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What Actually Happens When You Get Adjusted by a Chiropractor?

  • Writer: Rob Moore
    Rob Moore
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read

If you’ve been curious about chiropractic care in Wanaka, understanding what happens during an adjustment can help you feel confident and informed before your visit.

Chiropractic care focuses on assessing and supporting how the musculoskeletal system and nervous system interact. A key component of care is the chiropractic adjustment, sometimes referred to in professional literature as a specific, controlled force applied to a joint to influence its movement and function safely.


1. Your First Visit: Assessment and Discussion

Before any adjustment takes place, a qualified chiropractor at Active Chiropractic will:

  • Take a full health and lifestyle history

  • Discuss your current concerns and comfort levels

  • Perform a physical examination, observing posture, range of motion and joint movement

  • Explain findings and answer your questions

This ensures care is appropriate for you, and aligns with the standards expected in New Zealand health services.


2. What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is the specific application of a controlled force to a joint that the chiropractor has identified as not moving or functioning as it typically should. The aim is to help improve joint motion and enhance how your body’s nervous system and musculoskeletal system interact.

There are different ways adjustments can be delivered, including:

  • Manual hands‑on techniques

  • Instrument‑assisted impulses

  • Table‑assisted adjustments

All approaches are selected based on your condition, age and comfort.


3. Being adjusted by a Chiropractor. The “Pop” Sound: What It Really Is

You may hear a popping or cracking sound during an adjustment. This sound is caused by gas bubbles being released from the joint space — a normal physical phenomenon known as cavitation. It does not indicate harm or pain.


Middle back adjusted by a Chiropractor

4. What You May Feel

Most people find an adjustment feels comfortable and relieving. Some patients experience:

  • A sense of increased mobility

  • Relaxation in tense areas

  • Temporary mild soreness or stiffness, similar to what you might feel after physical activity

These sensations usually resolve within a day or two.


5. After Your Adjustment

Post‑adjustment, a chiropractor may:

  • Offer guidance on gentle movement or posture

  • Suggest stretching or exercises tailored to you

  • Talk through strategies for daily activities (e.g., desk posture)

These suggestions support your recovery and help you maintain the benefits of care.

Active Chiropractic professionals always prioritise informed discussion before recommending additional guidance or lifestyle advice.


6. Safety and Individual Responses

Chiropractic adjustments performed by trained, licensed practitioners are widely regarded as safe when clinically appropriate. Serious complications are uncommon relative to many invasive interventions.

Because every person’s body is unique, not everyone will respond the same way to care, and outcomes vary from person to person.


Key Takeaways for Patients in Wanaka

  • A chiropractic adjustment is a specific, controlled touch to improve joint motion.

  • You’ll have a thorough assessment before treatment.

  • You may hear pops from gas release — this is normal.

  • Mild soreness afterwards is relatively common and temporary.

  • Each person’s experience and response can differ.

By offering clear explanation and respectful, patient‑centred care, Active Chiropractic helps you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.


Reference List

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