Chiropractic Therapy for Post-Operative Pain: Taking a Closer Look

A team of surgeons in green scrubs collaborates in an operating room, engaged in a surgical procedure.

Do you have pain after surgery? You’re not alone. 82.2% of patients experience acute postoperative pain, with over a third (34.24%) experiencing moderate to severe pain that affects their recovery. While medication is the traditional approach to managing surgical pain, many patients are finding chiropractic therapy as an additional treatment option.

A closer look at postoperative pain

In general, post operative pain is pain and discomfort after surgery that’s expected and usually lasts about 2 to 5 days. It happens after doctors remove burned skin and/or add skin grafts. Most of this extra pain comes from the new wound where they took healthy skin to use as a graft.

To help with this pain, doctors might give you more of your regular pain medicine (opioids). They might also use techniques like ongoing nerve blocks right after surgery. One of the best non-medicine ways to help with pain is simply giving you good information. When you know ahead of time that your pain will increase but will only last a short while, it can help you cope better.

Chiropractic therapy: the core principles in pain management

Chiropractic is based on a few simple principles. Your body can heal itself. Your nervous system (brain and nerves) controls this healing by sending messages around your body. Your spine protects your spinal cord which is part of your nervous system. Sometimes your spine bones can shift out of place (subluxations) which can happen during surgery. When this happens it can block the messages from getting through. The main goal of chiropractic care is to get your spine back in alignment. When chiropractors correct these misalignments your nerves can function better and your body can heal naturally and you can be healthier overall.

The potential of chiropractic therapy in postoperative pain management

Chiropractic therapy can help with post-surgery pain in several ways. Spine adjustments can reduce pain by fixing nerve damage or irritation caused when your spine gets out of line during surgery or when you can’t move much afterward. When chiropractors put your spine back in the right position, it can also help reduce tight muscles and swelling in painful areas.

After surgery, you often become stiff and can’t move as well as before. Chiropractors use adjustment techniques and gentle movements to loosen up tight joints and help your spine and other joints move normally again. This is especially helpful after bone or joint surgeries, or any surgery that forces you to rest for a long time.

If you’re looking to take fewer pain pills, chiropractic care might help. By fixing the muscle and bone problems that contribute to your post-surgery pain, good chiropractic treatment may lower your need for opioids and other pain medications. This means fewer side effects and less risk of becoming dependent on these drugs.

Chiropractic therapy works with your body’s natural ability to heal itself. By improving how your nervous system works through fixing spine alignment and putting your muscles and bones back in the right position, chiropractic treatments can help your body heal better, potentially leading to a faster and more comfortable recovery after surgery.

Important considerations for chiropractic for postoperative pain 

While chiropractic care offers promising benefits for post-operative pain management, several important considerations must be addressed before beginning treatment. Read on for details.

Type of surgery

Some surgeries don’t mix well with immediate chiropractic treatment. Generally, patients should wait 4-6 weeks or more after surgery to allow for basic healing before starting the said treatment. Certain operations, like those using metal hardware to hold bones together or open-heart surgeries, may not be suitable for chiropractic treatment at all.

Surgeon’s clearance

Make sure you get your surgeon’s permission before beginning any chiropractic treatment after an operation. Your surgeon can give you advice based on your particular surgery and how well you’re healing.

Individualized care

Your chiropractor will create a personal treatment plan that considers your specific needs and the kind of surgery you had. They will pay special attention to your surgical area and any restrictions you might have.

Chiropractic therapy for post-surgical pain management is evolving

It’s important to acknowledge that the research on chiropractic care for post-operative pain is still evolving. While the existing evidence suggests potential benefits, more rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to definitively establish the effectiveness of chiropractic care for various types of post-operative pain and to determine optimal treatment protocols.

Chiropractic: A holistic path to postoperative pain management

Taking care of your whole body after surgery is important, and chiropractic treatment can be a helpful part of your recovery plan. Before starting chiropractic care, have an honest talk with your surgeon and other healthcare providers about managing your pain. Working together with all your healthcare professionals ensures that chiropractic treatment is safe and properly fits into your overall healing process. With the right guidance, adding chiropractic care might help you recover more comfortably and successfully after surgery. 

Ready to explore how chiropractic care could enhance your post-surgical healing? Visit Posture Perfect Chiropractic today and take the next step toward better recovery and lasting wellness.

Book an appointment today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is pain normal after surgery?

It’s completely normal to feel pain after an operation. For most people, the pain gets a lot better within just a few days. However, depending on your surgery, you might not be completely pain-free for several weeks or sometimes even months.

