At Alive & Free Chiropractic, we believe in clear communication and education. A common point of confusion for many people exploring different manual therapies is the language used to describe them. Two words that are frequently heard, and sometimes used interchangeably, are “adjustment” and “manipulation.” Understanding the distinction, particularly within the context of chiropractic care, can provide clarity. Dr. Cody Capeloto, Doctor of Chiropractic, offers this educational perspective to help you navigate these terms.
While the terms “adjustment” and “manipulation” are often used as synonyms in general conversation, within the chiropractic profession they hold different meanings. “Manipulation” is a broad, general term for the movement of a body part or joint, which can be performed by various types of practitioners. A chiropractic “adjustment” refers to a specific procedure applied to a joint, performed by a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic following a detailed analysis.
What Is Manipulation?
Spinal manipulation is a general term that describes a therapeutic passive movement of a joint. It is a technique used in several health disciplines. The goal of a manipulation is generally to move a joint. The term itself is broad and can encompass a wide variety of techniques, applications, and provider philosophies. Think of “manipulation” as a large umbrella category for many different manual approaches.
Because it is a general term, the way a manipulation is performed can vary significantly from one practitioner to another and from one profession to another. It is a foundational concept in many forms of manual therapy.
The Chiropractic Adjustment
A chiropractic adjustment is a distinct procedure within the broader category of manipulation. According to Dr. Cody Capeloto, the key difference lies in the analysis, intent, and specificity. Before an adjustment is given, a Doctor of Chiropractic performs an analysis to determine the characteristics of a specific joint’s motion. This process informs the chiropractor’s actions.
Based on this analysis, a chiropractic adjustment involves the application of a specific force, delivered in a precise direction, to a particular joint. The intent is to address the motion characteristics identified during the analysis. This focus on specificity is a core principle of the chiropractic approach.
Key Distinctions Summarized
- Scope: Manipulation is a broad term for moving a joint; an adjustment is a specific procedure used by chiropractors.
- Analysis: A chiropractic adjustment is preceded by a specific analytical process to determine where and how the procedure should be applied.
- Specificity: Adjustments are characterized by their precision in location, direction, and force application.
- Provider: A chiropractic adjustment is exclusively performed by a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic.
Considerations for Infants and Children
When considering manual therapies for infants and children, it is important to know that the techniques used are substantially modified. The procedures applied to pediatric patients are different from those used for adults. The existing body of scientific evidence for chiropractic care related to pediatric symptoms and conditions is limited. For any health concerns regarding your infant, newborn, or child, it is essential to consult with a licensed pediatric clinician, such as your pediatrician or family medical doctor, for guidance and care.
Further Health Education
Navigating health information can be challenging. For general, evidence-based information on a wide range of health topics, conditions, and wellness, a valuable resource is the National Institutes of Health. You can find a wealth of information at the NIH health information portal.
Understanding the vocabulary of healthcare is the first step toward making informed decisions. At Alive & Free Chiropractic, Dr. Cody Capeloto is committed to providing educational resources to the Cooper City, FL community. If you have more questions about the principles and practices of chiropractic care, we encourage you to seek a one-on-one conversation.