What Should I Do After a Chiropractic Adjustment?

If you’re considering visiting a chiropractor for the first time or have already booked your first appointment,  you may be curious about what to do after your adjustment. There may not be any strict rules on what to do after your appointment, but forming good habits and avoiding certain actions will maximize the benefits of your visit.

Here’s what you can do before and after your chiropractic adjustment to improve your results.

What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustments are procedures where specialists use controlled force on joints, focused primarily on the spine. The end goal of an adjustment is to elevate your body’s physical function and increase your spinal motion. Inversely, there should also be less or no pain in areas that have been adjusted.

What to Do After an Adjustment

Manipulations of the spine and joints are physical, and just like any sport or strenuous activity, your body will need some extra care. After your adjustment, take care to:

Drink Plenty of Water

Lactic acid (the chemical that causes soreness after exercise or activity) is released upon adjustment. Proper hydration after a session will encourage healing by flushing the lactic acid out. Avoid sugary beverages or alcohol following your visit.

Avoid Any Explosive Movements

Particularly after your first visit, you should feel increased circulation and range of motion. Your next thought might be to put these benefits to use in a workout or physical activity. However, your joints and skeletal system need a chance to adapt and rest after your adjustment.

Pay Attention to Your Body

If it’s your first go around, make extra time to review how your adjusted areas feel. A total departure or lessening of your pain and stiffness is normal, but other feelings are possible. There is a chance for some soreness, tingling, or even a cooling sensation. Rest and relax after your appointment to minimize these possibilities.

Stay in Touch With Your Chiropractor

Schedule a follow-up or series of appointments; this will make it easier for you and your chiropractor to gauge your progress toward your health goals. Consistency is key when it comes to skeletal and joint health.

If you have any questions about your adjustment or symptoms that might come up, reach out to your chiropractor. They’re there to address any concerns you may have.

How Will I Feel After My Adjustment?

You should feel intense relief in the worked area almost immediately after your adjustment. Your range of motion will improve, and joint discomfort will disappear. Sometime after your appointment, soreness may occur while your joints settle into their new position; this is normal, and ice should take care of the issue.

What to Do Before a Chiropractic Adjustment

The preparation before a procedure (especially your first visit) is just as necessary as during and after. Ensuring you’re ready and comfortable will create a more pleasant overall experience.

• Take inventory of where you’re having pain. The better informed you are of your own pain points and joint tension, the better your chiropractor can understand what you need during your visit.
• Come to the appointment hydrated. You should drink water regardless, but it’s particularly important before an adjustment. Adjustments might cause lightheadedness, and drinking water ahead of time can help combat this. 
• Get up and moving before your appointment. Loosen up your spine with some light activity to make it easier for the actual adjustment to take place. 
• Wear something comfortable for your appointment. Avoid wearing belts, suspenders, ties, or anything else that might be a point of discomfort while you are lying on the table. Generally, the best clothing to wear is sweatpants and other loose-fitting athletic wear. If you expect your joints to move freely, you should be able to do the same.

Contact Our Experienced Clearwater Chiropractors Today!

Schedule your consultation with our professional and experienced chiropractors in Clearwater, FL. For more information, call 727-447-4647 or contact us today!

About the Authors: With four decades of combined experience, Dr. Jere Jarrett and Dr. Philip Toft are highly educated and experienced chiropractors who serve Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding areas. They take a “whole-body” approach to chiropractic care, looking for the underlying cause of pain and discomfort instead of treating symptoms. Call 727-447-4647 to schedule an appointment.