Chiropractic adjustments help realign joints, relieve pressure, and improve the body’s overall function and wellness. If you’re new to chiropractic care, what to expect before and after chiropractic adjustments can be worrisome – will it hurt, how should you prepare, what is the recovery period like? (Hint: most patients feel immediate relief and athletes see better sports activity following their appointment)
Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or a student, we’re here to make sure you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way and make chiropractic care more accessible. Chiropractic adjustments aren’t just about cracking backs or relieving pain; they help restore the body to its natural state, improving performance and overall well-being.
Learn what to expect before and after chiropractic adjustments so you can prepare for your first appointment.
What is a Chiropractic Adjustment
A chiropractic adjustment is when a chiropractor uses their hands or a small tool to apply controlled force to your spine or other parts of your body. This helps to realign your joints and improve your body’s function.
At Elite Chiropractic and Sport, we use adjustments to help you feel better, move more easily, and even perform better in sports and daily life. Adjustments are helpful for many conditions, from sore backs to headaches, and are especially popular with athletes who want to prevent injuries and stay in top form.
What to Know Before Your First Chiropractic Adjustment
Before your first appointment, you may be wondering: How can I prepare for a chiropractic adjustment? The good news is, chiropractic appointments require little preparation. Here’s what to expect before a chiropractic appointment:
Step 1: The Consultation
When you come to Elite Chiropractic and Sport, our chiropractors will get to know you and your wellness goals. We’ll ask about any pain or discomfort you’re feeling, your health history, and your goals.
We work with everyone from athletes who are looking to prevent injuries to clients who want to improve overall wellness and body mobility. This consultation helps us understand what’s going on with your body, your daily lifestyles, and how our adjustments can best help you.
Step 2: Physical Exam
Next up, we’ll do a quick physical exam. This may include checking your posture, testing how well you move, and looking for any sore or tender spots.
Sometimes, we’ll do a few simple strength and flexibility tests to see how well your body moves and functions. This part is painless and gives us a clearer picture of how we can help you and where your body needs extra care and attention.
Step 3: Reviewing Your Treatment Plan
Based on your consultation and exam, we’ll create a treatment plan just for you. This plan will outline how many sessions we recommend, what types of adjustments or therapies we might use, and any other tips to help you reach your goals.
For athletes, this may include extra exercises or stretches for injury prevention. For everyone, we’ll aim to help you feel better and more energized! We take into account your budget, goals, timeline, daily activities, and general lifestyle and existing habits.
During the Chiropractic Adjustment
After the consultation, we can begin with the recommended treatment plan. We’ll review any modalities we recommend so you know what to expect during treatment. The good news is that chiropractic adjustments are relatively quick and often provide immediate relief.
Getting Comfortable: You’ll sit or lie down on a special table designed for chiropractic adjustments. If you feel nervous or unsure, tell us! We’re here to help you relax. Loose clothing is recommended, along with a sports bra for women.
The Adjustment: For standard adjustments to the spine, neck, or shoulders, your chiropractor will apply gentle force using their hands. You may hear or feel a “popping” sensation that is completely normal.
For adjustments on the arms, legs, or other body parts, a small tool may be used to help relieve pressure. Adjustments do not hurt although some people experience brief discomfort during the application of the pressure from the hands or instrument.
Feeling the Results: After an adjustment, many people feel immediate relief. Some people may feel a little sore afterward. Don’t worry; this is normal and goes away within a day or two. Your chiropractor will review with you any at home exercises to help with the mobility and pain relief between your next appointment.
What to Expect After Your Chiropractic Adjustment
Just as important as the adjustment itself is what happens afterward. Here are a few things you can expect after your chiropractic appointment:
1. Feeling Different (In a Good Way!)
Many people notice they feel lighter, taller, or even have more energy. Some experience immediate pain relief, while others may need a few adjustments to feel the full benefits. Remember, your body is adjusting to its new alignment, so it might take a bit of time to feel the best results.
2. Taking it Easy
We recommend taking it easy after your first few adjustments. Avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise, as your body may still be adjusting to the new alignment. A gentle walk, some stretching, or other light activities are okay and can actually help reinforce the benefits. Your chiropractor will review the best activity level for you.
