The New Age of Chiropractic Care:
Bridging Tradition and Evidence-Based Practice
- Dr Bradley Ingram, Doctor of Chiropractic
Chiropractic care has long been associated with spinal adjustments and manual therapies, but the field has evolved significantly. Today’s chiropractors embrace a holistic, evidence-based approach that goes beyond traditional spinal manipulation. This shift reflects a broader trend in healthcare, integrating various techniques to provide tailored, comprehensive care.
Functional movement rehab for hip pain.
As a chiropractor in this "new age" model, I incorporate elements from sports therapy, rehabilitation, and movement science. While spinal adjustments are a valuable tool, they are just one part of the care I offer. My aim is to help patients manage pain, improve well-being, and enhance performance—whether they’re athletes, office workers, or anyone seeking to move pain-free.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating neuromusculoskeletal disorders—conditions affecting the nerves, muscles, and joints. While spinal adjustments are commonly used, chiropractic care does not involve realigning the spine, which is not evidence-based. Instead, chiropractors work to improve function by addressing musculoskeletal dysfunctions through manual therapies and patient-specific interventions.
The profession has evolved, with greater emphasis on evidence-based practice. Modern chiropractors often integrate rehabilitation exercises, soft tissue therapies, and lifestyle advice, aiming for long-lasting results beyond short-term pain relief.
The New Age of Chiropractors
Chiropractic care today is far more comprehensive than the traditional image many people hold. Modern chiropractors, like myself, are trained in a range of techniques and often possess additional qualifications in areas like sports therapy and physical training. This allows us to approach patient care holistically, tailoring treatments to individual needs.
For example, I work with athletes, weekend warriors, and office workers who suffer from pain or stiffness. While a spinal adjustment might provide immediate relief, true recovery and wellness require addressing the root causes of issues. This is where rehab exercises and movement correction come into play, ensuring long-term health benefits.
How Chiropractic Can Help You
Chiropractic care can benefit a wide range of people, from those with acute injuries to those managing chronic conditions. Some common conditions chiropractic care can help with include:
Lower back pain: Adjustments and rehab exercises can relieve tension and improve spinal function.
Neck pain: Chiropractic care can help restore mobility and reduce pain caused by posture, stress, or injury.
Headaches: Tension in the upper spine and neck can contribute to headaches, which chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate.
Sports injuries: Athletes benefit from chiropractic care for injury prevention and recovery, with techniques improving mobility and reducing future injury risk.
What sets modern chiropractic care apart is its adaptability. Whether you’re an office worker with poor posture or an athlete seeking to optimise performance, chiropractic care offers tailored solutions. By integrating spinal adjustments, rehab exercises, and lifestyle advice, chiropractors today help patients move better, feel better, and stay well.
A Holistic Approach to Health
The chiropractic philosophy has always focused on supporting the body’s ability to heal itself. Today’s chiropractors take a more holistic view, looking beyond the spine to address how the entire body functions and how we can promote optimal movement and well-being.
In my practice, this means addressing not just immediate symptoms but also the factors contributing to discomfort, such as posture and movement habits. By tackling these underlying issues, we can help patients build long-term health and resilience.
In conclusion, chiropractic care today is about more than spinal adjustments. It’s about helping people understand their bodies, improve movement, and achieve lasting wellness. With a blend of manual therapy, rehabilitation, and a holistic approach, chiropractors like myself are part of a new era in healthcare, focusing on the individual as a whole.