What Common Myths About Physical Therapy Do Chiropractors Often Correct?
Chiropractor Experts
What Common Myths About Physical Therapy Do Chiropractors Often Correct?
Think you know everything about chiropractic care? Think again. In this enlightening article, a Doctor and a Chiropractor address common myths that patients often believe. With four expert insights, the discussion starts with how chiropractic care enhances overall health and concludes with the proactive nature of spinal care.
- Chiropractic Care Enhances Overall Health
- Chiropractic Adjustments Are Safe
- Spinal Care Is Proactive Health
- Healing Pain Doesn't Require External Help
Chiropractic Care Enhances Overall Health
One common myth I frequently debunk is that chiropractic care is only for back pain. In my book, The Wellness Approach, I explain that chiropractic care goes beyond pain relief; it focuses on enhancing overall health by addressing the nervous system and improving body function.
I educate patients that by aligning the spine, we can positively influence various bodily functions, including digestion, sleep, and even immune response. This holistic approach helps them understand that chiropractic care is a powerful tool for achieving and maintaining long-term wellness.
Chiropractic Adjustments Are Safe
One common myth I frequently debunk is that chiropractic adjustments are dangerous or can cause injury. I explain to patients that chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive treatment that focuses on proper spinal alignment to support the body's natural healing. I reassure them that chiropractors undergo extensive training in anatomy and spinal health. Adjustments are tailored to the individual's needs and are gentle, with a focus on enhancing function and reducing pain, not forcing movements.
Spinal Care Is Proactive Health
One of the myths about chiropractic care that I frequently debunk is that getting adjusted is addictive. There is no such thing. Taking care of your spine should be seen as a proactive approach to staying healthy. Additionally, keeping your body aligned is critical to overall health.
Healing Pain Doesn't Require External Help
A myth I constantly debunk—not just in chiropractic but across all conservative treatments (chiropractic, physiotherapy, osteopathy, massage therapy, acupuncture, etc.)—is that patients mistakenly come to us to "heal" their pain or injury. I have to make it clear: when it comes to neuromusculoskeletal pain, the body doesn't need external help to repair tissue damage from a sprain or an "itis" (whether tendon, bursa, capsule, etc.). We are here to accelerate your return to movement and help you become more active and independent. This, in turn, empowers patients to make active decisions (aerobic activities, strength training, returning to work), which ultimately promotes optimal healing.
Lastly, it's important to remind patients that just because an injury has healed doesn't mean the pain will completely disappear. Pain can persist after full recovery, especially if the patient continues to engage in "yellow-flag" behaviors—avoiding certain positions, movements, or activities out of fear of worsening their condition. These negative thoughts drive negative changes, which, over time, can hypersensitize an area that was previously injured, increasing the risk of developing chronic pain.