What are the effects of postoperative pain?

Pain after surgery is seen as a type of short-term pain. It happens because of the physical damage from the operation, which causes inflammation and triggers a sudden burst of nerve signals sent to your brain.

What type of pain is post operative pain?

Pain after surgery is considered short term pain. It’s because of the physical damage from the surgery which causes inflammation and a sudden burst of nerve signals to your brain.

How do you manage pain after surgery?

After your surgery, take basic pain relievers like paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen. While these might not completely get rid of your pain, taking them on a regular schedule can help you need fewer of the stronger pain medicines.

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Chiropractic Therapy for Older Adults in the Philippines

A man using a back massager while sitting in a hospital room, surrounded by medical equipment and a bed.

The Philippines is about to see a big change in its population, and it’s safe to say that chiropractic therapy is becoming increasingly important for older adults. The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) says that by 2030, there will be more older people (over 60) and fewer young people (under 15) in the country. This shift means we need better ways, like the said treatment, to help older Filipinos stay healthy, active, and independent as they age.

Aging and the musculoskeletal system

As you get older, your body changes. The cushions between your spine bones wear out, making your back stiff and hurt. Your muscles get smaller and weaker, making it harder to move around. Your bones get thinner and can break more easily. Your joints get stiffer, making it harder to bend and stretch. These changes can also make you less steady on your feet, so you fall more often.

These body changes can cause health problems. Many older people have back and neck pain that doesn’t go away. Joint pain and stiffness are common, too. Sometimes the space in your spine gets too narrow and squeezes nerves, causing pain. Some people get pain that runs down their leg. Your posture might change, like getting a rounded upper back, making it even harder to keep your balance and avoid falls.

Chiropractic: A Wellness Option for Older Adults

As you get older, your body changes in ways that can make daily life harder. Chiropractic treatment gives you a natural way to deal with common problems like stiff joints, back pain, and trouble with balance without using drugs. When doctors of chiropractic fix subluxations or alignment issues in your spine, they help your nerves work better, which can help you move more easily, feel less pain, and keep doing the things you love as you age.

Pain management

Chiropractic treatments can help reduce long-lasting pain from common problems older people have, like arthritis, narrowing of the spine, and worn-out spinal discs. These treatments work by taking pressure off pinched nerves and relaxing tight muscles. This can mean you might not need to take as many pain pills, which is good because those pills often cause unwanted side effects. Chiropractors are particularly good at helping older adults with pain in their lower back, neck, and head.

Improved mobility

Chiropractic therapy gets your joints moving better in your back and arms and legs. Moving well is important for older people to look after themselves. Practitioners of the said therapy use gentle, specific techniques for older adults to loosen up stiff joints and get them working better.

By getting your joints moving more freely chiropractic care combats the stiffness of getting older. When your joints stiffen as you age, adjustments can get them working again so you can move better. This means cooking, cleaning and bathing becomes easier so you can look after yourself for more years.

Enhanced balance and reduced risk of falls

Chiropractic treatment can help you balance better and move more smoothly by putting your spine in the right place and helping your nerves work better. It helps you know where your body is without looking and helps your inner ear work better for balance. That means better posture and fewer falls. Falls are very important for older people because falls can be very injurious and make it hard to live on your own.

By making you balance better chiropractic care prevents injuries and helps older adults stay independent. Since having poor balance makes you more likely to fall, getting the said holistic method to fix these problems is key to keeping older people safe.

Improved Well-being in Later Years: Chiropractic Benefits

Doctors of chiropractic have many ways to treat older people. They might use a small tool that taps on your spine. Or they might use slow movements to get your joints working better. Some use special tables that stretch your back or have cushions that move when they press down. Sometimes they put triangle blocks under your hips to straighten your spine. They also know how to loosen tight muscles and get your joints moving.

Every older person needs their personalized treatment plan. Before treatment starts, chiropractors need to do a full exam and consider any other health issues you may have. Because they have so many gentle techniques, chiropractors can choose the best ones for each person and keep treatment safe and effective.

A Healthier Future: Chiropractic Therapy and Aging Well

As you age, you can make chiropractic part of your healthy lifestyle by following these simple steps. First, talk to your doctor about how it can help you. When looking for a chiropractor try to find one who has worked with many seniors and understands the health issues that come with aging. Let them do a full exam to find out what you need and create a plan just for you. Follow their advice which may include exercises to do at home or changes to your daily habits. Keep communicating with both your chiropractor and other doctors to make sure everyone is on the same page for your health.

