Tag Archives: chiropractic care

How Chiropractic Care Can Help You Enjoy Spring

Spring into Wellness 

 

As the seasons change and the days grow warmer, patients across the U.S. are preparing for spring. While winter is an enjoyable time for many, others are looking forward to a season of new beginnings. Still, others are looking forward to relief from the joint pain that often comes with winter. Whether you’re looking to alleviate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or relief from sports-related injuries, there are many ways a chiropractor can help improve your quality of life throughout spring.

 

Say Goodbye to Winter Blues

 

Winter is a beautiful season but leaves many susceptible to joint pain, injuries, and depression. Season Affective Disorder (or SAD), which is more common during fall and winter, occurs due to a lack of serotonin. Left untreated, SAD can lead to bouts of depression and joint pain. Thankfully, a chiropractor can alleviate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Through spinal manipulations and adjustments, your chiropractor can relieve joint pressure and improve nerve function. This, in turn, alleviates the symptoms of SAD. 

 

March Madness 


As the days get warmer, more and more people will spend their time outdoors. While some will engage in low-risk activities, others will play high-impact sports. This includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Baseball 
  • Basketball 
  • Football
  • Waterskiing
  • Running
  • Rugby
  • Tennis
  • Gymnastics

 

While high-impact sports are a great way to exercise and build strength, they come with a higher risk of injuries. Thankfully, chiropractors are fully equipped to handle any sports-related injuries. To help treat any injuries you might receive on the field, a chiropractor will perform a full assessment. This includes gathering information about your medical history and any past injuries. Then, after carefully examining the injury, a chiropractor will perform soft tissue manipulation, spinal manipulation, therapeutic modalities, education, and exercise prescriptions.

 

Mood Boosters 

Finally, chiropractic care can boost your mood and give you extra energy. Chiropractors reduce joint restrictions which, in turn, can reduce any pain or suffering you might experience throughout spring. Plus, the more energy you have and the better your body functions, the better you will feel! 

 

If you would like to add chiropractic care to your routine before spring hits, contact the professionals at Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic. Dr. Michael Hartle and his team are experts in treating patients no matter their activity level. Book an appointment today! Dr. Hartle can usually see you the same day you book an appointment.

5 Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Athletes

In 2019 alone, over one million injuries were caused by playing sports. Many of these injuries happened on the field, where over 800,000 injuries were caused by participating in sports. Bicycling had the highest casualty numbers (over 417,000 cyclists were injured while riding), with basketball (404,000 injuries) and football (292,000 injuries) following close behind. As athletes debate where and how to treat their injuries, many will inevitably turn to chiropractic care. Chiropractic care offers many benefits for aspiring and professional athletes, but there is an overwhelming amount of information on the internet. To help, here are five benefits that athletes can expect from chiropractors:

1. It can Treat (and Prevent) Injuries:

Experienced athletes know how common it is to injure themselves on the field. Therefore, a large part of an athlete’s healthcare program should include preventing, as well as treating, common injuries. Thankfully, a chiropractor can do both! 

Athletes’ bodies undergo enormous amounts of stress daily. To combat this, chiropractors can perform spinal adjustments and massage therapy to treat injuries. Spinal adjustment reduces pain in the joints and muscles, which helps to prevent injuries, while massage therapy increases blow flow to the muscles to help them heal. Additionally, it also restores one’s range of motion.  

2. It can Increase Performance

According to The Odyessy, athletes who make repeated visits to the chiropractor see increased performance while playing. In fact, several studies claim that athletes can see a 30% increase in performance after 12 weeks of care. This, according to The Odyessy, is a result of the increased range of motion people receive after repeated chiropractic care. 

3. Improved Strength 

The European Journal of Supplied Physiology published a study in 2018 claiming that regular chiropractic care can improve athlete’s strength. After separating a group of Taekwondo athletes into two groups – one which received chiropractic care and one that did not – they found that those who received care demonstrated increased muscle strength. The experiment was replicated with a group of U.S. military personal and found similar results. 

4. It’s a Natural Treatment

Surgeries and medication are typically the last resort in a treatment plan. Many people, athletes included, turn to natural remedies before considering extreme measures. Chiropractic treatment is non-invasive and drug-free. As an added bonus, the lack of surgery means that, for most athletes, they can return to the field straight away. 

5. It Reduces Stress 

Massage therapy is incredibly relaxing! If you’re an athlete looking to relieve stress and anxiety before playing, try the Swedish massage, one of the most commonly used techniques in America. The Swedish massage promotes general health and wellbeing throughout the body and is reportedly very relaxing. 

