For over 120 years, the chiropractic profession has developed and evolved to become one of the largest and fastest growing health care fields in the world. By treating the spine, we improve the function of the nervous system found inside it. A properly functioning spine means a properly functioning nervous system. Without a healthy nervous system, you can’t have a healthy body. However, in recent years extremity adjusting has become an important and integral part of chiropractic.
First, we must define what the extremity joints are. The extremities are any joints outside of the spine and pelvis. The extremities include, the temporomandibular joint, rib joints, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands, hips, knees, ankles and feet. Any joint of the body has the capability to subluxate, or misalign. These subluxations do not necessarily affect the nervous system, but they do have a very real impact on the body’s mechanics. As a profession of neuromusculoskeletal experts, chiropractors are highly qualified to deal with these issues.
Some of the issues that chiropractic may be able to help with extremity adjusting are:
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) prob, WMS
- Rib subluxations
- Shoulder pain
- Elbow pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Knee pain
- Ankle pain
- Plantar fasciitis
The aim of extremity adjusting is to return the joint to normal biomechanics, so that the musculoskeletal system can function properly. Indirectly, this will help the greater chiropractic goal of good spinal health. Poor extremity mechanics will cause the body to compensate and move physical stress onto the neighbouring healthy joints. By taking care of the extremities we are taking care of the spine.
Not all chiropractors choose to treat the extremities. You need to find a chiropractor that does so. Dr. Hare at Pure Chiropractic has extensive experience in dealing with extremity issues. In his career he has had the honour or treating some of the English national rugby team (the Lions), a world number two ranked cyclist, an international gymnast, some of the UKs top body builders, the three time Canadian junior football champion team, and even a Britain’s strongest man competitor! But even more importantly, he has great experience in taking care of the everyday athlete and regular person. A big part of his practice has been dealing with extremity issues. You are in good hands at Pure Chiropractic.
