Does chiropractic care help?

[Maddykins06]

Had first session this week due to knee pain. (We think tight ITB)

What has your experience been?
I'm nervous about continuing care, but I'm doing the marathon even if I have to walk it. (no pain when walking)

 

[verticalchaos]

I haven't used it for my knee (I've always been under the impression that chiro is more for the spine and neck), but I do go for my back and the hip twinginess that relates TO my back because of a slight curve in my lower spine.

That said...when I've had flares of back or neck or hip pain, it's taken several weeks of treatments to be truly pain free. I'm on maintenance now, and am fine - yesterday he commented how well things are staying in alignment. That said, he did have me make an appointment for the Wednesday before the weekend for last-minute tweaking and the Wednesday after the weekend to get a jump on any damage that might be done.

 

[cewait]

I would say possibly. Obviously an issue that is the result of an alignment problem can be helped by the chiro. It all depends on the root of the problem, not who you visit to correct a problem.

A preferred solution in my world is to get in front of the ailment through a regimented program of yoga, pilates and core work. In this case core is not a bunch of crunches, rather a set of exercises that strengthen the area between the shoulder and lower hip area. This includes a lot of unstable (ie one leg ) work to create a bode a lot less susceptible to injury.

Obviously, two weeks preface will not correct much.

 

[verticalchaos]

Excellent points Coach. The hip issue I have stems from a bike wreck I had when I was 12 - I pulled a muscle in a hip (and ironically went to Disney within a week - though my pediatrician was on the trip and helped keep me mobile), but was never sent to PT for it. It did eventually recover, but I altered my walk enough in the process that, while it wasn't outwardly visible, it did cause the slight curve that's there.

Now that I'm doing yoga, etc. I am far less likely to pull it in such a way as to aggravate it, but it can twinge on me from time to time, though nothing debilitating.

That said...if you go on runnersworld.com and put "IT Band stretches" in the search box, you should be able to pull up a video of a yoga sequence that will help stretching that area DRAMATICALLY!

 

[mickeyncldkd]

if you are having problems with your knees. you should go to orthopedic so they get you prescription to see a physical therapist. Physical therapist have more experience with the knees. Chiropractic do not have much experience with knees. They learn about the spine. They could do more harm with your knees, then you would have to go to orthopedic. It is better to get early so they give you the proper exercises to strength what you need. Chiropractic do not have proper experiences on what would be best for you on the knees.

 

[cewait]

if you are having problems with your knees. you should go to orthopedic so they get you prescription to see a physical therapist. Physical therapist have more experience with the knees. Chiropractic do not have much experience with knees. They learn about the spine. They could do more harm with your knees, then you would have to go to orthopedic. It is better to get early so they give you the proper exercises to strength what you need. Chiropractic do not have proper experiences on what would be best for you on the knees.

I think it all depends. Frankly, a wholistic approach is the best approach I can recommend. If there're is a structural issue in the knee I would go to the ortho and like you would start with an ortho. But I would not rule out the cause and effect of an injury or issue in the back creating a knee or foot issue, either. I have seen a great chiro who is a sports oriented chiro perform miracles for a running buddy who had a knee issue; all created by a sagging hip. It goes back to my original post about working to assure you have a great frame through yoga, Pilates, core work and I forgot stretching

 

[bounceliketigger]

I'd say PT over chrio. I've done both for the knee & am having much more success w/ PT. Of course I lucked out & happened to get a PT who's also a performance enhancement specialist. Right now it's all about stretching the ITB & strengthening the core.

 

[Maddykins06]

I went to two PT's without much success.

The chiro is a marathon runner himself, so I'm trusting him for now. (although nervous about it).

Thanks everyone!

 

[bunnyfoo]

I go to both a PT and a chiro - for me there isn't too much difference between the two. Both know acupuncture, ART and are personal trainers. The big difference for me, is that my chiro runs herself (not long distances) but enough to be familiar with the different aches and pains I go to see her with. I think it's one of those YMMV situations depending on who you go to see for treatment. You'll get different answers depending on who you talk to.

 

[MouseDogMom]

My chiro is trained in ART (Active Release Therapy), so he's been able to help me with muscle issues as well. He did a great job on my plantar fasciitis a couple of years ago. I'd say it all depends on what kind of treatments they're doing, but I think many now do a combination. I'd stick with it. Good luck!

 

[Disney G Dog]

I used to think chiropractors were a bunch of quacks. But I had one get me over severe back pain in 1996. He retired and I used another one to get ready for the Indy 500 Mini Marathon in 2009. Two weeks before the race I couldn't even straighten up and he had me in 80-90% shape for the race. I go every six months just to get realigned.

 

[heatherlynn444]

I would def be careful in saving chiropractors are not trained for knees...some are very trained. Mine has gone to specific seminars and conferences on knees hips and legs and he has done a great job with helping with my IT band (I have rotated hips which causes tightness in my legs and pain in my knees) and now I run a lot more smoothly. I also do my own strength training and foam rolling and stretching, but getting that initial alignment/help with my knees/hips has really helped. good luck!

 

[kenics]

I went to two PT's without much success.

The chiro is a marathon runner himself, so I'm trusting him for now. (although nervous about it).

Thanks everyone!

There's a stretch I discovered on youtube, that is a yoga move, called the 'magic pose' It's kind of an all in one stretch that I really like.

Also, have you considered acupuncture?

If you feel comfortable with your chiro that's really important. I have friends who have been once or twice and sworn them off forever, but I love mine.