Chiropractic medicine is an approach that focuses on the relationship of the body's structure to the way it functions. Chiropractic practitioners and manual therapists provide adjustments to the spine and other areas of the body to correct problems caused by the body being out of alignment.11 Problems with alignment may be caused by a physical injury that creates stress on another area of the body, such as favoring a sore ankle or leg and causing the hip or spine to over-compensate and adjust incorrectly. Over time, a re-alignment is needed to help the hip or spine return to its natural movement and function as the root cause of the problem, the ankle or leg, is healed.

Chiropractic treatments may vary, depending on the specific issue and severity of the problem. Gentle manipulation is usually referred to as mobilization and is generally used to help a joint regain range of motion. More assertive techniques that incorporate a controlled and sudden force to a particular area (generally the spine) are known as adjustments. Patients may experience temporary discomfort and need several sessions until the re-alignment is fully achieved. Electrical stimulation may also be used to increase blood flow and provide pain relief.