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Recovering from surgery can be a long and challenging process, often involving pain, limited mobility, and a need for rehabilitation. While traditional post-surgical care includes physical therapy and medication, chiropractic care is emerging as a beneficial complementary approach. But how exactly can chiropractic care help after surgery? Let’s explore its potential benefits, backed by scientific research and expert opinions.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Post-Surgical Recovery

Chiropractic care is often associated with spinal health, but it offers a range of benefits for individuals recovering from surgery. By focusing on alignment, mobility, and nervous system function, chiropractic adjustments can help the body heal more effectively.

• Pain Management – Many post-surgical patients experience pain as they heal.

Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapies can help reduce pain by addressing musculoskeletal imbalances and alleviating tension in the body (Spine & Rehab, 2023).

Additionally, by improving joint function and reducing nerve irritation, chiropractic care can decrease reliance on pain medications, which can have undesirable side effects such as dependency and digestive issues.

• Improved Mobility – Surgery often results in stiffness and restricted movement.

Chiropractic care can help restore mobility by reducing joint restrictions and promoting better alignment, making movement easier and more comfortable (Personal Injury Doctor Group, 2021). Many post-surgical patients struggle with limited range of motion due to scar tissue formation and prolonged immobilization. Gentle chiropractic techniques, such as stretching exercises and soft tissue manipulation, can help restore flexibility and prevent further mobility issues.

•  Enhanced Circulation – Proper circulation is essential for healing, as it delivers oxygen

and nutrients to affected tissues. Chiropractic techniques can help improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which aids in reducing swelling and promoting faster recovery (ScienceDirect, 2021). Improved circulation also helps prevent complications such as blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which are risks for individuals recovering from major surgeries, particularly orthopedic procedures.

• Supporting Nervous System Function – The nervous system plays a critical role in

healing, and spinal misalignments can interfere with nerve communication. Chiropractic adjustments can optimize nerve function, helping the body heal more efficiently (PMC, 2024). Since the nervous system controls various physiological processes, including immune response and inflammation regulation, chiropractic care can contribute to overall well-being by ensuring uninterrupted nerve signaling.

Conditions That May Benefit from Post-Surgical Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care can be particularly useful for individuals recovering from the following surgeries:

• Spinal Surgery – While chiropractic care should be approached cautiously after spinal procedures, gentle adjustments and therapeutic exercises can aid in recovery by supporting spinal alignment and reducing compensatory muscle tension (Spine & Rehab, 2023). Many spinal surgery patients experience discomfort due to postural imbalances, which can be addressed with careful chiropractic techniques tailored to their specific needs.

• Joint Replacement Surgery – After knee or hip replacements, chiropractic techniques can assist in restoring proper biomechanics and preventing secondary issues from developing due to altered movement patterns (Personal Injury Doctor Group, 2021).

Many individuals who undergo joint replacement struggle with muscle atrophy and misalignment in surrounding joints, making chiropractic interventions valuable for optimizing post-surgical function.

• Orthopedic Surgeries – Procedures such as rotator cuff repairs, ACL reconstructions, and

wrist surgeries can benefit from chiropractic care by promoting better joint function and reducing post-surgical stiffness (ScienceDirect, 2021). Since these surgeries often require prolonged immobilization, chiropractic adjustments combined with rehabilitative exercises can help prevent muscle weakness and improve long-term mobility outcomes.

•   Abdominal Surgeries – Although less commonly associated with chiropractic care, some

individuals recovering from procedures such as hernia repairs or cesarean sections may benefit from gentle adjustments to improve posture and alleviate compensatory back pain. These surgeries often result in core muscle weakness, and chiropractic techniques can support rehabilitation efforts by addressing musculoskeletal imbalances.

Additional Benefits of Chiropractic Care Post-Surgery

Beyond directly addressing pain and mobility, chiropractic care provides additional benefits that support overall recovery:

• Reducing Scar Tissue Formation – Post-surgical scar tissue can lead to restricted movement and discomfort. Chiropractic techniques such as myofascial release therapy help break down scar tissue, promoting smoother healing.

• Boosting the Immune System – Since the nervous system plays a significant role in immune function, proper spinal alignment may help strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms, reducing the risk of post-surgical infections and complications.

• Enhancing Mental Well-Being – Surgery and prolonged recovery can take a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. Chiropractic care can help alleviate stress by reducing physical discomfort and promoting relaxation through improved circulation and nerve function.

• Supporting a Holistic Recovery Plan – Many chiropractors integrate additional therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and exercise recommendations into their treatment plans, providing a well-rounded approach to post-surgical recovery.

Safety Considerations

While chiropractic care offers many benefits for post-surgical recovery, it is essential to approach it safely. Patients should always consult with their primary surgeon and a licensed chiropractor before beginning treatment. Key considerations include:

Waiting for the appropriate healing period before undergoing adjustments, typically after surgical wounds have sufficiently healed.

Using gentle, non-invasive techniques tailored to the patient’s condition, such as low-force spinal mobilization or instrument-assisted adjustments.

Avoiding high-force spinal manipulations, especially after spinal surgeries, to prevent complications.

Ensuring communication between healthcare providers for a coordinated recovery plan that prioritizes patient safety.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care can be a valuable addition to post-surgical rehabilitation, offering pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced overall recovery. By addressing spinal alignment, circulation, and nervous system function, chiropractic treatments support the body’s natural healing processes while minimizing reliance on medications. When used as a complementary therapy, chiropractic care enhances post-surgical recovery outcomes and promotes long-term well-being.

If you’re considering chiropractic care after surgery, consult with both your surgeon and a qualified chiropractor to determine the best approach for your specific needs. A personalized treatment plan tailored to your recovery goals can help ensure a smoother, more effective healing journey.

Sources Cited

  Spine & Rehab. (2023). Seeing a Chiropractor for Post-Surgical Pain. Retrieved from https://www.spineandrehab.com/blog/seeing-a-chiropractor-for-post-surgical- pain/#:~:text=Chiropractic%20Care%20After%20Surgery   ,treatments%20can%20do%20f or%20y ou.

  ScienceDirect. (2021). Post-Surgical Rehabilitation and Chiropractic Care. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1556370721000122

PMC. (2024). Chiropractic Interventions for Post-Surgical Patients: A Review. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10944012/

  Personal Injury Doctor Group. (2021). Chiropractic Care for Individuals Post-Surgery.

Retrieved from https://personalinjury doctorgroup.com/2021/06/22/chiropractic- individuals-post-surgery /