Resolving Back Problems Once and For All

If you are dealing with orthopedic issues and have decided to seek the help of a chiropractor, you may be curious about how your progress will be monitored.

Chiropractors use several methods to check your progress and ensure that the physical therapy plan works for you. Here's a closer look at how this is done.

Monitoring Joint Mobility

One way that chiropractors monitor their patients' progress during physical therapy is by assessing joint mobility. This involves examining the range of motion available in various joints with different types of movement tests and then comparing those findings to what they were before treatment began.

These tests include leg lifts, shoulder shrugs, arm circles, and spinal range of motion tests. These tests target specific joints that may be affected by your condition. They help the chiropractor determine whether or not the treatments positively affect your overall mobility.

Measuring Muscle Strength

Chiropractors also measure muscle strength during physical therapy sessions to gauge progress. They do this by testing how much force you exert when certain muscles contract or relax. This helps them understand which muscles need more work and which ones are already making progress.

For example, if your back is feeling better, but your core muscles are still weak, the chiropractor can focus on strengthening those muscles during the physical therapy sessions. They'll recommend specific exercises that target those muscles and measure your progress over time.

Muscle strength tests also provide valuable insight into how much further you need to go with physical therapy. Based on these findings, the chiropractor will be able to adjust the treatment plan if needed.

Assessing Pain Levels

Pain levels are a good metric for gauging progress in physical therapy. The chiropractor will likely ask you to rate your pain on a scale of one to ten before and after each session. If the pain improves, the physical therapy plan will likely work well for you.

The chiropractor may also ask questions about certain symptoms, such as stiffness, soreness, and general discomfort. They can also gauge your body language when performing certain movements or poses during treatment sessions. By monitoring these factors, chiropractors can make adjustments to treatment plans if needed to ensure maximum effectiveness over time.

All these methods help chiropractors create a comprehensive picture of your progress. They can use this information to adjust their treatment plans and still ensure that you get the most out of each physical therapy session. With regular updates and progress reports, you'll always know just how far you've come in your recovery.

At the same time, it's important to remember that physical therapy is a process, and progress is often gradual. Be patient and trust the process as you work with your chiropractor toward better health. 

Contact an orthopedic physical therapy clinic near you for more info.