Having a healthy lifestyle includes the ability to move freely. But if you have a tight and misaligned back, shoulder or neck, it means you probably do not have a full range of motion – and the quality of your life may not be as good.
Range of motion is important for the mobility of the entire body, and when you can’t move properly, you’ll probably experience pain and discomfort, and won’t be able to use your body and joints as you used to.
If you have problems with your motion, basic daily activities like brushing your teeth, tying your shoes, putting on pants or only walking at your house becomes a problem. The problem can be in your shoulders, neck, back, knee, cervical, ankle or any body joint that is restricted.
And you probably won’t notice the joint working, but you notice them the moment they stop moving properly and start to cause pain, swelling, stiffness and tightness.
So, what is the range of motion?
This term is used to measure the movement around a joint or a body part, typically expressed in degrees. It’s related and tied to flexibility – the range of motion around the joint. Range of motion is useful in understanding how well you’re able to move your body parts without experiencing pain or discomfort.
If you suffer from any injury or trauma, or any kind of medical problem, you can have your range of motion limited. A lot of patients with back, neck or shoulder pain feel tightness, stiffness and soreness in those areas, and over time become unable to move their body parts freely – making it more difficult to live and do basic routine activities of daily living.
It’s pretty important to understand range of motion, so you can have the proper treatment for you, and tell your chiropractor what has changed over the years – and they can help you improve that.
There are other causes to constrict range of motion, such as:
- Age;
- Obesity;
- Wear and tear of the joints;
- Pregnancy;
- Injuries or accidents;
- Joint diseases.
There are other causes, but those are some that we’ve seen a lot here in Prestige.
How can chiropractic care help with range of motion?
Chiropractors are specialists in motion and improving mobility. That’s not easy or simple, it’ll depend on your condition and the causes of your pain and limited range of motion. A treatment plan will be traced for your specific needs.
But with a routine of a few exercises and manipulations your range of motion could be restored and your pain and stiffness can diminish or go away. But how exactly does chiropractic care help?
Chiropractic care works with a few different treatment options and is a form of a manual therapy, using the hands and other special instruments to deliver a proper treatment. Chiropractors don’t prescribe medication and don’t do surgery. But they are licensed to prescribe exercises and other therapies to help you restore your range of motion, including:
- Joint mobilization: the joint works through its natural range of motion, looking for places where movement may be restricted.
- Stretching Therapeutic Exercises and Massage: to help with the flexibility and the stiffness.
- Heat and cold therapies: to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Adjustments: by pushing the joint usually in the spine with one or more quick and forceful thrusts.
So, chiropractors use the spinal adjustments and manipulations to restore and realign the joints to reduce pain and restore the range of motion, as well as improve flexibility, balance and coordination.
If you’re experiencing any kind of pain or trouble with your range of motion, you should start thinking of Chiropractic Care as a treatment option for you. Here at Prestige, we have a specialized team to assist you in your whole journey to wealth.
Book an appointment with us right now and take the next step to a healthier lifestyle.