Dr. Michael Hartle and his team are experts in treating patients no matter their activity level. Book an appointment today! Dr. Hartle can usually see you the same day you book an appointment. 

How Chiropractic Care Can Help You Enjoy the Winter

Chiropractic care is vital during the winter. As the days get colder and the nights get longer, people can and will experience a wide variety of cold-related symptoms. While adjusting the thermostat or burrowing under the blankets can relieve symptoms, it’s only temporary. Thankfully, chiropractors can relieve some of the most common ailments during winter. 

 

Cold and Flu-Related Symptoms

 

Sometimes going to the pharmacy isn’t enough. For some flu and cold sufferers, joint or muscle pain can linger five to seven days after initial exposure. If you have aches and pains that won’t go away, consider adding a chiropractor to your treatment plan. Chiropractic adjustments, a series of painless movements that realign your spine, can alleviate lasting flu symptoms. 

 

Additionally, regular visits to your chiropractor can bolster your immune system and prevent illness. Subluxations and misalignments along the spine can cause your immune system to malfunction – meaning you’re more vulnerable to seasonal maladies. Visiting your local chiropractor for periodic adjustments can protect you and your family from common illnesses throughout winter. 

 

Joint Pain and Stiffness 

 

As it turns out, there is a scientific reason why your joints act up before a storm: according to thejoint.com, as the temperature drops, barometric pressure causes the fluid between our joints to move less freely. As a result, when the temperature hits 30 or lower, our joints become stiff or even painful. This effect is more pronounced in the elderly population and those who suffer from chronic pain.

 

Thankfully, regular visits to the chiropractor can alleviate joint pain and stiffness. Through gentle movements and adjustments, chiropractors can help the fluid in your joints move freely. The expert team at Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic can help relieve your joint paint throughout the colder months.  

 

Depression 

 

Several studies have shown that chiropractic care can alleviate the symptoms of depression. While depression can affect everyone no matter the time of the year, a lack of sunlight may lead to SAD or seasonal affective disorder. Thankfully, increased blood flow and mobility improvement can help alleviate the symptoms of depression. Additionally, by performing a series of slow, gentle movements, chiropractors can relieve stress and, in turn, reduce anxiety and depression. 

 

Weight Gain 

 

The winter months are well-known for an abundance of food. But all those delicious holidays treats come with a price – weight gain. While you likely won’t experience drastic weight gain during the holidays (Americans put on 1-2 pounds over the holiday season), the added weight can cause unnecessary strain on your joints. In turn, this leads to unnecessary joint pain and more weight gain. 

 

If you or a loved one have weight-related joint pain, book a chiropractic appointment today! Regular chiropractic appointments are an investment in yourself and your future. Traveling to and from appointments will keep you moving, while regular treatment will relieve joint pain and encourage movement. 


Ready to book an appointment? Head over to the Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic’s page to schedule with us today! Dr. Hartle and his team can usually see patients the same day they call.

Chronic vs Acute Pain: How Chiropractors Help

Chiropractors are well-versed in treating pain. Whether it’s back, neck, or spinal complications, chiropractors correct ailments throughout the body. However, not all pain is temporary. Chronic pain, which the NHS defines as “persistent pain that carries on for twelve weeks” and resists medication, is a serious condition that causes unnecessary suffering. On the other hand, acute pain lasts less than three months and is typically the result of an injury. While chronic and acute pain can be debilitating, both conditions can be treated.

Chronic vs Acute Pain: What’s the Difference?

Before discussing how chiropractors treat different types of pain, we must understand the difference between chronic and acute pain. Chronic pain is constant: it can last for weeks, months, and even years. Caused by several factors, including, but not limited to poor posture, traumatic injury, spinal issues, and more, chronic pain lasts long after injuries have healed. Examples of chronic pain include:

  •       Headaches
  •       Lower back pain
  •       Cancer pain
  •       Arthritis pain
  •       Nerve damage

Acute pain, according to WebMD, “starts suddenly and usually feels sharp.” Unlike chronic pain, acute pain can last moments or even months. While acute pain normally signals an injury, it disappears after the injury has healed. Acute injuries include, but are not limited to:

  •       Broken bones
  •       Burns
  •       Cuts

If left untreated, acute pain can become chronic pain.

