therapy 

Laser therapy transfers a high quantity of energy onto the desired area of the body. Your body then converts this energy into chemical energy through cellular mechanisms. This shortens the healing time for your injury while also decreasing pain, inflammation and swelling. Laser therapy can be an excellent treatment option for anyone with an acute injury or anyone dealing with chronic pain. Some conditions that can benefit from laser therapy are:

1. Arthritic pain
2. Sciatic pain
3. Knee injury
4. Plantar Fasciitis
5. Tendinitis
6. Fibromyalgia

Choose Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors use a variety of techniques during your appointment. At an integrative care clinic, they will often integrate functional medicine, acupuncture, physical therapy, massage therapy, and/or nutrition to contribute to your health journey. We aim to find the root causes of health issues rather than only addressing symptoms. By incorporating nutritional counseling, lifestyle modifications, and other holistic approaches, our team seeks to optimize the body’s natural healing mechanisms. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with our chiropractic services.  We have six locations in the Greater Seattle Washington Area– Everett, Ravenna, Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, and Renton