What conservative treatments for pain do Chiropractors and physical therapist typically use?

Effective conservative treatments for musculoskeletal related pain that you will most often find in the chiropractic or physical therapy clinic include:

• Spinal manipulative therapy (AKA "an adjustment") - this involves the application of accurately determined and specifically directed manual forces to the body with the intent to improve mobility in areas that are restricted whether the restrictions are within joints, in connective tissues, or in skeletal muscles. 
• Soft tissue therapy (AKA "massage") - though massage is commonly interchanged with soft tissue therapy the two are not synonymous. This involves some form of hands on or instrument-assisted means of improving the flexibility of soft tissues; things like, muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, etc.
• Traction - this involves mechanical stretching apart of two structures over either a short or long period of time with the intent to decrease contracture, improve disc fluid absorption, reduce muscle spasm, increase nerve root canal size, and increase circulation to the nerve root and spine.
• Hydrotherapy (AKA "hot and cold") - this involves the direct application of heat or cold, usually ice,  to allow for pain relief, blood vessel changes, reduced inflammation and increase relaxation. The clinical effectiveness of operating temperatures for heat is 140°-160° Fahrenheit and for cold is 50°-60° Fahrenheit.
• Functional Strength Training (AKA "FST") - this is the means of engaging the body in a variety of strength challenges in multiple positions to effective train the small stabilization muscles as well as the large primary movement muscles to improve movement patterns, increase tissue load capacity making them more resilient to injury, and reduce muscle imbalances.
• Low Level Light Therapy (AKA "laser" or LLLT) - this is a fast-growing technology used to treat a multitude of conditions that require stimulation of healing, relief of pain and inflammation, and restoration of function. Typical it is achieved using red and near-infrared wavelengths.
• Ultrasound - this incorporates soundwaves through a patient's skin and tissues to reduce adhesions, fibrosis, and increase molecular and fluid movement. It can also be used to administer therapeutic topical agents to deliver benefits directly to the local injured tissue.
• Electrotherapy - this can include a variety of treatments such as electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), diathermy (microwave), interferential electrical currents, low volt and high volt galvanic currents, and microcurrents. All of these have different clinical outcome goals in mind but generally the target goal is increased tissue healing, pain relief, muscle relaxation, decreased swelling, and decreased inflammation.

Of course, there exists other conservative treatment options like nutritional needs analysis, topical analgesics, acupuncture, brain based therapy, hypobaric oxygen therapy, etc. However, the list above is what most often what a Chiropractor or physical therapist might recommend to you. Before you decide which treatment or combination of treatments you decide to go with, it is important for you to be an equal team member in the decision making process of your own health.

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Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.