Although there are over 200 different Chiropractic techniques, doctors of Chiropractic all fall into one of two general categories when it comes to the philosophy that they practice under. Chiropractors are either mechanistic or vitalistic in approach.
You will probably find that most healthcare practitioners will fall into one of these two categories:
Mechanistic Chiropractic Care
Mechanistic (pain-based) Chiropractors view the body as a machine that is separated into different parts. Like any machine, the body’s parts break down and can often be replace or manipulated with little regard to the whole. Those with a mechanistic view see symptoms as signs of breakdown that need to be removed or eliminated. They tend to apply the same theory to all bodies and every body, ignoring individualism.
Mechanistic Chiropractors are great for a quick fix, symptomatic care, getting you out of pain fast.
Vitalistic Chiropractic Care
Vitalistic (wellness) Chiropractors view the body as a whole. They see the body as innately intelligent, responding with a purpose to it’s environmental stressors. Symptoms are seen as an intelligent response to stress and are to be listened to and acknowledged, not suppressed or eliminated. Vitalistic care tends to be personalised to the unique needs of the individual.
Vitalistic Chiropractors are great for both short- and long-term results; symptomatic relief, getting to the root of the problem and for preventative care.
Recent years have seen increased interest in ‘alternative healthcare’, such as holistic medicine, a system that focuses on areas such as personal accountability for one’s health, the human body’s ability to heal itself, and balancing the body/mind connection.
“The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” – Thomas A. Edison, 1902
Chiropractic care is becoming more and more mainstream. In fact, Chiropractic is the third largest doctoral level primary healthcare profession, behind medicine and dentistry.
“The day is near at hand when the doctor will no longer be engaged to patch up the sick man, but to prevent him from getting sick. He will visit families, examine the premises, inspect factories and shops, and give instruction to his patients how to keep from getting sick.” – The Washington Post, 1908
Chiropractors are specifically trained to assess the spine and nervous system to detect, analyse and correct misalignments (subluxations). By performing safe, gentle and specific ‘adjustments’, Chiropractors can realign the spine and restore proper communication between the body and the brain. Vitalistic Chiropractors can also offer lifestyle advice on nutrition, movement and head space.
Want to find out ‘What is Chiropractic’? Click here.
Peak Chiropractic Centre located in Claremont are family-friendly chiropractors focused on relieving aches, pains and posture correction. We offer in-house X-Ray facilities.
