Hayes Chiropractic

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily those related to the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal adjustments to help improve alignment, relieve pain, and promote overall health by enhancing the function of the nervous system.

Yes! Chiropractic care is a safe and non-invasive treatment option. Chiropractors are highly trained healthcare professionals who perform spinal adjustments and other treatments to help relieve pain and improve overall health. As with any medical treatment, it's important to discuss your health history with your chiropractor to ensure it's appropriate for you.

A chiropractic adjustment is a hands-on technique used by chiropractors to manipulate the spine or other joints to improve alignment, reduce pain, and enhance mobility. It aims to restore proper function to the nervous system and alleviate discomfort caused by misalignments or restrictions in the body.

The "popping" sound heard during an adjustment is caused by the release of gas bubbles from the synovial fluid in the joint. When the joint is quickly manipulated, it creates a change in pressure within the joint capsule, causing these gases (mainly nitrogen) to form bubbles that rapidly collapse or burst, producing the characteristic "pop." This sound is harmless and typically signifies that the joint has moved or been adjusted, but it doesn't necessarily indicate the success or effectiveness of the treatment.

Manipulation involves a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust to quickly adjust a joint through a line of correction, often producing a "popping" sound, and is typically used to restore function and relieve pain. Mobilization, on the other hand, is a slower, more controlled movement within the joint’s range of motion, focusing on improving flexibility and reducing stiffness. While manipulation is more forceful and rapid, mobilization is gentler and involves gradual, less intense movement.

Chiropractors commonly treat conditions such as: Back pain Neck pain Headaches & migraines Sciatica Muscle and joint pain Sports injuries Poor posture Chronic pain and more!

On your first visit, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough assessment of your health history, any current symptoms, and your lifestyle. You may undergo a physical exam, and possibly some diagnostic tests (such as x-rays). The chiropractor will then discuss your treatment options and work with you to develop a personalized care plan.

Treatment times vary depending on your condition and the type of therapy being provided. A typical chiropractic treatment lasts about 10 to 20 minutes, but initial assessments may take longer to assess your health and create a personalized treatment plan.

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition and treatment goals. Some people experience relief after just one visit, while others may require a series of treatments. Your chiropractor will work with you to develop a customized plan based on your needs and progress.

Chiropractic adjustments are typically gentle, but you may feel some temporary discomfort, especially if you're new to chiropractic care or if you're dealing with chronic tension. Many patients report feeling immediate relief and improved mobility following an adjustment.

Chiropractors offer a variety of passive modalities to enhance healing, reduce pain, and improve overall wellness. These treatments require little to no active participation from the patient and can complement chiropractic adjustments. Common passive modalities include massage therapy, heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation (TENS), ultrasound therapy, cupping therapy, spinal decompression therapy, kinesiology taping, and laser therapy (Low-Level Laser Therapy). Each of these therapies targets specific health concerns, helping to promote faster recovery, alleviate pain, and support long-term well-being. Your chiropractor will tailor these treatments to your individual needs for optimal results.

While both chiropractic care and physical therapy focus on rehabilitation and pain management, chiropractic care specifically focuses on spinal health and alignment. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to relieve pressure on the nervous system, while physical therapists typically use exercises, stretches, and manual therapy to strengthen muscles and improve mobility. Both approaches can complement each other for optimal results.

Functional Integrated Acupuncture combines traditional acupuncture with chiropractic techniques to address both physical and emotional health concerns. Fine needles are inserted at specific points along the body’s energy pathways to restore balance, alleviate pain, reduce stress, and promote overall wellness. It integrates with chiropractic care by improving circulation, calming the nervous system, and enhancing healing.

Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting thin needles into muscle trigger points (knots) to release tension, improve blood flow, and relieve pain. While similar to acupuncture, which focuses on energy flow (Qi) in the body, dry needling specifically targets muscular and myofascial pain. It is particularly effective for conditions like chronic muscle tension, joint pain, and sports injuries.

Massage therapy is a hands-on treatment that focuses on manipulating the muscles and soft tissues to relieve tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. In conjunction with chiropractic care, it helps relax tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve flexibility, allowing chiropractic adjustments to be more effective and providing faster relief from pain.

Heat and cold therapy are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation. Cold therapy helps reduce swelling and numb acute pain, while heat therapy promotes blood flow, relaxes muscles, and eases stiffness. Chiropractors may incorporate these therapies into your treatment plan to enhance recovery, particularly after spinal adjustments or physical therapy.

Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to create heat within tissues, promoting healing by increasing blood flow and reducing muscle spasms. It is often used to treat musculoskeletal conditions like tendonitis, sprains, strains, and chronic muscle pain. Chiropractors may use ultrasound as a complementary treatment to chiropractic adjustments for faster recovery and pain relief.

Chiropractors often incorporate therapeutic exercises and rehabilitation programs into your care plan to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture. These exercises can help prevent injury, enhance mobility, and support the benefits of chiropractic adjustments. They are often prescribed for recovery from injury, postural imbalances, or to address specific musculoskeletal issues.

Chiropractors may offer advice on diet, nutrition, and lifestyle habits to support your healing and overall well-being. Proper nutrition can reduce inflammation, improve energy levels, and enhance recovery from injury. Lifestyle counseling can include recommendations for improving posture, ergonomics, stress management, and sleep hygiene to promote better spinal health and prevent future problems.

Kinesiology taping is a technique that uses special elastic therapeutic tape to support muscles and joints without restricting movement. It helps reduce pain and swelling, promote circulation, and support muscle function. Chiropractors may use kinesiology tape to assist in injury recovery, prevent further strain, and provide support during physical activities.

TENS therapy is a method that uses low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate nerves and alleviate pain. The electrical impulses block pain signals from reaching the brain and stimulate the body’s production of endorphins (natural pain relievers). This modality is commonly used for acute and chronic pain conditions, such as back pain, arthritis, and muscle spasms, and is often used in conjunction with chiropractic treatments.

Myofascial release is a therapy technique that targets muscle and connective tissue (fascia) to relieve pain and improve flexibility. It uses gentle, sustained pressure to release tension, reduce pain, and restore normal movement patterns. MFR works by applying direct or indirect pressure to tight, restricted areas of the fascia. This helps to loosen tightness, improve blood flow, and release built-up tension, alleviating pain and discomfort.

Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to specific tight spots or "knots" in muscles to release tension, improve blood flow, and relieve pain. These trigger points are often the source of chronic pain and discomfort. Chiropractors may use hands-on techniques or specialized tools to target and treat these areas to improve flexibility, reduce pain, and support muscle recovery.

Laser therapy (also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy or LLLT) uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing in tissues, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. The therapy promotes cellular repair, accelerates tissue regeneration, and enhances circulation. It is commonly used in chiropractic settings to treat injuries, inflammation, and chronic pain, often in conjunction with other treatments like spinal adjustments or massage.

Cupping therapy involves placing special cups on the skin to create a vacuum effect, which helps improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and reduce inflammation. It can be particularly beneficial for alleviating pain, promoting relaxation, and improving flexibility. Cupping is often used alongside chiropractic care to enhance recovery, reduce muscle tightness, and speed up healing from injuries.

Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in musculoskeletal conditions. It involves delivering focused or radial sound waves to the affected area, which helps improve blood circulation, promote collagen production, and support tissue repair. Shockwave therapy is commonly used for conditions such as tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and calcific shoulder tendinopathy. By breaking down scar tissue and encouraging natural healing, it can help improve mobility and accelerate recovery.