Integrating Spinal Decompression Therapy with Exercise and Chiropractic Therapy - Dr. Brian Prieto

Integrating Spinal Decompression Therapy with Exercise and Chiropractic Care: Dr. Brian Prieto Yorba Linda Chiropractor Explains

Welcome! I’m Dr. Brian Prieto from Prieto Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression Center in Yorba Linda, California. A common question we encounter is whether you can combine exercises, chiropractic adjustments, and physical therapy with spinal decompression therapy.

Spinal decompression therapy requires a progressive approach, similar to training for a marathon. You wouldn’t run 20 miles on your first day of training—your body needs to gradually adapt to the increasing demands. Similarly, we start spinal decompression with lower intensity and gradually increase it, allowing your body to adjust effectively.

Many patients wonder if they can engage in other activities while undergoing decompression therapy. To illustrate, let’s consider a metaphor: if your car runs out of gas, you might try to push it to create momentum. If you’re strong enough, you can generate the initial force needed to move the car. However, a person who lacks the strength, like a hypothetical 90-year-old, wouldn’t be able to generate this force.

In the context of spinal health, chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and exercises act as momentum—they are more effective when the initial force, or relief, comes from spinal decompression. These treatments are crucial for maintaining the improvements and supporting the spine after decompression therapy has alleviated the primary pressure.

Therefore, while you can start with gentle stretching or light activities, more intensive exercises and therapies are typically recommended in the later stages of spinal decompression therapy. This sequential approach ensures that each treatment complements the others effectively, enhancing the overall recovery and health of your spine.

In summary, while spinal decompression therapy prepares your spine for activity by relieving pressure, subsequent exercises, chiropractic adjustments, and physical therapy help maintain and enhance these benefits. This staged approach maximizes the effectiveness of each treatment.

For more information on how to safely integrate different therapies with spinal decompression or to explore other health topics, please check out our other videos.