3. Staying Hydrated
Drinking water is always important, especially after an adjustment. Staying hydrated helps your muscles relax and recover faster. It’s a small step that can make a big difference! Try to avoid sugary drinks and stick with water whenever possible.
4. Following Up with Exercises and Stretches
At Elite Chiropractic and Sport, we like to give our patients exercises or stretches to support their recovery and help keep their bodies strong. You can preview a sample of our PT exercises with simple demonstrations so you know what to expect.
If you’re an athlete, these moves can also help you build strength and flexibility, preventing injuries. We’ll make sure the exercises are easy to remember and fit into your routine. We adjust physical therapy exercises to the level of our patients.
5. Attending Future Appointments
Chiropractic care often works best when you go to multiple sessions. Just like brushing your teeth every day keeps them healthy, regular adjustments keep your body in top shape. For some people, this might mean weekly or monthly visits, while others may need more or fewer adjustments based on their unique needs.
How Chiropractic Adjustments Help Athletes
Athletes have specific goals when it comes to chiropractic care. Whether you’re a runner, soccer player, or gymnast, chiropractic adjustments can improve your flexibility, strength, and focus. By helping your body stay aligned, adjustments can reduce the risk of injuries, improve balance, and even speed up recovery after tough workouts or competitions.
If you’re looking to gain an edge or just want to play your sport pain-free, chiropractic care can be a game-changer. At Elite Chiropractic and Sport, our chiropractic adjustments may also include the application of the Graston Technique, Active Release Technique, compression boots for leg recovery, or game-ready ice therapy in extreme cases.
Common Questions About Chiropractic Care
Does an adjustment hurt?
No, most people feel a sense of relief, and the adjustment is quick and gentle. The popping sounds can seem strange, but they’re harmless and part of the process.
How long does an appointment take?
Most appointments are between 15 to 30 minutes. If it’s your first visit, it may take a bit longer because of the initial consultation and exam.
Will I feel sore after my adjustment?
Some people feel a little sore, like they had a good workout, especially after their first adjustment. This soreness goes away within a day or two.
Can kids and teens get chiropractic adjustments?
Absolutely! Chiropractic care is safe for all ages. In fact, kids and teens who play sports can benefit from adjustments to prevent injuries and improve flexibility.
How often should I get adjusted?
It varies from person to person. For some, once a month is enough, while others—especially athletes—may need adjustments more often.
Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care, but it’s always good to check with your provider. We’re here to help with any questions.
Schedule Your First Chiropractic Appointment in Columbia, MD
Chiropractic care is a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. Whether you’re an athlete or just looking for ways to feel your best, chiropractic adjustments can support your goals. At Elite Chiropractic and Sport, we’re committed to helping our patients of all ages feel empowered, confident, and ready to take on life with a healthy, aligned body.
FAQ
Can adjustments really help with my sports performance?
Yes! Chiropractic adjustments help your body move more freely and efficiently, making it easier to perform well. Many athletes find that chiropractic care helps them stay injury-free and recover faster.
What if I’m scared of the “popping” sound?
We understand that it can be surprising! The sound is just gas bubbles releasing in the joint and isn’t painful. Your chiropractor can explain each step to help you feel more comfortable.
Can I work out after my adjustment?
We will review the best activity level for you following an adjustment to stay on top of your training without risking any further injury.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes, chiropractic adjustments are safe when done by trained professionals like our chiropractors at Elite Chiropractic and Sport. We’re here to ensure you’re comfortable and well taken care of.
Do adjustments work right away?
Some people feel immediate relief, while others notice improvement over a few visits. Everyone’s body is different, and we’ll work with you to find what’s best for you!
About the Author
Dr. Bross is the owner of Elite Chiropractic and Sport. He serves as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. His unique approach to individualized patient care is based on the evaluation and treatment of the “whole” person.
Dr. Bross is a leader in the promotion of health and wellness. He has accumulated an extensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal and nutritional components of the human body. He is skilled in the Graston Technique, Active Release Technique, and Sports Medicine.
