Welcome to the Chiropractic Services Glossary page at AZ Holistic Health Center, your go-to resource for understanding the terminology and techniques commonly used in chiropractic care. Whether you’re new to chiropractic services or seeking to deepen your knowledge, this glossary is designed to provide clarity and insight into the diverse range of treatments offered by our experienced chiropractors.

Enjoy our chiropractic services glossary:

  1. Adjustment: An adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is a manual therapy technique used by chiropractors to apply controlled force to joints of the spine or other parts of the body. The goal of an adjustment is to improve joint mobility, alleviate pain, and restore proper function.
  2. Subluxation: Subluxation refers to a misalignment or dysfunction of the vertebrae in the spine, which may cause interference with the nervous system’s ability to function optimally. Chiropractors believe that correcting subluxations through adjustments can help improve overall health and well-being.
  3. Spinal Decompression: Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment method used to relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. It involves gently stretching the spine using a traction device or table to create space between the vertebrae, which can help alleviate symptoms of conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
  4. Soft Tissue Therapy: Soft tissue therapy encompasses a variety of manual techniques used to address issues with muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues. These techniques may include massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and stretching exercises to reduce tension, improve flexibility, and promote healing.
  5. X-ray: X-rays are diagnostic imaging tests commonly used by chiropractors to visualize the structure of the spine and detect any abnormalities, such as fractures, misalignments, or degenerative changes. X-rays help chiropractors assess the condition of the spine and develop appropriate treatment plans.
  6. Electrotherapy: Electrotherapy involves the use of electrical stimulation to treat musculoskeletal pain and promote tissue healing. Common types of electrotherapy used in chiropractic care include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), and ultrasound therapy.
  7. Trigger Point Therapy: Trigger point therapy is a technique used to alleviate muscle pain and tension by applying pressure to specific points, known as trigger points, within the muscles. This helps release knots or tight bands of muscle tissue, improving blood flow and reducing pain.
  8. Activator Method: The Activator Method is a chiropractic technique that uses a handheld instrument called the Activator Adjusting Instrument to deliver precise and controlled adjustments to the spine or joints. This method is gentle and suitable for patients who prefer a low-force approach to chiropractic care.
  9. Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on addressing musculoskeletal issues in infants, children, and adolescents. Chiropractors use gentle techniques to correct spinal misalignments and promote healthy development in pediatric patients.
  10. Geriatric Chiropractic Care: Geriatric chiropractic care is tailored to the unique needs of older adults, addressing age-related issues such as arthritis, joint stiffness, and decreased mobility. Chiropractors may use gentle adjustments and therapeutic exercises to improve mobility and quality of life in elderly patients.
  11. Flexion-Distraction: Flexion-distraction is a chiropractic technique that involves gently stretching the spine using a specialized table that moves in a rhythmic motion. This technique is commonly used to treat conditions such as disc herniation, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.
  12. Drop Table Technique: The drop table technique is a chiropractic method that involves using a special chiropractic table with sections that can be raised or dropped slightly during an adjustment. This technique helps facilitate spinal adjustments with less force and can be beneficial for patients with certain spinal conditions.
  13. Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT): The Sacro-Occipital Technique is a chiropractic method that focuses on the relationship between the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) and the occiput (the bone at the base of the skull). SOT practitioners use gentle adjustments and specialized blocks to correct spinal misalignments and restore balance to the body.
  14. Cervical Manipulation: Cervical manipulation, also known as neck manipulation, is a chiropractic technique that involves applying quick, controlled thrusts to the cervical spine (neck) to improve mobility and relieve neck pain. This technique is commonly used to treat conditions such as whiplash, neck stiffness, and headaches.
  15. Lumbar Manipulation: Lumbar manipulation is a chiropractic technique used to adjust the lumbar spine (lower back) to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore proper alignment. Chiropractors use a combination of hands-on techniques and specialized tools to perform lumbar adjustments safely and effectively.
  16. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM): Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization is a chiropractic technique that uses specialized tools, such as stainless steel instruments, to apply targeted pressure and friction to soft tissues. This helps break up scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve range of motion in affected areas.
  17. Kinesiology Taping: Kinesiology taping is a therapeutic technique that involves applying elastic adhesive tape to the skin to provide support and stability to muscles and joints. This technique is commonly used in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and promote healing.
  18. Nutritional Counseling: Nutritional counseling is an integral part of chiropractic care that focuses on providing patients with guidance and education on healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices. Chiropractors may offer personalized nutritional recommendations to support overall health and wellness.
  19. Rehabilitation Exercises: Rehabilitation exercises are prescribed by chiropractors to help patients strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall function. These exercises are tailored to each patient’s specific needs and may include stretching, strengthening, and stabilization exercises.
  20. Posture Correction: Posture correction involves identifying and addressing poor posture habits that may contribute to musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Chiropractors use a combination of adjustments, exercises, and ergonomic recommendations to help patients improve their posture and prevent future injuries.
  21. Maintenance Care: Maintenance care, also known as wellness care, involves regular chiropractic visits to maintain spinal health and prevent future problems. This proactive approach to healthcare focuses on optimizing function and promoting overall well-being through periodic adjustments and lifestyle recommendations.
  22. Functional Movement Screening (FMS): Functional movement screening is a comprehensive assessment used by chiropractors to evaluate movement patterns, identify imbalances or dysfunctions, and determine the root cause of musculoskeletal issues. FMS helps chiropractors develop targeted treatment plans to address movement deficiencies and improve functional performance.
  23. Gonstead Technique: The Gonstead Technique is a chiropractic method that emphasizes precise analysis and specific adjustments to correct spinal misalignments. This technique uses palpation, X-rays, and other diagnostic tools to identify subluxations and deliver targeted adjustments to restore proper alignment and function.
  24. Graston Technique: The Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that uses stainless steel tools to detect and treat scar tissue, adhesions, and fascial restrictions in muscles and connective tissues. This technique helps reduce pain, improve range of motion, and enhance tissue healing.
  25. Motion Palpation: Motion palpation is a diagnostic technique used by chiropractors to assess joint mobility, identify restrictions, and detect abnormalities in spinal motion. This hands-on approach involves gently moving and palpating the spine to evaluate the quality and range of motion in each segment.

Thank you for exploring the Chiropractic Services Glossary at AZ Holistic Health Center. We hope this resource has been informative and enlightening, providing you with a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of chiropractic care. As you continue your journey to optimal health and wellness, we encourage you to stay informed and empowered, utilizing the knowledge gained from our glossary to make informed decisions about your healthcare.

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