How Chiropractors Treat Acute and Chronic Pain

For those who suffer from prolonged pain, there is hope. There is a wide variety of medical and holistic treatments available to help treat pain. If you’ve exhausted all your medical options, chiropractic treatment may be right for you.

Chiropractors are well-versed in treating different types of chronic pain. First, your chiropractor will perform a physical assessment to local the pain. Next, they’ll develop a treatment plan. The most popular remedy for chronic pain is a spinal adjustment – a series of firm movements that apply pressure to vertebrae. For other issues, chiropractors may use the flexion-distraction technique (most commonly used for whiplash injuries) or instrument-assisted manipulation. As the name suggests, your chiropractor will use a small, hand-held instrument to apply gentle pressure to stretch soft tissue. This, in turn, will relieve pain.

Chiropractors treat chronic pain and acute pain similarly. To treat acute pain, a chiropractor will first perform a physical assessment. Next, they’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan. Your treatment will depend on your symptoms: for example, those suffering from subluxation or joint restriction as a result of a fracture should undergo a Gonstead chiropractic evaluation. Patients with burn scars may benefit from massage therapy, which controls the development of scar tissue and helps burn victims heal more quickly.

Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic treats both acute and chronic pain using proven, natural methods. To help manage your pain, schedule an appointment with us today. Dr. Michael Hartle and his team of experts can usually see you the same day you call.

Five Types of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is one of the best holistic treatments for various ailments. A proven method of pain and stress relief, massage therapy is astonishingly popular – over 47.5 million Americans sought out massage therapy in 2018. Today, we’ll look at five different types of massage therapies and the benefits they offer.

 

Swedish Massage

 

One of the most popular therapeutic massages, the Swedish Massage is both relaxing and energizing. Using long, even strokes and rhythmic tapping motions on the outermost layer of muscles, the Swedish Massage focuses on larger muscles (i.e. legs and arms) as well as smaller areas of the body. This massage focuses on deep movements that break down scar tissue and increases blood flow. More advanced masseuses may use effleurage (gliding strokes that relax muscles) or tapotement (short taps using cupped hands.)

 

Hot Stone Massage

The hot stone massage is another popular therapeutic massage. Created over 5,000 years ago, the hot stone massage was “reborn” in 1993 and experienced a surge in popularity during the next two decades. This therapeutic massage uses warm basalt stones to penetrate muscles and treat stiff limbs. The warm stones are used to massage muscles and relax the body. The heat improves blood flow and circulation while releasing accumulated toxins from the body. To increase effectiveness, have your chiropractor or masseuse place stones over the most stiff muscles in your body.

 

Deep Tissue Massage 

 

Perfect for those who suffer from chronic pain and tension, the deep tissue massage eases pain and releases toxins from the body. Using deep pressure to penetrate the body, it fixes spammed and knotted muscles as well as heal fibrous adhesion and trigger points. The deep tissue massage can potentially offer relief from chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia. It can also relieve chronic neck and back pain. Studies suggest that this massage can also improve posture, aid in sports-related muscle recovery, improve limited mobility, and aid in injury rehabilitation. 

 

The Thai Massage 

 

Dating back 7,000 years, the Thai massage is more “active” than other Western Massages. Instead of lying on a bed, customers lie on the floor and actively participate during the session. Thai massage is a combination of yoga, acupressure, and zen shiatsu. Practitioners will gently guide their clients into yoga-like poses and apply a slow, rhythmic massage that increases energy levels and blood flow. Participants can expect to transition from one position to the next to open the joints and facilitate limbering. 

 

A Thai massage has four basic poses: lying supine, lying on one’s side, lying on the back, and sitting up. While the pressure may seem intense at first, an experienced chiropractor will adjust to their clients’ needs. The Thai massage has numerous benefits for the body, including increasing flexibility, eliminating pain, improving posture, stimulating blood circulation, and relieving swollen joints. 

 

Shiatsu Massage 

 

Meaning “finger pressure” in Japanese, the Shiatsu massage is based on applying rhythmic pressure to key points of the body. By applying pressure, the massage is said to restore vital energy (chi). There are many benefits to the Shiatsu massage, including pain relief, headache relief, and improved sleep quality. 

 

If you’re looking for massage therapy that will treat your pain, Dr. Hartle and his team of experts have you covered! The professionals at Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic are fast, efficient, and can usually see you the same day you call. Book an appointment today!

