At Homberg Chiropractic and Wellness we believe exercise, in addition to care such as manipulation and soft tissue therapy, are an important component to recovery.

For those who’ve been to the office already, you’ve probably also noticed that before you even see Dr. Touron or I, you make a stop with Brandon for a series of exercises. These exercises will lead to your adjustment being even more effective. The exercises help stimulate blood flow, your nervous system and improve your proprioception. This helps loosen your muscles, making them more responsive to the adjustments.

Among the other improvements you will notice is the spaciousness in the center of the office. Rehabilitation has always been a big part of our treatment plans, and we plan to expand upon our rehabilitation services. But don’t think you can only complete your exercises in the office! It’s vitally important that you follow the complete treatment plan prescribed for you.

Here are a few reasons why exercise and movement are an important part of the chiropractic approach:

1. Increase self-reliance: A corrective exercise program can help you play an active role in your care. It allows for a renewed sense of self-reliance and an ability to perform activities of daily living without undue fear or risk of injury.

2. Decrease fear-avoidance: Unless fear of pain is specifically recognized and addressed early, it may lead to fear avoidance behavior—e.g., not using your muscles for fear of further injury rather than strengthening them. Resuming normal activities and exercise increases your confidence, and ultimately improves your recovery.

3. Increase treatment effectiveness: Evidence also suggests that manual therapy (manipulation and/or mobilization) combined with exercise is more effective than other therapies for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, including neck pain.

4. Minimize recurrence: Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters concluded the use of exercise in conjunction with manipulation is likely to improve outcomes, as well as minimize episodic recurrence.

5. Long-term benefit: A study showing that spinal manipulation and/or mobilization plus exercise demonstrates long-term benefit for pain relief, functional improvement, and global perceived effect for subacute/chronic mechanical neck disorders with or without headache.