Chiropractic Treatments in Thousand Oaks, CA

Integrative Chiropractic and Natural Medicine

Chiropractic treatment emphasizes taking a holistic approach to healing the body—a non-invasive alternative to other medical procedures. Many people find it attractive because it has no reliance on addictive pharmaceutical medications. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth combining efforts with medicines that complement the approach.

Integrative chiropractic and natural medicine still stray away from the use of potentially harmful or addictive prescription medications. Instead, it implores the use of natural medicines and a well-balanced nutritional plan to work in combination with chiropractic treatments to help the body reach the pinnacle of health and well-being.

The physical treatments help to reduce pain, inflammation, and fatigue while restoring flexibility and range of motion. A unique benefactor is that it helps to rid the body of any harmful toxins trapped within. The help of natural medicines, supplements, and a well-balanced diet helps amplify the effects of chiropractic care and combating several conditions in the healthiest way possible.

Diversified Chiropractic Technique

The diversified technique is considered to be the most widely used chiropractic technique. It is what you are most likely to experience during your next adjustment.

This technique restores proper movement alignment to the spine and extremities. It is characterized by the high-velocity low amplitude thrust to align the spine. It is one of the techniques that result in the iconic popping noise during an adjustment.

The motion a chiropractor uses quick and precise movements that are necessary to cavitate the joint. Cavitation is the release of a buildup of gases trapped within the joint. It’s this release that causes the popping sound. Once these gasses are released, the fluids within the joint are free to lubricate and help improve your range of motion.

Again, this is the most commonly practiced technique. And though it is similar to others, such as the Gonstead technique, it is used to treat various conditions.

Mechanical Traction Chiropractic Treatment

The use of mechanical traction is widely used in conjunction with chiropractic care. Traction refers to a state where pressure is applied to the vertebrae to widen the spaces between each, taking pressure off the discs between the vertebrae.

Sometimes referred to as cervical traction or spinal traction, this technique works to stretch the ligaments and muscles and alleviate pressure on pinched nerves. It may also help to lessen the pain of degenerative disc disorders or herniated discs. Another name often used for this practice is decompression therapy because it effectively releases pressure on the vertebrae and tissue in between.

There are two methods used to achieve traction. However, mechanical is generally more useful for producing a more personalized treatment.

Neuromuscular Reeducation Chiropractic

Neuromuscular reeducation is a procedure that is used to improve balance, posture, coordination, and more. It is used when injuries cause an incoordination of the muscles and in extreme cases where there is muscle paralysis.

While essential in extreme cases of systematic neurological disease, it is not limited to such matters. This practice is proven useful for anyone suffering any injury that causes the body to fall out of coordination. Soft tissue injuries, in particular, are very likely to cause such an occurrence.

For example, an injury or condition that causes pain may trigger the body to move in specific ways to avoid agitating the issue. Over time, the body compensates and is incapable of moving in a more natural motion.

This technique uses a series of personalized exercises necessary for the body to move naturally. It consists of multiple sessions spanning over several weeks, and each session gives the affected areas 15 minutes each. This practice is necessary to restore posture and obtain more fluid motions essential for maintaining good musculoskeletal health.

Chiropractic Stretches and Massage

Chiropractic treatments are often coupled with stretches and massage therapy. While one might imagine something similar to what they’d go to a spa for, there is a significant difference between the two. Massage therapy often focuses on the entire body and only works the soft muscle tissue. On the other hand, chiropractic massages aim to deal with specific issues with joints and muscle tissue and are often performed in the same session as a chiropractic adjustment.

For example, if you have a pinched nerve in your neck that’s causing tension in your shoulders and limits your range of motion, you might experience an adjustment followed by a tissue message and simple stretches. Combining these efforts is due to our holistic approach and ensures you leave each session feeling better than you did when you walk in.

The stretching and massage therapy you require is specific to your condition, and your chiropractor will discuss this with you as you set up your treatment plan. And don’t write off visiting the spa for more massage therapy. Often, one can couple these two forms of treatment together to enhance the benefits of receiving chiropractic care.

Kinesio Taping

During your chiropractic treatment plan, the chiropractor might implore the use of Kinesio Tex tape to help alleviate pain. This practice is a foreign concept to many but is a very effective way to treat pain. It’s a prevalent technique that athletes, even those on Olympic levels, put to use.

In the 1970s, this colorful tape was developed by a Japanese chiropractor named Kenzo Kase. When applied with certified Kinesio taping, it offers ample support to the joints and muscle tissue without restricting one’s range of motion. Kinesio tape also works to lift the skin, which helps reduce restrictions on the fluid in the body, effectively alleviating inflammation and discomfort.

Many believe this to be an athletic tape, but that’s not the case. The use of kinesiology is beneficial to people from all walks of life. It offers instant results and helps one feel the benefits of chiropractic treatment well after their sessions come to an end. Therefore, it’s worth discussing this form of treatment when you seek chiropractic treatment.

Herniated Disc Therapy

Herniated discs can be the source of severe pain and discomfort. It can also call for surgical treatments in extreme cases. That doesn’t mean one should automatically assume that they require painful surgeries if dealing with a herniated disc. A chiropractor might implore a few techniques to try and remedy the situation before even considering this option.

Herniated disc therapy can include multiple treatments: hot and cold therapy, deep tissue massages, hydrotherapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and traction. All of these treatments aim to relieve pressure and reduce pain. However, which one you will undergo depends on the herniated disc’s location and the severity of your condition.

The chiropractor may also suggest working with a physical therapist combined with chiropractic treatment. This might be necessary in some cases, but even if it isn’t, the combined effort can work to make significant improvements to your condition and get you back to pain-free life sooner.