What Does a Holistic Chiropractor Do?

Did you know holistic chiropractors not only look at your spine but your entire body as whole? Holistic chiropractic adds a full spectrum of care that includes methods to not only align your spine but promote overall health and wellness, too. A holistic chiropractor is a full service chiropractor, offering a full range of services that include not only spinal manipulation and joint adjustments but also massage therapy, acupuncture, and even nutritional management and exercise.

What is the Holistic Approach to Chiropractic Care?

The biggest distinction between a general chiropractor and a holistic chiropractor is their range of care. A general chiropractor will focus on the specific area that is actively causing the patient discomfort or pain, which is namely the spine. They believe spinal health is the cornerstone of pain relief, improved posture, better range of motion, and overall health. While this may be true in some cases, chiropractic care should not be one-size-fits-all.

Holistic chiropractic services include a more individualized and well-rounded approach to caring for patients. While they address the immediate cause of pain and discomfort, they also structure their methods of treatment around sustainable recovery. This means they focus on the whole body and aim to promote self-healing through various functional services in addition to standard chiropractic care. The patient walks away with more knowledge, tools, and treatment options to keep their body in optimal shape.

The mind-body connection in Holistic Chiropractic care

The mind and body are connected through an intricate system of neural pathways and neurotransmitters between the brain and the rest of the body. This is the foundation of our everyday functioning. When we feel back pain, for example, it is communicated to the mind, affecting our overall biological and neuropsychological health.

So, how does this theory apply to chiropractic care?

Addressing the mind-body connection is part of the holistic approach. This theory suggests that our thoughts, ideas, and beliefs can either aid or hinder us in healing from physical pain. Many holistic chiropractors will take this into consideration when caring for their patients. For example, back pain can be caused by a lack of movement or exercise, but can also be due to holding onto emotional pain or stress. Through holistic methods, chiropractors can address these potential causes in addition to the perceived source of physical pain or discomfort.

What Kind of Services Does a Holistic Chiropractor Offer?

A holistic chiropractic practice will offer a variety of services in addition to standard chiropractic adjustments with the ultimate goal being to address both the body and the mind. These services include the following:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a popular form of functional medicine that aims at addressing not only sore, stiff muscles, but also at improving circulation, reducing stress, and promoting overall healing in the body. Acupuncture is a centuries-old Chinese medicine that is also used to combat emotional distress and psychological trauma. Thin, sterile needles are inserted into the patient’s skin at various acupressure points that are believed to release harbored pain, tension, or discomfort when pressed. Acupuncture is used as a method of treatment for the following conditions:

• Physical pain in the back, legs, neck, and arms
• Fibromyalgia
• Emotional distress
• Menstrual pain & cramps
• Headaches & migraines
• Osteoarthritis
• Various respiratory conditions
• Tooth pain

Massage Therapy

Massage, similarly to acupuncture, is a centuries-old practice, originating in ancient China. Massage therapy focuses on relieving tension, stiffness, and pain in muscles. It is believed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep, promote lymphatic drainage, and temporarily reduce blood pressure and heart rate. The massage therapist will target various muscle groups through a variety of massage techniques, which include:

• Deep Tissue Massage
• Lymphatic Drainage
• Swedish Massage
• Structural Integration
• Trigger Point Therapy

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

Physical therapy and rehabilitation aims to improve range of motion, function, and stability. If you are experiencing pain in the neck, back, or legs, physical therapy can help alleviate your distressing symptoms. The muscular system works together, so pain is known to travel throughout the body, despite originating from one main source. Holistic chiropractors understand this and address the pain as a whole-body issue. They understand that healthy movement is the foundation of both physical and mental health, and therefore pain and discomfort in the muscles should be addressed with a holistic, functional approach.

Chiropractic Adjustments

While general chiropractors focus mainly on chiropractic adjustments, they are just another method of treatment offered to patients by a holistic chiropractor. While spinal and joint health is just as important to overall health, they treat chiropractic adjustments as just another modality of treatment in holistic chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments improve posture and range of motion while reducing pain and tension. Healthy, consistent movement is crucial for overall physical, psychological, and cognitive health!

Should you see a Holistic Chiropractor?

Are you feeling pain, tension, or stiffness in your body? Do you find it hard to fully unwind? Do you hold onto stress? Is your range of motion, flexibility, and strength not where they should be? Visiting a holistic chiropractor may be the right choice for you. Taking an inclusive approach to your symptoms can award you long-lasting relief and sustainable recovery. A holistic chiropractor looks at the entire individual and their lifestyle, customizing the right plan of action based on their needs and symptoms. Get the relief you deserve and consider visiting a holistic chiropractor today.

Conclusion — What Does a Holistic Chiropractor Do?

Taking care of your health is important, but choosing the right medical professional based on your needs can be daunting. With so many different modalities of treatment out there, you may not be sure where to start and that’s okay. A holistic chiropractor can meet you where you are at and develop a treatment plan that encompasses all your symptoms and areas of concern. Holistic chiropractors utilize non-traditional modes of treatment that your standard chiropractor might not even offer. While these treatments might not be right for everyone, they might just leave you feeling better than ever before. Give holistic chiropractic care a chance today.