For the said holistic approach to help you age well, your healthcare providers need to work together as a team, looking at everything that affects you and what matters most to you. These are what we do at Posture Perfect Chiropractic. Visit us now and find out for yourself how chiropractic can help you age well while sustaining well-being. 

Are you a new patient? Kindly fill up our short fact sheet in our New Patient Portal, and we’ll get back to you the soonest. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should older people go to a chiropractor?

Regular chiropractic treatments offer seniors comprehensive health benefits that can help reduce various health issues and enhance their quality of life. Consistent sessions provide numerous remarkable advantages that can improve total body function for elderly individuals.

Is chiropractic safe for elderly with arthritis?

Older people with arthritis struggle with more than just pain. They want to stay independent, keep moving around on their own, and feel good overall. Adding chiropractic care to their regular health routine can really help older adults with arthritis in several important ways. The long list includes reduced pain, enhanced mobility, and improved posture.

Who should not get a chiropractic adjustment?

If you have osteoporosis, feel numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, have cancer that’s spread to your backbone, might be at higher risk for a stroke, or were born with a problem in your upper neck bones, you should not get chiropractic treatments. These conditions could make spinal adjustments dangerous for you.

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Stop Shoulder Pain Naturally with Expert Chiropractic Therapy

A woman grimaces, holding her shoulder back, indicating discomfort and pain.

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues, affecting 7% to 26% of the population. It is especially prevalent in older adults. A key cause of shoulder discomfort is a rotator cuff tear. Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that 34.7% of rotator cuff tears are symptomatic, while the remaining 65.3% go unnoticed. For those dealing with pain, limited mobility, and muscle weakness, the impact on daily life can be significant.

Chiropractic therapy offers a non-invasive way to manage shoulder pain. A doctor of chiropractic can address joint misalignment, muscle tension, or posture-related strain. With consistent treatment, many people find lasting relief without surgery or medication.

In this post, we’ll explore how chiropractic care helps with shoulder pain, what to expect from treatment, and why it may be the right choice for long-term recovery.

Importance of the Shoulder Joint in Everyday Life

You rely on your shoulders more than you realize. When one starts to hurt, even the smallest tasks can become frustrating. The shoulder joint supports many daily movements, and when it’s not working well, it affects your comfort, routine, and independence.

Here’s how shoulder pain can interfere with everyday life:

  • Personal care – Reaching behind your back to zip up, brushing your hair, or getting dressed can be difficult when your shoulder feels stiff or sore.
  • Household chores – Activities like sweeping, doing the laundry, or carrying a basket of groceries often involve lifting or reaching. Pain in the shoulder can make these chores uncomfortable or slow you down.
  • Work-related tasks – Whether you’re using a computer, writing, lifting boxes, or working with tools, a painful shoulder makes it harder to focus and stay productive.
  • Sports and hobbies – Physical activities like swimming, yoga, or gardening often require full shoulder movement. Pain or weakness in the joint can keep you from enjoying the things you love.

If the pain lingers, it’s a sign your body needs help. Chiropractic therapy can gently restore movement, reduce tension, and support your body’s natural healing process.

5 Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Many people live with shoulder pain without knowing what’s causing it. Understanding the source of discomfort can help you find the right care. Below are some of the most common causes of shoulder issues:

Overuse injuries

Repetitive movements like lifting, reaching, or throwing can strain the shoulder muscles. This often leads to muscle knots, which feel tight and sore. Left untreated, they can limit your range of motion. Regular chiropractic therapy improves joint function and helps prevent these knots from forming by relieving tension before it builds up.

Poor posture

Slouching at a desk or looking down at a phone all day can put strain on your shoulders. Over time, this can lead to stiffness, fatigue, and misalignment. A doctor of chiropractic can provide targeted adjustments and guide you on proper posture habits to reduce stress on the joint.

Frozen shoulder

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition causes stiffness and reduced mobility. It usually develops slowly and becomes more painful over time. Chiropractic care may support gentle shoulder movement, improve posture, and help improve flexibility without forcing the joint.

Shoulder arthritis

Wear and tear in the shoulder joint can lead to swelling, stiffness, and aching. While arthritis can’t be reversed, chiropractic treatment may ease the pressure on the joint, reduce discomfort, and support better function in daily activities.

Shoulder subluxation

Shoulder subluxation happens when the upper arm bone shifts slightly out of place. It can result from injury, loose ligaments, or muscle weakness. Chiropractic adjustments may help realign the joint and strengthen the surrounding muscles, reducing the risk of future issues.

