Don't like the "crack" in chiropractic??

It's called a lot of different things...

...the "crack"...

...the "audible"...

...in chiropractic terms, we call it the adjustment and it is the fundamental base of what we do...

"...yeah, but what does it actually do??"

...the chiropractic adjustment is specifically to remove what is referred to as a subluxation. A subluxation is traditionally considered a joint (anywhere in the body, it does not have to be the spine) that has an unfavourably altered movement pattern. A chiropractic adjustment should restore that joint to a normal movement pattern, but it often does more than that...chiropractic adjustments have been shown to decrease muscular tension, increase the range of motion of the joint adjusted, decrease pain and have a positive affect on muscular strength.

"...okay, all of that is great...but what makes that sound??"

...the "crack" sound it caused when the joint is taken into the paraphysiological space:

As shown by the diagram above, this means that the joint is taken to the end of it's passive range of motion (without active help from the patient) - and then a quick, small amplitude movement is a applied to the joint...this action is known as the chiropractic adjustment...

"...okay, I understand all of that...but what if I find that sound or motion uncomfortable?? Does that mean I shouldn't see a chiropractor and get adjusted??"

...no, seeing a chiropractor is still something you should undertake...however, it means that you should have an open conversation with your chiropractor about how you feel...most chiropractors will have a number of treatment modalities available to treat you...and a number of those will be low force options, that should not produce the audible "crack". There are probably too many different techniques to list here, but it is a standard part of chiropractic training that a low force technique is taught to every chiropractic student before they graduate.

"...but surely that sound isn't normal?? It is safe, isn't it??"

...it is - chiropractic care is extremely safe...a recent review by Mercola shows the low incident of injury from chiropractic care.  Another recent review conducted in America shows the incidence of chiropractic injury against a number of factors:

...as always, if you have questions on how you're being treated, or on the safety of the treatment itself - talk to your chiropractor...or contact me: the.chiro@mail.com

The Shamrocks are on ANZ Stadium this Saturday...

I think that pretty much sums it up...remember these girls?

...well, this Saturday night they will play on ANZ Stadium before the Sydney Swans play the GWS Giants (check the official link here)...it is being played as part of the AFL's multi-cultural round...

...so if you're an AFL fan - or just want a really fun Saturday night out in Sydney that doesn't involve a four hour preparation - come and watch the girls play...

How I spend my autumn and winter Saturdays...

...welcome to my weekend role as a chiro - looking after a women's AFL team (yes, women's)...they started in 2008 as the Bondi Shamrocks, but with the AFL taking over they have now merged with the University of Technology, Sydney - and now play as the UTS Shamrocks:

...the competition they play in covers team from as far south as Wollongong and as far west as Penrith...

...my role with the team is injury support and management (which means I am a little over strapping knees and ankles) on gameday, and providing a large amount of input into the fitness training of the team...

...if you want to know more about the team, or want to come and watch them play - their official website is here, or you can find them on Facebook here...