Why NFL Teams Use Sports Chiropractic Care

American football is one of the most dangerous contact sports to date. According to the Seton Medical Center, over 1.2 million young men are injured while playing football per year. The most common injuries players experience are concussions, overuse, and heat injuries. As players – especially the pros – are vulnerable to injuries, more and more coaches require their team to visit chiropractors. The NFL considers chiropractors essential to a team’s health and well-being, and all 32 teams have chiropractors on staff. As players consider longer careers and spend less time off the field, chiropractors have become a vital part of the NFL.

 

Proper Joint Function 

 

Many athletes’ careers end prematurely due to improper joint function. Our joints are made of fibrous materials, with a piece of cartilage in the middle. Synovial fluid, a type of liquid found in our joints, ensures smooth and easy movement. Through a series of chiropractic adjustments, professionals help players prevent common joint injuries. These adjustments also have the added benefit of reducing pain and tension in muscles, which ensures that NFL players can run, jump, and tackle with ease. 

 

To prevent injuries, many NFL players will see a chiropractor before or after a game. In fact, a chiropractor performs thirty to fifty adjustments in a regular season. Jerry Rice, a former wide receiver who spent twenty seasons in the NFL, had this to say about the importance of chiropractors: “I did a lot of things to stay in the game, but regular visits to my chiropractor made all the difference.”

 

Muscle and Joint Maintenance 


Football is a brutal sport. From drills to practice to preseason games, players are putting constant stress on their bodies. This leads to wear and tear on the joints, muscles, and spine. Even if players aren’t injured, they may still feel pain and soreness all over their bodies. Through spinal alignment and manipulation, chiropractors reduce pressure on the body’s nervous system. This, in turn, relieves pain without the use of addictive medications. Continued work with a chiropractor helps players perform at their highest level. 

 

As an added bonus, many players have reported increased strength and endurance on the field. The Excellence in Health Chiropractic & Rehab Clinic reports that chiropractic adjustments have been shown to increase endurance and stamina. 

 

Sports Hernia Relief 

 

Athletic pubalgia, also called “sports hernia,” is another common injury athletes suffer from. Sports hernias occur when tears or dilation occurs near the superficial ring of the inguinal canal. These injuries are incredibly painful and can prevent an athlete from participating in games and practice. Thankfully, chiropractic treatments have been shown to improve pain and range of movement for those suffering from sports hernias within eight weeks. 

 

It Treats Symptoms at the Source 


Chiropractic treatment has rightfully gained a reputation as a natural, holistic way of treating injuries. Chiropractic care treats pain at the source by applying slight pressure to painful areas. This can aid in the healing process and even reverse some of the causes of pain. For NFL players, chiropractic treatment is non-invasive, meaning they can return to the field and never miss a game. 

 

Whether you’re an NFL player or a fan cheering a touchdown, the Allen County Family and Sports Chiropractic in Fort Wayne, Indiana, can treat your sports-related injuries. Dr. Hartle and his team of experts are fast, efficient, and can usually see you the same day you call. Book an appointment today to relieve your pain. 

 

Happy holidays from the Allen County Family and Sports Chiropractic team! 

Why Do Chiropractors Use Massage Therapy?

Chiropractic massage therapy is one of the most popular, alternative medicines in the United States. According to Consumer Reports, a study of over 34,000 people found that the majority preferred a deep tissue massage over conventional medicine to treat pain. It’s no wonder the chiropractic massage is so popular: a deep-tissue massage has been proven to treat a wide variety of ailments, including back pain, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. To help patients manage pain and other issues, many chiropractors incorporate massage therapy into their practices. 

What is Chiropractic Massage Therapy? 

Chiropractic massage therapy combines two practices (chiropractic care and massage therapy) to create one discipline that focuses on easing sore muscles and quickly healing injuries. Treating the spine and the central nervous system is the focus of chiropractic massage therapy. Think of your nervous system as a car or truck – its job is to carry signals (both good and bad) throughout the body. And, like any other automobile, it may need repairs. This is where chiropractic massage therapy comes in – through minute, medical gestures, chiropractic massage therapy “fixes” the human body. This discipline “reminds” our bodies to perform their jobs and ensures that your central nervous system sends signals correctly. Through proper care and alignment, experts theorize that chiropractic massage therapy can prepare your body for whatever challenges life might throw in your way. 

What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Massage Therapy? 

Chiropractic massage therapy does more than relieve pain: it can also prevent pain throughout the body. Due to the many benefits of chiropractic massage therapy, many people seek chiropractic massage therapy to maximize their body’s ability to stay well. As an added bonus, this deep-tissue massage relieves tension, stress, headaches, and anxiety. 

