Chiropractic care is often viewed through a binary lens, divided into two main categories: traditional and hybrid clinicians. Traditional chiropractors primarily focus on spinal adjustments to correct subluxations, believing that by removing nerve interference, the body will naturally heal itself. In contrast, hybrid chiropractors, like myself, adopt a more comprehensive approach that includes a variety of treatments alongside traditional manipulation.
What is Hybrid Chiropractic Care?
As a hybrid chiropractor, I integrate multiple treatment modalities to address a wide range of conditions. This approach goes beyond spinal adjustments to include techniques such as instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, decompression, traction, electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), ultrasound, shockwave therapy, and laser treatments, among others. The goal is to provide a holistic care experience that recognizes the complexity of pain and the body.
One significant difference between traditional and hybrid chiropractors lies in our underlying philosophies. While traditional practitioners strongly adhere to subluxation theory, hybrid chiropractors often embrace the bio-psycho-social (BPS) model. This model acknowledges that pain is a multifaceted experience influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. By understanding this complexity, we can better tailor our treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient.
The Benefits of a Multidisciplinary Approach
Hybrid chiropractic care is particularly effective for addressing a range of musculoskeletal issues, from head to toe. This includes joint conditions, neuromuscular disorders, and soft tissue injuries, such as low back pain, headaches, plantar fasciitis, and tennis elbow.
But how do these various treatments alleviate pain? The key lies in increasing tissue tolerance—the body’s ability to handle stress before experiencing symptoms like pain or tightness. It’s important to recognize that pain is not always indicative of tissue damage or inflammation. For example, if you touch a hot stove, you feel pain, but if you remove your hand in time, no harm is done. This phenomenon illustrates the concept of tissue tolerance.
Many patients I encounter experience pain not necessarily due to ongoing damage but rather due to low tissue tolerance. While there may have been initial tissue damage, the healing process often results in lingering pain because the body hasn’t yet adapted to handle stress effectively again. My treatments introduce controlled stresses that can be both a remedy and a challenge. Just as too much stress can lead to breakdown, appropriate levels of stress are essential for adaptation and recovery.
The Three Phases of Treatment
When it comes to the duration and structure of treatment, it varies based on individual goals and current conditions. I typically break the process into three phases: Acute, Restorative, and Adaptive.
- Acute Phase: This initial phase is for individuals experiencing significant pain that has developed suddenly. Typically, this phase involves around six visits over two to three weeks, focusing on pain reduction. While we work on improving range of motion, the primary aim is to alleviate pain and restore baseline function. Treatments in this phase combine higher-stress modalities to challenge the body with low-stress techniques to build tolerance.
- Restorative Phase: Following the acute phase—or for those who have lived with chronic pain—the restorative phase lasts about two to four weeks. Treatments may shift from twice a week to once a week and we begin focusing on decreasing inhibition. Inhibition is a protective mechanism of the nervous system which can limit movement and tolerance. By decreasing inhibition, we see improvements in pain, mobility, strength, speed, and endurance. These improvements are not the result of tissue adaptation. These improvements come from decreasing inhibition and unlocking greater access to physical capabilities and resilience you already have. This phase emphasizes more high-stress modalities and begins to incorporate exercise into your routine.
- Adaptive Phase: This final phase is about long-term wellness and resilience. We focus on empowering you with the tools and techniques to manage your health independently, promoting ongoing adaptation and growth.
Conclusion
As a hybrid chiropractor, my mission is to provide comprehensive care that recognizes the complexity of pain and promotes healing through a multifaceted approach. By combining traditional adjustments with modern therapies, I aim to enhance your quality of life and help you achieve your health goals. Whether you’re dealing with acute pain or chronic issues, I’m here to guide you through each phase of your recovery journey. Together, we can navigate the path to better health and well-being.