Neuromusculoskeletal care mainly emphasizes the restoration of the body’s natural ability to heal itself – without relying on any medication or surgery. But, what does a typical neuromusculoskeletal session look like? If you haven’t had one before, Dr Lauren Papa takes you through a walkthrough of a standard neuromusculoskeletal treatment overture.
What You Should Know About Neuromusculoskeletal Sessions
A neuromusculoskeletal session isn’t merely about spine cracking, as popular misconceptions might lead you to think. It’s a comprehensive process that begins with an initial consultation, followed by a physical examination, diagnosis, and subsequently, the actual treatment process. The primary goal is to restore the body’s optimal functionality while alleviating pain and discomfort.
Initial Consultation
The initial consultation is the chance for your pain specialist to understand your health history, lifestyle, diet, and physical activity. You’ll discuss your health issues, symptoms, and any current or previous treatments you’ve had. This way, your pain specialist can gauge the root cause of your problem and determine how best to address it.
Physical Examination
Following your discussion is a thorough physical examination. This may include testing your reflexes, checking your posture and spine alignment, and certain neurological tests. It could also incorporate other specific assessments such as X-rays, MRI scans, or other diagnostics if necessary. These evaluations help the pain specialist get a clearer picture of your current health status.
Diagnosis
Based on the information gathered during the initial consultation and examination, the pain specialist will determine the cause of your symptoms. You’ll be informed about the type of problem you have, whether it’s a muscle strain, spinal misalignment, nerve impingement, or any other issue. Specific individualized treatment options will then be recommended based on this diagnosis.
Neuromusculoskeletal Treatment
The treatment phase in a neuromusculoskeletal session involves non-invasive, hands-on manipulation known as neuromusculoskeletal adjustments. These maneuvers are designed to realign the spine, alleviate pressure on nerves, and restore the body’s correct range of motion. Techniques such as spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and specific rehabilitative exercises may be used.
Each plan is typically tailor-made to the patient’s specific condition and comfort level. During your adjustment, you’ll generally be asked to lie on a specially designed table as the pain specialist uses their hands or a small instrument to apply controlled force to a specific part of your body. You might hear a popping sound, which is entirely normal — it’s the gas bubbles being released from your joints.
Neuromusculoskeletal Aftercare
A single treatment session may not always be sufficient to address your health challenges. In most cases, sessions are scheduled over weeks or months, depending on the condition’s severity.
You may also receive guidance on lifestyle alterations, dietary advice, and therapeutic exercises to contribute to your overall recovery process. After a session, you may experience minor discomfort or increased tenderness, which usually subside within 24 hours.
Learn When You Should Get A Neuromusculoskeletal Treatment
A typical neuromusculoskeletal session isn’t just about adjusting your body. It’s a holistic approach to wellness that concerns itself with your overall health. The experience will vary based on individual health conditions, the patient’s comfort level, and the pain specialist’s recommendations.
Dr Lauren Papa would like to note that this article provides a general overview of what a neuromusculoskeletal session might look like. Still, you need to consult with a licensed healthcare professional before starting any new neuromusculoskeletal regimen.
