A Chiropractor's Perspective on Holistic Healthcare

Posted by Dr. Matthew Alch on March 4th, 2024

As a local Sydney chiropractor, I've dedicated my career to understanding the human body, how we function, and I’m deeply passionate about the transformative power of chiropractic care in enhancing health and wellbeing.

Chiropractic is more than a profession to me; it's a calling to support individuals in achieving optimal health through natural, holistic approaches. This discipline, grounded in the intricate relationship between the spine and overall health, offers a unique pathway to healing without reliance on medication or invasive procedures.

Through years of practice, I've witnessed firsthand the remarkable ways in which chiropractic care may help patients to heal and thrive. Let’s discuss the core principles of chiropractic care, its wide-ranging benefits, and the profound impact it can have on addressing musculoskeletal symptoms.

First, what is chiropractic care?

Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

The cornerstone of chiropractic practice is the chiropractic adjustment or manipulation, aiming to restore joint mobility through manually applying a controlled force to joints that have become hypomobile – or restricted in their movement – as a result of injury, poor posture or degeneration.

Injuries to tissues can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as the improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period.

In both cases, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function.

Chiropractic adjustments of the affected joint and tissues aims to restore mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, and allowing the tissues to heal.

Chiropractic care is based on the principle that the body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism. The body's structure, particularly the spine, and its function are closely related, and this relationship affects health. Chiropractic treatment aims to normalise this relationship between structure and function and assist the body as it heals.

Holistic care

As a chiropractor, my approach to patient care is holistic. I recognise that many factors affect health, including exercise, diet, rest, environment, and how we work.

Chiropractic care focuses on addressing musculoskeletal issues naturally, to avoid the need for drugs or surgery whenever possible. We consider the patient as a whole, and offer specific treatment plans tailored to individual needs, focusing not only on symptomatic relief but also on preventive strategies to ensure reductions in pain and improvements in function.

So, what happens during a chiropractic visit?

The journey into chiropractic care often begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed history and a physical examination. We may utilise diagnostic imaging techniques like X-rays or MRIs to get a clearer picture of your condition. This thorough assessment helps us to understand your unique health status and to formulate a customised care plan.

Chiropractic adjustments are the most well-known technique, but it is just one of many tools at our disposal.

• We also use mobilisation techniques to increase the range of motion within a joint,
• Soft tissue techniques like massage to improve muscle function, and
• rehabilitative exercises to strengthen muscles and improve posture.

Additionally, we provide lifestyle advice to help patients make healthier choices that support their spinal health, including ergonomic recommendations to optimise work and home environments.

Commonly helped conditions

One of the most rewarding aspects of chiropractic care is its general effectiveness in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

While many people initially seek chiropractic care for relief from back pain, neck pain, and headaches, the benefits often extend much further.

Conditions such as shoulder pain, sports injuries, bulging discs, and even certain types of knee pain can respond well to chiropractic treatments.

The goal is always to address the underlying cause of the problem, not just to alleviate symptoms, which leads to more lasting and meaningful improvements in health.

Chiropractic and collaboration

Chiropractic care is also about collaboration. We often work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure that our patients receive the most comprehensive care possible.

Whether it's coordinating with a GP for a patient with chronic conditions or referring to a specialist when necessary, our focus is always on what's best for the patient.

Key takeaways

• Holistic health focus: Emphasises the holistic approach of chiropractic care in treating musculoskeletal disorders and its impact on overall health.
• Comprehensive care: Outlines various chiropractic treatments including adjustments, mobilisation, and lifestyle advice for preventive care and wellness.
• Patient-centred approach: Highlights collaboration with healthcare professionals and personalised treatment plans for effective, lasting health outcomes.

Chiropractic care has helped many of my patients, and it's a privilege to witness these changes firsthand. Whether you're dealing with acute pain, chronic conditions, or simply seeking to address that persistent musculoskeletal symptom, chiropractic care may be a pathway to better health.

Disclaimer: This article is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.