Catching these problems early and getting the right care can make a big difference. Chiropractic care offers a natural and personalized way to support healing and keep your shoulders moving the way they should.

Associated Symptoms of Shoulder Conditions

Shoulder problems often come with more than just pain. These symptoms can affect your daily routine and signal deeper issues within the joint or surrounding muscles.

Restricted range of motion

    You may have trouble lifting your arm or reaching behind your back. This stiffness can result from inflammation or muscle tension. Chiropractic therapy helps restore smoother movement by easing joint restrictions.

    Weakness

      Tasks like lifting or carrying may feel harder than usual. Weakness often comes from joint misalignment or nerve irritation. A doctor of chiropractic can address these imbalances and help improve strength.

      Swelling

        Inflammation can cause the shoulder to look or feel swollen. This may stem from overuse, injury, or arthritis. Chiropractic treatment may reduce joint stress and promote healing.

        Numbness

          Tingling or numbness in the arm or hand may mean a nerve is being compressed. Chiropractic care works to relieve pressure and improve nerve function.

          Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to faster, more effective care.

          How Chiropractic Therapy Can Help

          Chiropractic therapy isn’t just about adjusting joints. It also focuses on the muscles and soft tissues that support those joints. Hands-on techniques help release that buildup, restore movement, and ease discomfort where it starts.

          Here are a few common methods used to support healing:

          • Myofascial release – This technique focuses on loosening the fascia, the thin layer of tissue that surrounds your muscles. When fascia becomes tight, it can limit movement and cause discomfort. Myofascial release gently frees up this tension, helping you move with less pain.
          • Trigger point therapy – Trigger points are tight “knots” in your muscles that can cause pain in other areas. Chiropractic care targets these points to reduce tension, improve circulation, and restore natural muscle function.
          • Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) – This involves using a special tool to break down scar tissue and adhesions in the muscles. It’s especially helpful after overuse injuries or periods of immobility.
          • Active Release Techniques – Through guided movement and pressure, this method helps release tight muscles and improve flexibility. It’s often used for chronic pain or repetitive strain.

          These techniques support overall recovery and help restore shoulder function safely and naturally.

          It’s Time to Put Shoulder Pain Behind You

          Living with shoulder pain isn’t just uncomfortable—it slows you down and makes simple tasks feel harder than they should. Whether it’s lifting, reaching, or even resting, that constant tension takes a toll on your daily life. Chiropractic therapy helps ease the strain, restore movement, and support long-term healing without relying on painkillers or quick fixes.

          At Posture Perfect Chiropractic, we take the time to understand what’s causing your pain and create a care plan that works for you. Every visit is focused on helping you feel stronger, move better, and get back to the things you enjoy.

          Book an appointment today!

          Frequently Asked Questions

          Is chiropractic care safe for shoulder pain?

          Yes. Chiropractic care is non-invasive and tailored to your condition. Techniques are adjusted based on your pain level, medical history, and overall comfort.

          How many sessions will I need?

          This depends on the cause and severity of your shoulder issue. Some patients feel better in a few visits, while others need ongoing care for deeper recovery.

          Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?

          No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to schedule your first visit. We’ll guide you from there.

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          Chiropractic For New Mothers: Safe Pain Relief After Childbirth

          A woman tenderly holds a baby next to an incubator, capturing an intimate moment of care in a hospital setting.

          Giving birth takes a real toll on your body. If you’re feeling sore, stiff, or out of balance, you’re not alone. A recent study found that nearly 91% of postpartum women experience some form of physical pain, with back, pelvic, and joint discomfort being the most common complaints. Many women try to manage this pain with rest, home remedies, or traditional methods. In the Philippines, for example, self-care during postpartum recovery is a common approach.

          But sometimes, that’s not enough. Chiropractic treatment offers gentle, hands-on care to help your body recover and move better. It works with your body’s natural healing process to restore balance and reduce pain.

          In this blog, you’ll learn:

          • What causes postpartum pain
          • How chiropractic care supports healing
          • The techniques they use
          • What to expect during treatment

          Let’s understand what’s happening inside your body and how to feel like yourself again.

          Understanding Postpartum Pain Conditions

          Pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a newborn place a lot of stress on your body. It’s no surprise that many women feel aches and pains long after delivery. But ongoing pain isn’t something you just have to accept.

          Discomfort can show up in different ways—like a sore lower back, tight shoulders, or sharp pain in the hips or pelvis. These symptoms often come from physical strain, hormonal changes, and the way your body adjusted during pregnancy.

