Manual Therapy vs. Oral Pain Medications for Neck Pain

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

A systematic review and metaanalysis that included nine clinical trials found that manual therapy interventions are likely more effective than oral pain medications for managing neck pain in both the short- and long-term, with a lower risk for adverse events. Doctors of chiropractic are well-versed in the application of several manual therapies for addressing neck…

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Manual Therapy’s Impact on Ankle Dorsiflexion

ankle dorsiflexion

For individuals with reduced ankle dorsiflexion following a lower limb injury, a recent study found that ankle joint mobilization and calf muscle massage are effective interventions for improving ankle range of motion. Doctors of chiropractic are trained in the use of these and other therapies in the  management of musculoskeletal disorders of the extremities, including…

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Two Manual Therapies That May Benefit Patients with Knee Pain

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

When trigger points affect the function of the gluteus medius muscle, it can lead to altered gait, reduced hip stability, misalignment of the patella, and increased force on the knee, all of which can contribute to patellofemoral pain syndrome. A recent study found that for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome associated with gluteus medius trigger…

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Upper Cervical Manual Therapy Benefits TMD Patients

jaw pain

A systematic review and metaanalysis that included eight randomized controlled trials concluded that mobilization and manipulative therapy applied to the upper cervical spine reduces jaw pain and improves maximal mouth opening in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The finding adds to a growing body of research establishing a connection between TMD and disorders of the…

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Manual Therapy Helps COPD Patients Breathe Better

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult, and it is a leading cause of death in the United States. A study that included 33 COPD patients found that including muscle energy technique (MET) sessions in a COPD rehabilitation program led to better outcomes with respect to subjective breathing.…

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Manual Therapy Helps Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis

chiropractor

A systematic review that included ten studies concluded that long-axis distraction, mobilization, and thrust manipulation—treatments provided by doctors of chiropractic—are effective interventions for reducing pain and range of hip motion in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, December 2022 Adverse Childhood Experiences Can Have Lifelong Effect on Mental Health…

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Manual Therapies Benefit Patients with a Lateral Ankle Sprain

A systematic review of data from three randomized-controlled studies concluded that a combination of manual therapies and specific exercises is more effective for improving range of motion, pain, and function in patients with an acute lateral ankle sprain than specific exercises alone. Doctors of chiropractic often use such an approach when managing an acute lateral…

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