Your joints and muscles work together to keep your body moving and functioning smoothly. Whether you’re reaching for something on a high shelf, going for a jog, or simply sitting at your desk, the coordination of your muscles and joints is essential for everyday activities. However, when things go wrong — whether due to poor posture, injury, or wear and tear — your joints and muscles can become strained, causing discomfort and limiting your range of motion. For Dr John Fortuna, a chiropractor with over 20 years of experience, chiropractic care is one of the most effective ways to restore proper joint and muscle function, naturally and holistically.
“Chiropractic care isn’t just about cracking backs — it’s about addressing the root causes of discomfort and helping the body function optimally,” explains Dr. Fortuna. “When the spine and joints are aligned correctly, the muscles can work more effectively and efficiently, allowing you to move better and feel better.”
The Role of the Spine in Joint and Muscle Health
The spine is the central structure in your body, and it plays a key role in the health of both your joints and muscles. It houses your nervous system, which communicates with muscles and joints to coordinate movement. When the spine is misaligned — a condition known as subluxation — it can interfere with nerve signals, leading to muscle tension, joint stiffness, and even inflammation.
“Misalignments in the spine don’t just affect your back; they can have a widespread impact on your entire body,” says Dr. Fortuna. “If your spine is out of alignment, it can cause muscles to tighten up and joints to become misaligned, which can result in pain, limited mobility, and even muscle weakness.”
Chiropractic Techniques for Improving Joint and Muscle Function
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to restore proper alignment and function to the joints and muscles. Dr John Fortuna incorporates a combination of manual spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapies to address joint and muscle issues at their source. Here are some of the most common chiropractic methods that support joint and muscle function:
- Spinal Adjustments
The primary technique used in chiropractic care is spinal manipulation, which helps realign the vertebrae of the spine. By restoring proper alignment, spinal adjustments relieve pressure on nerves and improve joint mobility, allowing the muscles to relax and move more freely.
- Extremity Adjustments
Chiropractors also perform adjustments on other joints in the body, such as the shoulders, knees, wrists, and ankles. These adjustments help restore proper motion and reduce discomfort caused by misaligned joints.
- Soft Tissue Therapy
In addition to joint adjustments, Dr. Fortuna uses techniques like myofascial release and trigger point therapy to relieve muscle tension. These techniques target the muscles, fascia, and connective tissues to improve flexibility, reduce tightness, and promote better blood flow to support healing.
- Corrective Exercises
Dr John Fortuna often recommends specific exercises to strengthen weak muscles, stretch tight ones, and improve overall joint function. Corrective exercises help support the gains made in chiropractic adjustments and prevent future injuries by promoting better muscle balance and joint stability.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Joint and Muscle Health
Regular chiropractic care offers a host of benefits for your joints and muscles, including:
- Improved mobility and flexibility
- Reduced muscle tension and stiffness
- Enhanced joint stability and function
- Better posture and alignment
- Pain relief without medication
By addressing both the spine and the surrounding muscles and joints, chiropractic care provides comprehensive relief and promotes long-term wellness.