          Understanding the source of your discomfort is the first step toward lasting relief. Let’s look at the areas where postpartum pain is most common.

          Where Does It Hurt? Common Postpartum Pain Areas

          Your body goes through a lot during pregnancy and childbirth. These are the areas where pain tends to show up most often:

          • Back pain – Carrying extra weight, changes in posture, and the strain of labor can leave your back feeling tight and sore. Many women also deal with lower back pain from breastfeeding or lifting their baby.
          • Neck pain – Looking down at your baby while feeding or holding them can cause stiffness in your neck. Poor posture and muscle fatigue often make this worse.
          • Shoulder pain – Holding your newborn for long periods can stress your shoulder joints. This tension builds up quickly, especially when combined with a lack of sleep or physical exhaustion.
          • Hip pain – The hips widen and shift during pregnancy. After delivery, some women continue to feel discomfort, especially when walking, sitting, or getting out of bed.
          • Pelvic pain – Pressure from the baby and stretching during birth can affect the pelvic joints. This can lead to lingering pain that makes it harder to move or stand for long periods.

          How Chiropractic Treatment Supports Postpartum Recovery

          Your body goes through major changes during pregnancy and childbirth. These changes can cause pain, tension, or misalignment that linger long after delivery. 

          1. Restoring spinal alignment

          Pregnancy often shifts your posture and spine out of place. Chiropractic adjustments help bring your spine back into balance, reducing pressure and tension. This kind of care works well for postpartum back pain that makes movement difficult.

          2. Improving nervous system function

          The spine protects your nervous system, which controls everything from movement to healing. When the spine is out of alignment, it can block proper nerve signals. A doctor of chiropractic focuses on restoring this communication to improve how your body functions.

          3. Supporting natural healing

          Realigning the spine and restoring nerve function helps your body work the way it’s meant to. Instead of covering up pain, this holistic approach supports real healing. Here’s a deeper look at the benefits of postpartum chiropractic care from experienced practitioners.

          4. Easing common postpartum issues

          Pain in the back, pelvis, or joints can affect how you hold your baby or go through daily tasks. Chiropractic care offers safe, drug-free relief for these challenges. Gentle adjustments can help you move more freely and feel more supported in this new season.

          Common Chiropractic Techniques Used in Postpartum Care

          Not all chiropractic care looks the same. A doctor of chiropractic will choose techniques based on your symptoms, body type, and comfort level. Here are some of the most common methods used to support postpartum healing:

          • Diversified technique – This is the most widely used chiropractic method. It involves quick, gentle thrusts to adjust specific joints. These movements can help restore alignment and relieve pressure in your spine.
          • Spinal mobilization – A slower, more controlled technique that uses gentle stretches and movements. It’s often used when your joints feel stiff or if you need a softer approach after childbirth.
          • Activator method – Instead of using hands, this technique relies on a small handheld tool to deliver low-force adjustments. It’s ideal if you prefer minimal pressure or are still feeling sensitive after delivery.
          • Flexion distraction – This gentle, table-assisted technique helps reduce pressure on the spine, especially in the lower back. It’s commonly used to treat herniated discs or ongoing back pain after pregnancy.
          • Spinal decompression – Designed to relieve pressure in the spine, this method involves slow, rhythmic stretching. It can be helpful if you have nerve pain or disc issues that flare up during or after pregnancy.

          Each technique is safe, controlled, and designed to support your healing at your own pace.

          Feel Stronger, Move Better, Heal Naturally

          Your postpartum journey doesn’t have to include ongoing pain. The discomfort you feel in your back, hips, or joints is your body’s way of asking for support.

          At Posture Perfect Chiropractic, we’re here to support your healing after birth. Our team offers expert chiropractic treatment that helps relieve pain and restore movement naturally. You don’t have to go through recovery alone. Book a consultation using our new patient portal today to start feeling strong, steady, and supported.

          Frequently Asked Questions

          Is chiropractic treatment safe after giving birth?

          Yes. Chiropractic treatment is safe for most postpartum women. A licensed chiropractor will adjust the techniques to fit your stage of healing.

          How soon after delivery can I start chiropractic treatment?

          Some women start within a few days, while others wait a few weeks. The best time depends on your health and comfort level.

          Can chiropractic care help with breastfeeding posture pain?

          Yes. Many new mothers experience neck and back pain from feeding positions. Chiropractic adjustments can ease muscle tension and improve posture.

          Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?

          Most of the time, no referral is needed. You can book directly with a chiropractor who understands postpartum care.

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