How’s this for some sobering news – the leading cause of disability among adults in the US can be attributed to joint pain, and some 30% of US adults say they deal with some kind of joint pain in any given 30 days.
The fact is, life wears away at our joints. Every day, we inflict mini traumas on our joints just by using our bodies. It adds up, and the pay-off can be serious aches, pains and inflammation. Now here’s the good news – chiropractic care can help.
Understanding protocols and phases for joint health and soft-tissue injuries is an important first step.
The first phase, known as the acute phase, usually lasts around 72 hours. The goal should be to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. Phase two is the repair and remodeling phase. It begins on day four and can run up to around the eight-week mark. The final phase is wellness and prevention. The purpose during this phase is optimal tissue remodeling to support continued wellness and reduce the risk of re-injury and degeneration.
So where does the chiropractor come in?
During the acute phase, a chiropractic adjustment can reduce inflammation and take some of the pressure off your nerves, which expedites healing time. An experienced chiropractor may also make nutritional supplementation recommendations. Nutrients to alleviate swelling, for example, can help reduce pain and inflammation. During your visit, your chiropractor can also begin tissue repair with therapeutic chiropractic manipulation.
In phase two, chiropractic care can alleviate symptoms of continued pain and inflammation, improve range of motion and encourage continued tissue repair. Again, nutritional supplements designed to aid soft-tissue repair may be recommended.
Chiropractic care over the course of healing can:
- minimize time spent in each phase
- reduce the risk of re-injury
- control pain and inflammation
- aid in connective soft tissue remodeling
- provide nutritional support necessary for best results
If you’re suffering from ongoing joint pain – even if you can’t pinpoint a specific injury – you may benefit from chiropractic care. Dr. McSweeney is happy to evaluate your condition and offer recommendations for care. She’ll listen to your concerns and outline a treatment plan so you’re very clear on your options. Learn more about what your first visit to Dr. McSweeney will involve, and schedule your appointment now.