Chiropractic care and osteopathic medicine have gone together like bread and butter for decades.

Osteopathy refers to the treatment of the whole body and specifically the musculoskeletal system. Many osteopaths are specialize in treating low back pain. Chiropractic also focuses on the same things but takes on the additional focus of the nervous system, which flows through our body and can affect several different areas and organs. While Chiropractors correct lower back pain by using spinal manipulation to correct any misalignment’s and relieve nerve pressure.

When chiropractors find subluxations in the spine, they correct them adjusting the affecting area. There are several methods of adjustment, including toggle drop, lumbar roll, and activator. All of the adjustment methods utilize the chiropractor’s hands or special adjustment device and are completely natural and non-invasive. Chiropractors also offer other supplementary treatments including hot/cold therapy, muscle stimulation, and ultrasound.

The two main types of manipulation—osteopathic and chiropractic—are commonly used to treat:

• headaches
• low back pain
• neck pain
• sports injuries.

What is Osteopathic Manipulation?

Osteopathic manipulation is performed by doctors who apply manual pressure or force to treat certain musculoskeletal disorders and to restore overall health in the body. This type of manipulation uses various techniques to specifically address pain associated with your muscles and other soft tissues.

Counter strain technique: This technique helps improve comfort in certain positions and is good for treating muscles spasms and acute muscle pain.

Muscle energy technique: With the muscle energy technique, you’ll move in a specific position and direction against a counter force applied by the doctor.

Soft tissue technique: With this approach, your doctor applies stretching, pressure (trigger points), and traction to the muscles near the spine.

Thrust technique: This technique uses force to restore motion to a joint. The thrust technique is most known for the “cracking” and “popping” sounds your joints make when moved this way.

What is Chiropractic Manipulation?

Chiropractic manipulation—also known as spinal manipulation and chiropractic adjustment—is a very common treatment for low back pain and neck pain. It involves realigning the joints and moving them within or beyond their normal range of motion. This treatment is also commonly used to reduce muscle spasms and alleviate pressure on your spinal nerves. Chiropractic manipulation involves a couple of key techniques.

Low-velocity adjustments: This approach applies slow stretching, pulling, or pushing forces.

High-velocity adjustments: With this technique, the chiropractor applies firm pressure and moves the joint through its full range of motion and then delivers a quick manual thrust in a precise direction to increase joint mobility. The number of osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation sessions or massages you need depends on the severity of your pain and other symptoms. At Physioshine Physio rehab, our doctor/chiropractor will let you know how many treatment sessions are right for you to help you manage your pain.