Abnormal joint position and function is more common than most people realize and can be easily and quickly corrected with a adjustment (manipulation).

So the next time you get pain in a joint or have had pain for a long time, don't assume the worst and think it's arthritis or something torn. Have the area examined by a certified chiropractic extremity practitioner.

Extremity adjustment or manipulation is used to correct joint fixations anywhere in the body other than the spine. This includes many troublesome areas, such as the TMJ, ribs, shoulders, wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome), elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles and the bones in the foot.

When any joint is fixed or does not move properly, it stretches the attached ligaments, triggering sensory receptors to signal the brain. The result is pain in the affected joint. The brain sends a signal back to the adjacent muscles, reducing their strength in order to protect them.

After manipulation of the extremity by a properly trained chiropractor, the stretched ligament goes back to its normal length, and the brain allows full strength to return to the adjacent muscles. Pain also decreases immediately.

Sometimes lax or overstretched ligaments and tendons make a joint unstable and let it move too much. In this case, adjusting the joint alone is not enough to correct the problem. Strengthening exercises and perhaps taping must be used to permit the ligament to tighten and restore stability to the joint.

Extremity manipulation provides excellent results for many patients and often helps them avoid having surgery.