Exercise Guidance

Exercise: you don’t have time not to.
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 When appropriate and depending on the patient’s particular needs, Dr. Dreicer will discuss and recommend to her patients the benefits of incorporating exercise to facilitate the healing process. During the course of chiropractic treatment, when indicated, she will provide guidance and suggestions to incorporate specific exercises as an adjunct to maximize the efficacy of in-office treatments.

Individuals suffering from lower back pain, posture problems or joint pain often turn to chiropractic therapy to help improve symptoms and keep pain under control. However, the synergy of chiropractic adjustments and exercise is often the best strategy for improving muscle and joint function as well as reducing the risk of future muscle and joint pain.  Research has confirmed that the use of Chiropractic adjustments along with exercise is an effective combination in alleviating pain and restoring spinal function to balance.

Exercise does not necessarily mean intensive athletic endeavors.  According to Spine-Health.com, even light aerobic exercises such as brisk walking and household chores improves the effects of chiropractic therapy and promotes circulation which, in turn promotes healing of the body’s tissues. The key is matching the types of exercise to a variety of patient factors including fitness level, age and lifestyle.  The type of exercises must be reasonable for each patient so that it can be readily incorporated into one’s daily activities.

Some of the critical exercises for improving general joint and muscle function and flexibility that often serve as an “insurance policy” against future injuries include:

  • Hamstring stretches
  • Increasing strength of pelvic stabilizing muscles
  • Strengthening core muscles (especially important for improving posture and lower back functional ability)
  • Abdominal exercises including crunches, oblique twists and sit ups
  • Yoga to promote deep stretching and relaxation

According to the Scientific Commission of the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP),  there is strong evidence that certain chiropractic exercises can be just as effective as other non-surgical treatments for chronic low back pain. In a similar vein, the World Chiropractic Alliance reports that the benefits of exercise combined with chiropractic care can counteract the effects of aging. (Source:WorldChiropracticAlliance.org)