What to Expect After Your Adjustment

Mild, localised soreness after an adjustment is common for some people and is generally not a cause for concern on its own.

Research has described muscle aching similar to post-exercise soreness as a recognised reaction after manual treatment (Senstad et al., 1996; Leboeuf-Yde et al., 1997). Individual responses vary.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) adapts care to you. Hands-on and gentle low-force options are available where clinically appropriate. Before treatment begins, suitability is assessed.

Your options are explained, and your questions are answered so you can decide. If soreness feels more than mild, or you are unsure, contact the clinic.

There is no fixed timeframe. Individual responses vary. Mild soreness often settles on its own. If it is not settling, feels more intense than mild discomfort, or you are unsure, contact Stapleton Chiropractic so we can advise you.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) would rather you call than wait and worry.

Light activity such as walking is usually fine after an adjustment. For harder training, check with Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) at the visit, because it depends on what was treated that day.

Mention any workout you have planned so your options can be explained before you leave. Individual responses vary.

Some people notice a temporary increase in their usual symptoms after a visit. That can be part of a short-lived response.

If symptoms feel significantly worse rather than mildly uncomfortable, or you are unsure, call (08) 8297 5277 so we can review your options. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) can assess what to do next.

Seek emergency medical attention for sudden severe headache, difficulty with speech, sudden weakness or paralysis, disorientation, vision changes, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Mild fatigue or achiness after an adjustment may relate to changes in joint position, muscle tension, and movement during treatment. It can feel similar to the temporary soreness some people notice after starting a new activity.

Staying hydrated, taking a gentle walk, and resting as you need may help you settle more comfortably. Individual responses vary. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) can talk this through at your visit.

Some people find ice more settling at first, then warmth later for residual stiffness. If you use ice, keep a cloth between the pack and your skin and use short applications.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will give you guidance that suits your treatment that day. Individual responses vary.

Some people notice brief, mild lightheadedness after an adjustment, including after neck treatment. It may relate to standing up quickly after lying down. Sit or stand slowly and tell the clinic if it does not settle.

If dizziness is persistent, significant, or occurs with nausea, headache, or visual changes, let us know immediately. Persistent or significant dizziness after any treatment should be assessed.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) would rather you call if you are unsure.

Contact the clinic if you have pain that is more than mild, burning pain, new tingling, numbness, or weakness, muscle spasms, joint swelling, or headaches that are worsening.

Seek emergency medical attention immediately for sudden severe headache unlike any previous headache, trouble with speech, sudden weakness or paralysis on one side, significant dizziness or disorientation, sudden vision changes, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) would rather you call if you are unsure.