Chiropractic Care

The most common treatment associate with a chiropractor in St. Louis is manipulation or adjustments. Yet so few understand what an adjustment is and when it should be utilized, especially since it is not the only treatment option chiropractors can offer.

Chiropractic manipulations or adjustments are used to restore normal motion into joints that may be stiff or not moving properly. Since an adjustment can be used to restore normal motion to any joint, this treatment option is used for so much more than just neck or back pain. Our arms, legs, hands, and feet are made of series of joints that all need to be functioning properly to avoid pain and compensation.

Patients who visit our St. Louis chiropractic office for care, usually complain of one or more of the following:

- Back pain or lower back pain sometimes called lumbar pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Extremity pain- leg pain, ankle pain, hand pain, etc.
- Numbness or Tingling
- Sciatica issues
- Shooting pains
- Headaches
- Loss of range of motion, mobility, or flexibility
- And, much more

Chiropractic care will benefit these popular pain points:

- Repetitive activity
- Poor posture
- Sitting at a desk all-day / inactivity
- An accident
- A surgery
- Sports or athletics
- And, many more

When should I see a chiropractor?

For people seeking alternatives to pain medication or surgery in St. Louis, our chiropractic adjustments may be a safe place to start. At ActiveSTL Chiropractic and Sports Rehab we utilize chiropractic adjustments to areas of pain and loss of motion. A gentle and specific thrust may be applied into restricted areas to restore normal motion and function.

There are a number of different ways the thrust can be applied ranging from manual adjustments with the hands to instruments that produce less of a force. The different types of adjustments are received differently from each patient, so we explore the different types when we are first getting established. Each patient’s needs and wants are different: we want you to feel comfortable and confident we are providing the best treatment for you during every visit.

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment to see us:

- Chronic or intense pain in your back, neck, or extremities (legs, arms, hands, ankles)
- Pain radiating down from your back into one or both of your legs
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness throughout your body
- Redness or swelling in the area that’s in pain

If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms for six or more weeks, we highly recommend visiting a chiropractor as soon as you can. When alignment problems go untreated, they can contribute to greater pain and worsening issues.

Chiropractic care has a lot to offer; some of the best reasons to see Dr. Donahue are:

- Reducing stress and providing relaxation
- Treating sciatica
- Reducing pain in the neck and back
- Headache management
- Learning a wellness plan that will proactively keep your body safe and balanced

Chiropractic adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments are safe, noninvasive methods of controlled spinal manipulation through the use of hands or small instruments. The ultimate goal is to restore motion and improve the body’s capabilities and function.

When the spine is compromised it can affect the workings of muscles, joints, and ligaments throughout the body, so recovering that balance is key to a properly moving and feeling body.

Dr. Donahue is an expert in providing the most beneficial adjustment procedures to his vast patient list. In doing so, he minimizes pain, improves body balance and function, lessens the risk of reoccurring injury, and provides overall wellbeing.

Chiropractic techniques

There are several chiropractic techniques that aid in realigning the body. Deciphering which is best for the patient is dependent upon the individual issue. In some cases, Dr. Donahue will use an instrument to help him in his efforts, in others he will apply small, forceful thrusts with his hands.

Once the proper diagnosis is conceived, a plan to treat the injury will be set into place. This plan will be thoroughly discussed with the patient in order to ensure comfort and dialogue.

Some of the techniques used in our office are:

Diversified

The Diversified Chiropractic Technique (DCT) is delivered by hand to the restricted joints, one joint at a time. A low-amplitude, high-velocity thrust is made to the specific joint in order to restore the patient’s range of motion.

Activator

The Activator Method is delivered by a hand-held instrument called the Activator Adjusting Instrument and generates a safe and gentle impulse to the spine in order to restore the range of motion in the targeted vertebra or joint.

Flexion distraction

This technique offers pain management and realignment to the lower back by reducing herniated and bulging discs through increasing spinal range of motion and restoring proper function.

ArthroStim

The ArthoStim is an instrument that can apply up to 40 pounds of force to a specific and targeted point on the body, far surpassing the use of hands alone. This type of adjustment quickly alleviates pain and provides balance.

Extremity adjusting

Backs and necks aren’t the only areas on the body that may require adjusting. When a patient is suffering from ankle or hand pain or clicking due to overuse, Dr. Donahue provides specific adjustments to ensure mobility is restored. Exercises will also be put into a plan of recourse.

Generally, after these chiropractic techniques are applied, conditions are resolved within a few weeks, but every patient will have the knowledge to help prevent future issues, and if applicable, stretching and exercise techniques will be provided to help maintain their health.

Receiving chiropractic care

Those who struggle with pain, whether blunt, acute, or chronic, don’t have to surrender to traditional western medicine practices. In most cases, chiropractic care will provide a quicker healing time, less financial burden, and overall wellness in body and mind.

Chiropractic care will get your body healthy quickly and naturally, without covering up your pain with medications.

When you visit our St. Louis chiropractic office you will be asked to detail your medical history, as well as your current pain-points. Afterward, Dr. Donahue will perform a series of tests that will tell him about your body’s condition, and he will then be able to provide you a structured treatment plan, including your wellness goals.

We will make sure you are confident and comfortable with the plan in place and always welcome a conversation should you feel uneasy at any point throughout the process.

When you take care of your body in an organic, healthy way, your body delivers on its promise to support you.

If you’re wondering if chiropractic care will help end your pain once and for all, and contribute to your quality of life, contact us for an appointment and let’s get started.