What’s the Difference Between Chiropractic Massage Therapy and Massage Therapy?

Chiropractic massage therapy is a type of massage that focuses on the spine and body as a unit. It can realign vertebrae, treat discs, focus on low back pain, and relieve joint ailments. On the other hand, massage therapy focuses on alleviating tension, restoring flexibility, and increasing comfort. Massage therapy goes hand-in-hand with physical therapy and is often used to treat injuries. While massage therapy treats current pain, chiropractic massage therapy can prevent pain throughout the body.  

Can Anyone Administer Chiropractic Massage Therapy?

A chiropractic massage therapist must have a doctorate in chiropractic care. These doctorates are administered by the state and ensure that your chiropractor has knowledge of and can properly treat your musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic’s own Dr. Hartle is a certified chiropractic physician that provides chiropractic massage therapy. He also holds several other certifications and is a board-certified Clinical Nutritionist (DACBN), a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP), an Active Release Technique (ART) provider since 1995. If you want to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle through the power of chiropractic massage therapy, schedule an appointment with him today!

Three of the Best Weekend Trips in Fort Wayne, Indiana

With a population of 267,633, Fort Wayne is a diverse city known for its gorgeous parks and family-friendly atmosphere. As the second-largest city in Indiana, Fort Wayne has plenty of “must-do” experiences, including restaurants, golf courses, museums, and more! With such a wide variety of attractions, it’s easy to plan a short “staycation” that will take you out of the house. If you’re looking for the best weekend getaways in Fort Wayne, here are our top three destinations. 

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

Located on Sherman Boulevard, The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is educational fun for the whole family! Split into five sections, The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo holds over 1,000 animals from all over the world. With over 40 acres to explore, there’s plenty of exciting exhibits to entertain and delight your children. Explore the grassy savannahs of the African continent or come face-to-face with the endangered orangutans. Experience the colorful Indonesian rainforest or discover the outback and learn about the life cycle of crocodiles! The zoo’s bright and friendly atmosphere earned it a spot on Trip Advisor’s Top Seven Zoos in the U.S. back in 2015 and a Traveler’s Choice Award in 2020

Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory

Founded in 1983, The Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory is a world-renowned greenhouse with over 25,000 square feet of indoor gardens. While the conservatory provides a safe haven for endangered plant species, it also hosts four changing showcases each year. The conservatory hosts a wide array of plant life – their greenhouse holds over 1,200 plants (or 500 species) and 72 different types of cacti. Their most popular gardens include: 

  • The main Showcase Garden, with four seasonal exhibits.  
  • A Tropical Garden which features waterfalls, goldfish, and 13 types of palm trees.
  • The Desert Garden, which contains the Saguaro cacti, fishhook barrel cactus, and prickly pear cactus. 
  • The Streetside Garden, where ornamental grasses and shrubs surround beautiful bronze statues. 

Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve

For aspiring hikers, boaters, and environmentalists, Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve offers a wide variety of activities in the great outdoors. Founded in 2005 with help from the federal Wetlands Reserve Program, Eagle Marsh was the site of the largest wetlands restoration project in Indiana. Today, the preserve is over 831 acres, with fourteen miles of extensive hiking trails. If you’re looking for a less intensive way to spend the weekend, Eagle Marsh is also a great place for bird watching and photography. The preserve boasts over 245 types of birds and 45,000 native trees and shrubs. 

Communing with nature is a proven method of stress relief. However, if hiking isn’t enough to relieve your everyday stressors, try massage therapy at Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic! We offer outstanding chiropractic, nutritional, and rehabilitative programs that will reduce stress symptoms. Allen County Family & Sports Chiropractic also offers massage therapy services which, according to the Mayo Clinic, can reduce stress, minimize muscle tension, and alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain. Our office is fast, efficient, and provides same-day services.

Why We Offer Chiropractic Care in Fort Wayne, Indiana

At Allen County Sports and Family Chiropractic, we love providing fantastic chiropractic care in Fort Waye, Indiana. It’s our home, and we feel lucky to live and work in such a beautiful community. As chiropractors in Indiana, we believe that every town, city, and neighborhood should have exceptional chiropractic care, including family- and sport-focused.

When it comes to healthcare, you have a lot from which to choose. We feel honored to be your source of healthy, safe, chiropractic care here in Fort Waye. 

