When in pain, it’s natural to not want to think much about it and just lie down and hope someone can fix my issues for me and trust me I get it. Just laying down, getting some adjustments, massages, and some warm heat packs feels amazing (It’s why I use them for my patients too!)
But as a chiropractor, it’s my duty to remind my patients that if you really want to fix the root of the problem you can’t just be a passenger on your own journey. You are a part of the process! That’s where movement (particularly exercising) comes in aka the active approach.
But wait, what’s the difference?
To keep it simple:
Passive Care – the things I do for you such as adjustments, soft tissue therapy, heat therapy, modalities (ie shockwave). These help give quick relief and set the stage for your next which is…
Active Care – The things you should do – exercise therapy such as stretching, strength training, posture changes, even the simplest thing such as daily walking can count! This is the stage where together, we’ll get your body to learn, adapt and get stronger!
Why I always recommend an active approach
- It speeds up recovery (a lot) – Daily movement helps clear stiffness and inflammation (that’s usually the pain you’re feeling) than just complete rest
- It reduces the chances of your pain coming back – the latest studies shows how a holistic approach (passive chiropractic care + active care) outperforms passive treatments alone
- It builds confidence! – With an active approach, you’re not just patiently waiting for the pain to go away, you’re actively building the kind of body that can resist these problems in the future
How I work with my patients
- I use passive care to calm things down so they can move more comfortably without discomfort,
- As soon as they’re ready, I guide them into active care. Simple, effective, and safe movements to rebuild strength, stability, and confidence!
- Finally, we build a plan that works for you and your lifestyle so that you get better and stay better
Some takeaways
Passive treatments are amazing for giving you relief but they’re just the beginning. I know everyone wants long-term results, therefore movement and exercise must be a part of the plan. Even small but consistent steps, like a few minutes of daily stretching or a few squats a day can completely change your recovery.
At the end of the day, I don’t just want you to feel better, but I want to help you live better! To help you keep living your life to the fullest without being held back by pesky pain.
Written by Mohamad Syahmie Sabri, Associate Chiropractor