What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a specific treatment applied by Chiropractors. This form of treatment is also known as Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy (CMT) however it may only be performed by a Chiropractor. There are some similar treatment techniques that may be applied by Osteopathic Doctors (Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy) and / or Physical Therapists (Manual Therapy Mobilization), however the only professional that is allowed to treat using Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy is a chiropractor. There are some significant differences between Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy and Manual Therapy Mobilization and Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy.
Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy is being phased out every day this technique may only be performed by Doctors of Osteopathy or a D.O. In most regions of the U.S. you will struggle to find a DO that will even perform this treatment since most D.O.s choose to specialize away from Family Practice and physical medicine. The other reason for most D.O.s moving away from this treatment is they only receive one course in this style of treatment and the philosophy behind the treatment has been proven wrong (performing manipulation to improve blood flow shows little scientific validation).
Manual Therapy Mobilization performed by a Physical Therapist again is different from Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy since it is typically performed with more of a muscle energy focus and is not allowed to be performed to achieve a neurological benefit. Chiropractic adjustments are quite unique in that they increase joint mobility to the point of stimulating a nervous system impulse that helps to reduce pain, inflammation, and allows communication between the brain and body to occur easier. Although this is the formal definition of an adjustment, chiropractors differ in the application of this treatment in fact there are over 200 different ways for chiropractors to perform the same treatment. This is how chiropractic offices in Chippewa Falls can differ so much and why Reilly Chiropractic stands above the rest. Please review the Why Us section for the significant differences between our office and all the other chiropractors.