Chiropractic Care

What Is Chiropractic

Chiropractic focuses on restoring healthy motion and function in the spine and joints so your nervous system can work the way it should. We use a combination of precise hands-on adjustments, gentle instrument adjustments, or drop-table options (when appropriate) to help reduce pain by improving mobility and support your body’s natural healing process. At Form & Function Chiropractic in Lake Oswego, Dr Devine will use over 20 years of chiropractic experience to create your chiropractic care plan.

---

A Brief, Traditional History

• Origins (1895): Early chiropractors emphasized specific spinal adjustments to influence nerve function and health.
• Growth (1900s–mid-1900s): Techniques diversified, but the core remained hands-on adjustments aimed at restoring joint motion and alignment.
• Today: Chiropractic remains firmly rooted in traditional manual care while incorporating modern assessments and supportive therapies. It is broadly recognized by the public as the leading “alternative” or natural care choice in the U.S. by utilization.

---

What to Expect on Your First Appointment

Goal: Understand your story, evaluate how you move, and begin a plan that gets you results—safely and efficiently.

1. Conversation & History
Your concerns, goals, past injuries, daily demands, and what “better” looks like for you.

2. Functional & Structural Assessment
Posture, ranges of motion, movement patterns, spine/joint palpation, and neurologic checks as indicated.

3. Imaging (only if needed)
X-rays or other studies are ordered when clinically indicated.

4. First Adjustment (when appropriate)
Technique is matched to your comfort, presentation, and goals—ranging from traditional hands-on to instrument-assisted, drop-table, or gentle low-force options.

5. Personal Plan & Home Strategies
Clear next steps, expected benchmarks, and simple home care (mobility drills, ergonomic tips, activity progressions). We keep it practical and doable.

---

Benchmarks: Relief → Correction → Wellness

Everyone heals at a different pace, but most care follows three phases. We’ll set personalized targets and re-evaluate along the way. (Typical frequencies below are examples, not guarantees.)

Phase 1 — Relief & Stabilization (often 2–6 weeks)

Focus: Calm pain, improve joint motion, reduce muscle guarding.
Typical cadence: 2–3 visits/week tapering as you improve.
Benchmarks:

• Pain down 30–50% in the first 2–4 weeks
• Better sleep, easier transitions (sit↔stand), and improved daily tolerance (e.g., sitting/standing/walking time).
• Re-eval around visit 6–8 to measure progress and adjust the plan.

Phase 2 — Correction & Strength (often 4–8+ weeks)

Focus: Address contributing movement patterns and tissue capacity so relief actually “sticks.”
Typical cadence: Weekly → every other week as goals are met.
Benchmarks:

• Pain down 60–80%+, mobility normalized for key joints.
• Return to preferred activities with graded loading (work, sport, parenting, travel).

Phase 3 — Wellness & Prevention (ongoing, customized)

Focus: Maintain gains, catch small problems early, and support an active life.
Typical cadence: Monthly, seasonal, or life-stage based (travel, sport season, etc.).
Why it matters:

• Modern life is repetitive (screens, driving, stress). Periodic tune-ups help offset cumulative strain.
• Early course-correction prevents small restrictions from becoming flare-ups.
• Keeps you moving well for the things you love—consistently.

---

Techniques We Utilize (Matched to You)

• Palmer Package – A traditional blend often including Diversified, Gonstead-style analysis, Thompson/Drop, and Toggle; classic hands-on approach.
• Diversified – Precise manual adjustments for specific joints; widely used, highly adaptable.
• Activator (instrument-assisted) – Very gentle, spring-loaded tool for targeted, low-force adjustments; great for sensitive areas and all ages.
• Drop Table (Thompson-style) – Uses a segmented table that “drops” slightly to assist the adjustment with minimal force.
• Torque Release Technique (TRT) – Low-force, instrument-guided contacts aimed at improving neurologic tone.
• Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) – Gentle positioning and blocking methods to influence pelvic mechanics and spinal balance.

(We can discuss preferences—some patients like traditional hands-on, others prefer instrument or drop-assisted options. Many plans blend methods across phases.)

---

How a Typical Plan Might Look

• Weeks 1–2: Reduce pain/inflammation, restore key motions; introduce 1–2 easy daily drills.
• Weeks 3–6: Progress adjustments; add simple strengthening and control work; ergonomic tweaks.
• Beyond 6 weeks: Transition to independence—maintenance visits at a cadence that fits your goals, workload, and activity level.

---

Who We Help (Examples)

• Desk/Device Strain • Headaches/Neck & Back Tension • Overuse & Weekend-Warrior Aches • Post-Injury Recovery and Stiffness • Pregnancy & Family Care (gentle options available).

---

Getting Started

Bring your questions, your goals, and a list of what pain keeps you from doing. We’ll create a straightforward plan to get you out of pain, moving well, and staying well—long term