Browse 32 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in McDonough.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Active Release Technique is a patented soft-tissue treatment method that combines precise manual pressure with patient movement to break up scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, And ligaments. Developed by chiropractor P. Michael Leahy, it targets repetitive strain injuries, overuse conditions, And nerve entrapments to restore pain-free motion and function.
Acute Pain is sudden, sharp discomfort that lasts less than three to six months. Acute Pain signals tissue damage or injury, such as a sprained ankle, broken bone, Or muscle strain, And typically fades as the body heals. It acts as a warning to prevent further harm and prompts immediate attention to the affected area.
Adjustment is a precise manual procedure performed by a chiropractor to apply controlled force to a joint, typically in the spine, to improve mobility, reduce pain, And restore proper function. Adjustments aim to correct misalignments, relieve pressure on nerves, And support the body’s natural healing abilities without surgery or medication.
ATC is the credential for Certified Athletic Trainers, healthcare professionals who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, And treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. ATCs work under physician direction and often collaborate with chiropractors to support athletes, workers, And active individuals with rehabilitation, injury prevention, And emergency care.
Certified Athletic Trainer is certified Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, And treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. They work with athletes and active individuals to provide emergency care, rehabilitation.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a specific joint in the spine or other body area to improve alignment, reduce pain, And restore movement. These adjustments aim to correct joint dysfunction caused by injury, poor posture.
Chronic Pain is persistent discomfort lasting three months or longer, even after an injury or illness has healed. Chronic Pain often stems from nerve damage, inflammation, Or musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis or disc problems. Unlike short-term pain, it can affect daily activities, mood.
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level laser light to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation in muscles, joints, And soft tissues. Cold Laser Therapy doesn't produce heat, making it safe for use on injuries without damaging surrounding tissue. It's commonly used in chiropractic care, physical therapy, And sports medicine to accelerate recovery.
Concussion Management is a structured approach to safely assess, monitor, And rehabilitate individuals after a mild traumatic brain injury. It involves immediate evaluation, gradual return-to-activity protocols, symptom tracking.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical, traction-based treatment designed to relieve pressure on spinal discs and nerves. Decompression Therapy uses controlled mechanical force to gently stretch the spine, creating negative pressure within discs to promote healing, reduce pain, And improve mobility for conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, And chronic back pain.
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition where the soft inner gel of a spinal disc leaks through a tear in its tough outer layer, often pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, legs, Or arms, depending on the herniation’s location in the spine.
Diversified Technique is the most widely used chiropractic adjustment method. It involves precise, hands-on thrusts to restore joint motion, reduce pain, And improve spinal function. Diversified Technique is tailored to each patient’s unique needs and is supported by decades of clinical use and research in chiropractic care.
Electrotherapy is a medical treatment that uses electrical currents to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, And promote healing in muscles, nerves, And soft tissues. It involves applying controlled electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin. Common forms include TENS, interferential current, And muscle stimulation. Used in physical therapy and chiropractic care, electrotherapy is non-invasive and drug-free.
Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve back pain, sciatica, And disc problems. It involves a specialized table that stretches and decompresses the spine while the chiropractor applies rhythmic pressure to targeted areas, improving mobility and reducing nerve pressure without forceful manipulation.
Graston Technique is a specialized form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by trained healthcare providers to detect and treat scar tissue, fascial restrictions, And muscle tightness. Graston Technique involves using stainless steel tools to gently scrape and stretch affected areas, promoting healing and reducing pain without surgery or medication.
ICD-10 Codes is a standardized system of medical diagnosis codes used worldwide to classify diseases, injuries, symptoms, And health conditions. These codes help healthcare providers, including chiropractors, document patient conditions accurately for billing, treatment planning, And insurance claims. The system contains over 70,000 codes, each representing a specific health issue.
Impulse Adjusting Instrument is a handheld, FDA-cleared chiropractic tool that delivers precise, low-force mechanical impulses to specific spinal joints or soft tissues. It uses controlled speed and depth to restore motion, reduce pain.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers. These rollers move along the spine, creating gentle pressure and movement between vertebrae to improve flexibility, reduce stiffness.
Joint Dysfunction is a condition where a joint in the body moves improperly or loses its normal range of motion, often causing pain, stiffness, Or inflammation. It can result from injury, overuse, poor posture, Or underlying conditions like arthritis. Joint Dysfunction may affect any joint, including the spine, shoulders, hips, Or knees, And can limit daily activities if untreated.
Ligament Sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough band of tissue connecting bones at a joint, caused by overstretching or tearing. Ligament Sprains occur when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, leading to pain, swelling, And reduced function. Common sites include ankles, knees.
Manual Therapy is a hands-on clinical approach used by chiropractors, physical therapists, And other healthcare providers to diagnose, treat, And prevent musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Manual Therapy includes techniques such as joint mobilization, manipulation, soft tissue work, And stretching to improve mobility, reduce pain.
Muscle Strain is a common injury where muscle fibers stretch too far or tear due to overuse, sudden force, Or improper movement. It often causes pain, swelling, And limited movement in the affected area. Muscle strains range from mild soreness to severe tears requiring medical attention.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy technique that applies gentle, sustained pressure to the myofascial connective tissue to eliminate pain and restore motion. Myofascial Release targets tightness and restrictions in the fascia, the thin layer of tissue covering muscles, bones, And organs throughout the body, helping to improve flexibility and reduce discomfort.
Neuromuscular Reeducation is a therapeutic technique designed to restore normal communication between nerves and muscles. It helps retrain the body to move correctly after injuries, surgeries, Or chronic conditions by improving coordination, balance, And muscle activation patterns. This process often involves guided exercises and manual therapy to correct faulty movement habits.
Orthotics are custom or over-the-counter devices worn inside shoes to support, align, Or improve foot function. Orthotics help relieve pain, correct gait'ssues, And reduce stress on joints by redistributing pressure. They're commonly used for conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, Or knee and back pain caused by poor foot mechanics.
Personal Injury Protection is a type of car insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, And other costs after an accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It's often called 'no-fault' insurance because it covers the policyholder and passengers without assigning blame. Coverage limits and rules vary by state, including Georgia.
Posture Analysis is a systematic assessment of how a person holds their body while standing, sitting, Or moving. It identifies misalignments, muscle imbalances, Or joint stress that may contribute to pain, injury, Or reduced mobility. Chiropractors and healthcare providers use this process to create targeted treatment plans for improving spinal health and overall well-being.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment method that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And promote healing. Soft Tissue Therapy includes techniques like massage, stretching, And pressure application to break up scar tissue, relieve tension.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on treatment technique used by chiropractors and other healthcare providers to apply controlled force to a joint in the spine. The goal is to improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And restore function by moving the joint beyond its usual range of motion, often producing a popping or cracking sound.
TENS Unit is a small, battery-powered medical device that delivers mild electrical pulses through electrodes placed on the skin to help relieve pain. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, And the device is commonly used to manage both acute and chronic pain conditions without medication.
Therapeutic Ultrasound is a medical treatment that uses high-frequency sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain in muscles, tendons, And joints. The sound waves create deep heat and vibration in body tissues, which can improve blood flow, relax tight muscles, And speed up recovery from injuries. It's commonly used by chiropractors, physical therapists, And sports medicine professionals.
Trigger Point Therapy is a manual treatment method that targets tight, painful knots in muscles called trigger points. These knots can cause local pain or refer pain to other areas of the body. The therapy involves applying pressure to these points to release tension, improve blood flow, And reduce pain. It's often used by chiropractors, physical therapists.
