Tips from a New Berlin Chiropractor: Maximizing the Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments

So you’ve decided to take the next step toward greater wellness by getting relief from pain with chiropractic adjustments from a trained professional. Congratulations!

However, wellness is such a complex phenomenon that there are plenty of smart things you can do outside of your appointments in order to make the most of your chiropractic adjustments.

Here are some tried and true post-adjustment habits for maximizing the benefits of your New Berlin chiropractic care.

Stay Hydrated and Well-Rested

One of the best ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of your chiropractic sessions is to drink plenty of water all day, every day, especially on the days of your appointments.

Apart from being necessary for survival in general and healthy living in particular, keeping hydrated is necessary so that your joints and discs remain lubricated. Consuming sufficient water will make your adjustments more effective, plus it can even help you absorb the shocks of chiropractic adjustment (however minor).

If you’re having trouble drinking the recommended 8 cups of water each day to make sure your body functions at its best, try increasing your consumption by:

• Setting a daily water intake goal
• Drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up every morning
• Drinking a glass of water before, during, and after every meal
• Setting reminders for yourself on your smartphone so that you drink water throughout the day
• Cutting back on tea and coffee in favor of water consumption

Another great wellness tip for lasting health is getting the right amount of sleep. Your body needs proper rest in order to heal, flush out toxins, and process the events of the day in your subconscious mind.

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, especially on nights following vigorous physical exercise and on the days of your chiropractic adjustments.

Maintain Good Posture Throughout the Day

The last thing you want to do is spend time receiving a chiropractic adjustment that puts your spine into alignment, only for you to screw it up by having poor posture throughout the rest of the week!

Poor posture doesn’t just limit the effects of your chiropractic adjustments by causing neck pain or messing up your back. It can cause other health problems by putting pressure on your nerves, reducing your body’s circulation, and even keeping your lungs from working at full capacity!

Make a daily effort to keep good posture throughout your workday. If you work at an office desk, don’t crane your neck forward to stare at your screen. You also should keep your shoulders from leaning forward and producing a rounded back, and you should make sure to keep your elbows and knees bent at a 90-degree angle.

Depending on what your job allows, try to take hourly breaks to walk around, do a few quick stretches, and reevaluate your posture. Better yet, if you can make it work with your current job situation, consider investing in a standing desk so that you can alternate your posture between sitting and standing.

Stick to a Healthy Diet

Having a healthy diet, which means putting the right foods in your body and keeping the wrong kinds of foods away, will go a long way toward improving your body’s benefits from your chiropractic adjustments.

For example, decrease the amount of food in your diet that causes inflammation, which can make joint pain worse. This includes highly processed foods, refined grains, sugary drinks and snacks, and fried foods. To establish a proper diet, replace these items with anti-inflammatory foods such as tomatoes, leafy greens, fatty fish, and fresh fruit that is high in antioxidants.

A well-balanced diet that includes lean meats, vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, and whole grains will give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs in order to repair itself from current injuries and fight against future hurts. A healthy diet is the fuel that keeps your body running like a well-oiled machine, including after you visit the chiropractor.

Maintain an Active Lifestyle with Plenty of Physical Exercise

Making regular exercise part of your daily routine is another key component for maximizing the benefits of your chiropractic care plan. For starters, you should do any stretches or other exercises that have been recommended by your chiropractor. Increased flexibility will make future adjustments more effective.

In addition, developing your body through strength training (such as weightlifting), metabolic conditioning, (such as high-intensity interval training), and cardiovascular exercise (such as distance running) will all make your body healthier and stronger. By maintaining an active lifestyle, you can maintain a healthier body weight, decrease your chances of future injury, and strengthen your joints for everyday living.

Ice Your Muscles or Take Epsom Salt Baths

Ice therapy is a great way to treat your muscles nicely after a chiropractic adjustment. Placing ice on your muscles before and after an appointment, as well as on days between adjustments, can cut down on swelling and inflammation.

Plus, icing your muscles can help with neck-related migraine pain and irritated nerves. It can also slow down your circulation, which can be helpful if you need to cool down after a period of vigorous activity.

If you don’t feel like icing down, you can get some health benefits by combining the relaxing benefits of a nice, warm bath with the soothing power of Epsom salts. An Epsom salt bath can reduce swelling, soothe irritated skin, and even help with sore muscles and stiff joints.

Contact Our New Berlin Chiropractors to Schedule an Appointment

If you’re looking for a chiropractic care practice rooted in natural methods and neurologically-based health solutions, contact Advantage Chiropractic today! Our experts will provide the adjustment schedule you need and send you home with a personalized care plan that will set you on the path toward greater wellness and optimal health.