Finding Good Chiropractors in Indiana

We know that people can feel nervous about seeking chiropractic therapy. We’ve addressed some of the myths and fears that are often associated with chiropractors on our blog before. Because we know that it’s at the back of your mind, we understand the importance of finding safe, high-quality treatments. We strive to provide outstanding service from our team of trained, certified, and reputable staff.   

There are many chiropractors in Indiana, but not all provide what we feel is the necessary diversity of services. At Allen County Sports and Family Chiropractic, we focus on the entire body as a whole. We combine traditional chiropractic techniques, like adjustments, with training, nutrition, and even massage. Together, these four practices fully support your body exactly as you need it. 

We Provide a Variety of Chiropractic Care in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Our primary chiropractic physician, Dr. Michael Hartle, specializes in traditional and sports chiropractic medicine. He’s also a board-certified Clinical Nutritionist (DACBN), a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP), an Active Release Technique (ART) provider, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). 

We value this variety of specialties because we understand the body’s connection between skeletal health, nutrition, muscle strength, and training. You can rest assured that Dr. Hartle has you covered! In addition to sports and nutrition specialties, we also offer therapeutic massage from our Massage Therapist, Joshua Poulin. Massage is a significant complement to our adjustments. Whether you’re old or young, an athlete or not, we can help you feel your best with regular chiropractic care in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

Sports in Fort Wayne

The community of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is particularly active. We live in a beautiful place with rolling plains that allow for superb opportunities to bike, run, and walk. We’re also lucky to live at the confluence of three rivers, meaning we have many watersports to enjoy.

Being active is great for your health, but it also puts a strain on your muscles and joints that, over time, can cause misalignment issues. That’s why we rest after exercise. But sometimes your body needs a little help with chiropractic care. Slight manipulations of the joints will help your body relearn proper alignments and keep you more loose and flexible. As a result, you recover faster and feel better sooner. 

So when looking for chiropractors in Indiana, be sure to find one that provides full-body support. Your body works together to ensure you can continue to enjoy the outdoor activities in beautiful Fort Wayne, and throughout our entire great state. And if you’re ever in our neighborhood, pop in and say hi!

What Do Chiropractors Do?

The question may sound simple enough, but a lot of people misunderstand what chiropractors do. There are a lot of rumors and misconceptions that make people even fear going to the chiropractor. Because we provide family chiropractic care in Fort Wayne, Indiana, we want to address the common myths and assure our community that we’re here to help!

Chiropractors Address Pain

Patients often seek chiropractic care when dealing with one (or more) of these three main types of pain: acute pain that flares up from time to time, chronic pain that impairs their daily life, and pain associated with sports and exercise. Chiropractors address other issues, too, but let’s focus on pain management to start. 

Acute and Chronic Pain

Chiropractors help patients manage and heal the pain that impairs their bodies. Whether it’s acute or chronic, first, we determine its source and cause. We work with bones, muscles, and joints. These three work together to keep your body aligned, loose, and flexible. When any of these goals are missing, that’s when you feel pain. 

High-quality chiropractic care in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is easy to find with us! We always take a comprehensive look at the entire body, often starting with X-rays and an assessment. Once we find the source of the pain, we can make a treatment plan. 

Integrative Treatment Plans

Family chiropractors work with people of all ages, including children, so each treatment plan is unique to you, your body, and your pain. Some are quite simple, requiring a few adjustments over time, followed by a regular annual visit. Others require more adjustments or other components like physical training, diet, and massage. It all depends on the type of pain and its location in your body.

Sports chiropractors work similarly, but those treatment plans often focus on long-term care that helps enhance athletic performance. Perhaps we’ll work with athletes during an entire season or even throughout the year. Regular adjustments, stretching, massage, training, and a healthy diet can keep the body more flexible and less prone to injuries. 

What is an Adjustment?

We often hear questions about adjustments. They sound scary, we agree. But forget the images of muscle and bone manipulation or the fear that family chiropractors can hurt you! Our exceptional chiropractic care in Fort Wayne, Indiana, provides the most advanced methods. We use gentle movements and small tools that help stimulate joints back into an optimal position. Misaligned joints shift bones, tighten muscles, and put a strain on your body, causing pain. Adjustments move everything back into the place where it should be.

Family chiropractors recommend several adjustments at the beginning of your treatment because our muscle memory will slowly put them back into an uncomfortable position. Gradually, we help those joints, bones, and muscles remember the correct, pain-free placement, which is why you can phase out of chiropractic care. Still, annual visits can help maintain the pain for longer and even prevent it in the future.