CHIROPRACTIC OR FSWT THERAPY - WHAT TO DO AND WHEN?

However, every subluxation, even the mildest joint misplacement, disrupts the normal functioning of the nervous system, making their correction of immeasurable importance.

One of the most common consequences of subluxation leading patients to us is a herniated disc, but cases of arthritis, ossification, disc, vertebrae, and ligament deformities are not rare either. In these situations, we evaluate which protocol will best suit the individual case, often involving a combination of FSWT therapy and chiropractic care.

Patients approaching us for help regarding restricted movement and musculoskeletal pain primarily undergo a comprehensive examination at the Fizionova Center, where a tailored recovery protocol is established to fit their individual cases.

Chiropractic treatments are typically applied together or after focused shockwave therapy (FSWT). FSWT is employed during the acute and most painful phase of the injury when rapid pain reduction is necessary. It can also be used in the subacute phase when the pain is already somewhat reduced.

The application of focused shockwave therapy depends on the type of injury. In the case of a patient with a herniated disc, the focus will primarily be on the resorption of the part of the disc pressing on the nerve. However, if it's an injury to tendons, muscles, bones, fascia, cartilage, or skin, the most crucial effect provided by FSWT is in tissue remodelling and repair, namely tissue regeneration.

However, in cases of calcification, FSWT performs complete resorption, removing the calcification. Calcification can occur in the elbow joint, in the tissue around the patella (kneecap), or in the tendons of the shoulder joint.

Regarding Chiropractic (repositioning), it is usually conducted towards the end of therapy. In certain cases, if the patient's condition, injury severity, and duration allow it, chiropractic treatments are introduced earlier. Repositioning or chiropractic treatment provides neurophysiological balance in the patient. In severe cases, the effects can be dramatic. For instance, for patients suffering from severe pain and other symptoms such as strong dizziness, persistent headaches, and similar symptoms that completely disrupt their daily functioning, thanks to the adjustments offered by chiropractic care, significant improvement in the quality of life can be achieved to an extent that other branches of conventional and alternative medicine couldn't accomplish.

What is chiropractic and for which issues is it commonly applied?

There seems to be a widespread misconception among people that chiropractors are visited to have their spine aligned and joints cracked, followed by instant improvement. This is true, but it represents just a small aspect of chiropractic care.

A chiropractor actually identifies subluxations to adjust. They can be felt as tightness, restricted movement, or pain, and sometimes, they may even be completely imperceptible. In short, chiropractic therapy is where a chiropractic specialist uses their hands to alleviate bone, muscle, and joint problems in the patient.

Chiropractors are experts in the musculoskeletal system and are specifically trained to assess, diagnose, treat, and prevent biomechanical disorders originating from the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems.

Which issues can be treated?

Chiropractic treatments can generally help with muscle and joint pains, such as:

• back pain
• neck pain
• shoulder pain
• elbow pain
• osteoarthritis pain

Apart from treating the musculoskeletal system, chiropractic care can contribute to the treatment of issues with extremities, long-term headaches, and even jaw joint pain.

What techniques are used?

Chiropractors use various techniques for treating muscle and joint issues. These techniques can be:

• spinal manipulation: during spinal manipulation, force is applied to the muscles, bones, and spinal joints
• mobilization and joint manipulation: gradual movement (“adjustment”) of joints into different positions, as well as gentle joint movements to increase the range of motion
• stretching or elongating muscles in various directions

Are the treatments painful?

A chiropractic treatment is usually not painful, but some people may feel a little discomfort. Adjustments, or joint manipulations, do not cause painful sensations. In fact, many patients report instant pain relief. What some patients may notice as discomfort is a sound similar to “popping” that can occur during adjustments. It is believed that this sound is due to the release of gas bubbles from the joint—similar to when you crack your knuckles.

Is there a difference between physical therapy and chiropractic?

While chiropractic focuses on the nervous, skeletal system, and the muscles enabling movement, physical therapy involves a comprehensive treatment of the entire body, with a particular focus on the area of injury. Physical therapists assist in restoring strength, mobility, range of motion, and endurance in addition to treating the injured area.

Physiotherapists are trained to perform many of the same things chiropractors can but with more knowledge and a wider range of services. Well-trained physiotherapists can perform acupuncture, acupressure, massage, cryotherapy, and exercises that stabilize your body. Additionally, through recovery protocols, physiotherapists can use ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation therapy, laser therapy, and more. Physiotherapists can create specialized programs tailored to you to help you recover and get back on your feet quickly. They can teach you how to adjust movement and can provide recommendations for targeted exercises you can do independently.

When is it necessary to visit a physiatrist if you have a herniated disc, and when to visit a chiropractor?

For a precise diagnosis and therapy recommendation, it's best to first consult with a specialist in physiatry. They will conduct a detailed examination and diagnostic analysis (for a herniated disc, magnetic resonance imaging is the best diagnostic tool for suspected disc areas). The physiatrist will then recommend the most effective therapy for your case, including involving a chiropractor if they deem it necessary.