Chiropractors can offer relief to people who suffer from back and neck pain, especially people who have had little luck with other forms of medical care. Much of what chiropractors do involves manual adjustments. Chiropractors realign the spine to offer patients long-lasting relief from the symptoms that bother them. However, many chiropractors also take advantage of modality therapy in their practices. Here are four types of modality therapy that you might encounter when you decide to see a chiropractor:

1. Cold Therapy

Cold therapy is an effective way to relieve pain and swelling. Chiropractors can offer cold therapy to patients through the use of cold packs, which are reusable packs that can be chilled in the freezer or refrigerator. Some chiropractors also utilize cold therapy machines, which circulate cold water around a patient's injured body part without getting them wet. Cold therapy can be used to offer anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits.

2. Heat Therapy

Heat has therapeutic benefits, just like cold does. Some chiropractors take advantage of heat therapy in order to treat their clients. As in cold therapy, hot packs can be used to provide targeted heat where it is needed. Some chiropractors use heating pads to provide even, constant heat to muscles that are tight and strained. Heat therapy can be used before or after manual adjustments are made in order to encourage a client's muscles to relax. Like cold therapy, heat therapy can provide pain-relieving benefits.

3. Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation

TENS can be used to stimulate the muscles. This modality is carried out using TENS units that introduce electric current into patients' bodies. Chiropractors apply TENS pads to areas that need stimulation. As electricity flows through the TENS unit, muscles perform minute contractions. This process is not painful, and many patients find it soothing. TENS therapy can be helpful for people who experience chronic pain due to overactive nerve signals. TENS can disrupt the usual pain signals received by the brain so patients can find greater relief through other chiropractic practices.

4. Dry Needling

Dry needling is another modality often employed by chiropractors. This treatment is like acupuncture in that both modalities involve the use of needles. However, dry needling utilizes needles in order to activate trigger points. The thin needles used during this therapy can stimulate muscles from the inside, which can enable a deeper release than chiropractic adjustments or deep tissue massage alone.

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