So we’ve already explained why we’re different…but let’s give a little more detail.

What areas of the body can chiropractic care treat? Click on the word to learn more.

What is “subluxation” and why does it cause so much pain? A “subluxation”, also known as a misalignment, or partial dislocation, is what happens when the bony surfaces of a joint in the body move out of their intended position.

The joint is wrapped with a ligament made of connective tissue, or fascia, that is supposed to do the job of holding the bones in the joint together. When the ligament becomes damaged through a trauma/injury, postural problem, or repetitive stress, subluxation can result instead of a full dislocation of the joint.

Subluxations can be severe, with intense pain and very limited range of motion; or they can be less severe, but cause degenerative stress over time. All subluxations should be corrected by adjustment for optimal health.

How do you know I have subluxations? Subluxations can be determined in several main ways: symptoms, observations and tests.

Symptoms are pain, tight muscles, nerve problems like numbness or tingling, limited range of motion, etc.

Observations are the result of visual and palpation (touch) assessment of your alignment.

Tests include simple orthopedic and neurological tests that directly measure your body’s ability to function normally.

By a combination of these three types of information, we can gain a very accurate understanding of your body’s subluxations without the need for x-rays or other imaging. In complex cases, we may suggest imaging; or if you have an image of your injury, it is very helpful for us to view.

What is an “adjustment”? and why does that help? An adjustment is a low-force, highly specific method of correcting subluxations (misalignments). Adjustments are not the same as manipulations – the popping, cracking, or twisting most people associate with chiropractors. For people with multiple health problems, lax ligaments, or severe injuries, manipulations often cause pain, distress, worsening of inflammation, and further ligament injury. Dr. Ruch’s methods of gentle adjustment are safe for everyone – even babies!

Why is massage and laser treatment necessary? Massage therapy and laser therapy aim to resolve the soft tissue issues that arise in your muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues as a result of altered movement patterns cause by subluxation.

Massage therapy accomplishes this via manual manipulation (unwinding, stretching, kneading of soft tissues), which brings fresh circulation, relieves pain, soothes the nerves, and encourages healthy function.

Laser therapy is a safe, FDA-approved treatment for reducing pain and inflammation with no side effects, but it also accelerates the body’s soft tissue healing process. Many people see an increase in healthy tissue, decrease in scar tissue, improved joint stability and function, and return to an active life after undergoing laser therapy. It is also even more effective (and pleasant!) when combined with massage, for a unique healing treatment known as a laser massage!

Often, healthy people can heal subluxations just by having them corrected via adjustment – but if you have severe or chronic pain, massage and laser therapy will be invaluable to you in your healing process, as it can provide extra pain relief and accelerate your recovery.

What else can I do to get out of pain?

  • Read our series of educational articles for more information, listed at the top of the page

  • Follow Dr. Ruch’s advice on managing your injuries during the recovery process

  • Use braces, topical creams, or receive bodywork therapies as recommended

  • Eat a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet and drink plenty of water

  • Get good sleep – this is when your body is doing most of its repair!

  • Get gentle exercise, such as walking

  • Reduce stress through acupuncture, herbs, mindfulness, meditation or creativity