When do I need rehabilitation therapy?
If you have suffered an injury or trauma that limits your motion or impairs the healthy functioning of your body, you may be a candidate for rehabilitation therapy.
While injuries are most common in people who engage in high-risk competitive sports, any recreational activity puts you at risk for straining or injuring your spine, joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other body tissues.
Chiropractic medicine can treat both acute injuries (those that have recently occurred) and subacute injuries (those whose effects have persisted for up to two months). Some common reasons for seeking rehabilitation therapy are:
- Lower back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Head trauma
- Injured or dislocated joints
- Sprained or strained ligaments and tendons
Can I treat my injury myself?
As soon as you or your children are injured or suffer any trauma, you should begin treatment to minimize the impact of the injury. Minor injuries, such as sprains and strains, can be treated with the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Minor injuries to the head, neck, or spine, or injuries whose pain persists after RICE should receive immediate medical care. Severe injuries should receive immediate medical attention.
How does a chiropractor perform rehabilitation therapy?
When aiming to restore function and health to the body after an acute or subacute injury, Dr. Brock approaches each case on an individual basis. To help your body achieve homeostasis — the state in which all aspects of body and mind work together to help the body heal itself — he may apply the following techniques:
- Traction: to decompress the spine, allowing it to heal
- Massage therapy: to boost circulation and aid in the healing of soft-tissue injuries
- Ultrasound therapy: to deeply stimulate the muscles and soft tissues
- Percussion therapy: to stimulate healing in the body
- Chiropractic adjustments: to restore healthy alignment to the spine
- Nutritional support: to aid the body’s healing powers
He may also provide you with at-home exercises and strengthening plans.
When should I see a chiropractor after an injury?
If you are engaged in high-risk activities, Dr. Brock recommends regular chiropractic adjustments to help keep your body in homeostasis, reducing the chance of injury. If you suffer an acute, severe injury or trauma, or experience dizziness or nausea after the injury, you should seek medical care immediately.
If your injury is mild but interferes with functioning, or if the results of a treated acute injury persist, Dr. Brock is happy to consult with you. During your consultation, he evaluates your injury, makes recommendations for treatment, and advises you on lifestyle adjustments to help keep your body healthy and strong no matter what activities it performs.
