What to expect following your visit

Some patients may experience soreness after an adjustment. This is normal and occurs as the muscles adapt and “settle.” Muscles move bones, and when muscle work is combined with chiropractic adjustments, excessive pulling on the joints is reduced. This allows adjustments to hold longer and helps correct muscle imbalances that contribute to dysfunction and pain.

Patients who exercise and stretch regularly tend to maintain their adjustments more effectively. Consistent movement helps stabilize the skeleton, improves range of motion, and reduces the likelihood of muscle imbalances that can lead to pain or dysfunctional movement patterns.

It is also normal to feel either tired or energized after an adjustment. This depends on how your nervous system and cellular metabolism respond. Staying well hydrated and maintaining proper electrolyte intake helps tissues stay fluid, supports circulation, and reduces stagnation.

Stiffness & Rib Sensations

Patients with higher levels of stiffness often need additional mobility work to achieve smoother movement and balanced muscle tone. These patients may be more prone to experiencing rib irritation or subluxation after an adjustment. This does not mean you have a broken or dislocated rib. When the thoracic spine is stiff, the ribs may act like pressure valves as mobility improves, or they may be adapting to movement they were previously restricted from.

If this occurs, please call or text the office. The rib can be adjusted free of charge within 5 days of your visit. After that timeframe, a full re-adjustment will be required and may not be complimentary. This is not a provider error—it is a normal adaptation that can be easily addressed with timely communication.

Managing Soreness

Heat softens, ice sedates If the area is warm to the touch, use ice Heat may worsen inflammation Acute disc bulges often require 1–2 weeks of icing during the inflammatory phase Pain Response Timeline For patients experiencing nerve pain or higher pain levels: it is normal to feel worse within the first 24 hours, followed by significant improvement by 48 hours. Please allow 36 hours before contacting the office for emergency concerns, and use ice to support healing during this time.

The doctor is highly trained in pain management protocols. You are not in danger as a result of your treatment unless otherwise determined during an in-office evaluation. If your pain feels excessive or concerning, please call the office calmly—support will be provided.

Epsom Salt Baths & Magnesium

Epsom salt baths are highly recommended for all patients, especially athletes, as they support the nervous system and muscle recovery. Magnesium is essential for the body and cannot be produced internally. Symptoms of deficiency may include: Muscle spasms or tightness Fatigue Mood changes Poor sleep or waking at night Magnesium support can be addressed in-office. Medical-grade liquid magnesium is available through the doctor and is not typically sold over the counter.

Peripheral Neuropathy & B12

Patients experiencing numbness in the hands or feet without diabetes may have a vitamin B12 deficiency. Lab testing can be ordered, and if needed, the chiropractic physician can provide B12 supplementation (1,000–5,000 mcg). Medical Devices & Heart Conditions Please inform your doctor if you have a pacemaker or heart condition. Electrolytes—especially potassium—can affect heart function, and accommodations will be made based on your health history.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping helps release muscle tension that pulls on tendons, which in turn affect joint positioning. Regular muscle work helps adjustments hold longer and supports overall skeletal stability. Muscle tissue acts like a sponge—it needs fresh fluid and blood flow to deliver oxygen and clear inflammatory buildup that causes trigger points. Cupping may leave pink to purple marks for 3–7 days, depending on metabolism and hydration levels. Electrolytes are recommended daily, as they help muscles absorb water more effectively, reducing stiffness and discomfort. Cupping does not detoxify the body (this is a myth), but it does help identify deeper tissue patterns for clinical evaluation.

Cupping is included free with every new patient exam, unless you choose to opt out*

If there are any questions or concerns that are not covered here:

please visit the contact us page and or email LIFEFORCENV@gmail.com or call (775) 685-8966. Thank you.