Connections to Health - Adjustment or Manipulation?

THE ISHTA HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTRE

CONNECTIONS to HEALTH

Adjustment or Manipulation?

People often refer to what we do as chiropractors as manipulation, but we never use the "M" word. What chiropractors do is adjust.

What's the difference?

Well it goes back to how chiropractic works. You see when you get a subluxation (a misalignment of a bone or a joint) the body has in-built mechanisms designed to correct them itself. If for some reason the body can't correct them it doesn't mean it stops trying. What chiropractors do is to decide how the body is trying to move the bone and give it a little extra help in doing so. The amount of force used should not be sufficient to move the bone without the help of the body.

Manipulation, on the other hand, uses enough force to move a bone whether the body is trying to help it or not. This is usually much stronger.

If that isn't enough

Here are some synonyms for each term taken from the Webster Dictionary.

Adjustment

Factor, calculate, align, centre, regulate, convert, scale, tune, dial, select, fine tune, finesse, modify, tweak, regulate, standardise, conform, equalise, level, set policy, alter, catalyse, change, refashion, calibrate, decide, determine, establish, resolve, set, compensate, make equal, redeem, remedy, correct, cure, fix, heal, make well, repair, restore, coordinate, attune, accommodate, conform, harmonise, integrate, proportion, reconcile, tune, correct, amend, fix, improve, mend, position, rectify, restore, right, straighten, service, maintain, adapt, balance, fit, inspect, overhaul, recondition, refurbish, regulate, repair, support.

Manipulation

Exploit, misuse, take advantage, control, deploy, manoeuvre, use, ply, swing, wield, grope, examine, finger, fondle, handle, maul, palpate, paw, probe, touch, govern, sway.

In looking at the two it is easy to see why Chiropractors use the term adjustment.

Which term do you prefer?

P.S. Autumn and Spring, are the seasons of change, so it's a good time to make sure your body can adapt to those changes. It's a great time to organise a Chiropractic check up and see if you need adjusting.