Surgery is tough on the body. Leading up to it, you might deal with pain, stiffness, or inflammation. Afterward, recovery can bring soreness, restricted movement, and a long healing process. Chiropractic care helps in both stages, preparing your body for surgery and supporting a smoother recovery. Let’s break down how chiropractic care makes a difference before and after surgery.

Does Chiropractic Care Help Before Surgery?

Absolutely. Going into surgery with less tension and better mobility can make a big difference in how you feel afterward. Preparing your body before surgery can also lead to a smoother recovery.

Chiropractic care helps by reducing pain, improving mobility, and keeping joints and muscles relaxed. Better circulation supports healing, while spinal adjustments relieve nerve pressure that can cause discomfort. When your body is in better condition before surgery, the healing process afterward can be much easier.

Can Chiropractic Care Speed Up Recovery After Surgery?

Healing takes time, but chiropractic care can help you get back to feeling like yourself after surgery. Many post-surgery issues, such as pain, stiffness, and inflammation, can be managed naturally through gentle chiropractic techniques.

For example, gentle adjustments and soft tissue therapy work to reduce pain and soreness, while specialized techniques prevent scar tissue from causing long-term stiffness. Many patients find they move more comfortably and recover faster with chiropractic support.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe After Surgery?

Yes, as long as it’s done correctly. Chiropractors use gentle, targeted techniques to support healing without putting stress on the surgical site, to avoid a negative impact to the healing area. For instance, the use of an activator provides precise, low-force adjustments, while soft tissue therapy helps reduce muscle tension and inflammation.

Your chiropractor will collaborate with you and your needs to create a safe, effective treatment plan tailored to your recovery. Learn more about the types of manual adjustments we offer here.

Which Surgeries Can Benefit from Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is helpful for many types of surgeries, especially those involving the spine, joints, and muscles. Common surgeries in which our services help include:

• Spinal surgery – Helps restore movement and prevent stiffness.
• Hip and knee replacements – Supports joint function and flexibility.
• Shoulder surgery – Addresses post-surgical compensation patterns.
• ACL and meniscus repair – Aids in regaining stability and mobility.

If your surgery affects movement, chiropractic care can likely play a role in your recovery.

Can Chiropractic Care Help Reduce Dependence on Pain Medications?

Post-surgical pain is typically managed with prescription medications, but many people look for natural ways to reduce their reliance on painkillers. Chiropractic care can be an effective option for managing discomfort without heavy medication use.

Many aches and pains stem from imbalances in the spine and musculoskeletal system, which can create excess strain on joints and soft tissues. Through gentle adjustments and soft tissue therapy, chiropractic care stimulates the body’s natural healing process, offering pain relief and lessening the need for medication. This goes beyond masking pain, as it targets the root cause of it.

While some medication may be necessary after surgery, chiropractic care provides a drug-free approach to pain management that supports long-term healing.

When Should You Start Chiropractic Care After Surgery?

Timing depends on the type of surgery. Some patients can begin gentle care within weeks, while others need more time to heal first. General guidelines include:

• Minor surgeries – Chiropractic care may begin within a few weeks.
• Major surgeries – Most patients wait 4 to 12 weeks for clearance.

Your chiropractor will assess your healing process and tailor treatments accordingly.

How Often Should You See a Chiropractor During Recovery?

The frequency of chiropractic visits after surgery depends on the type of procedure you’ve had, your overall health, and how your body responds to treatment. In the early stages of recovery, appointments may be more frequent to address pain and stiffness. As healing progresses, visits can be spaced out based on your needs. A typical recovery plan may look like:

• Early recovery (weeks 1–4): Focus on gentle techniques to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
• Mid-recovery (weeks 4–8): Gradual introduction of adjustments and mobility exercises.
• Long-term recovery (months 2+): Maintenance care to support long-term movement and prevent future issues.

Each recovery journey is unique, so your chiropractor will adjust the treatment schedule based on how you’re healing. The goal is to support your body at every stage, whether that’s to reduce pain, restoring movement, or preventing future complications.

Making Your Recovery Easier

Surgery can be tough on the body, but chiropractic care helps make recovery smoother. It naturally reduces pain, improves mobility, and supports the healing process, helping you get back to feeling your best.
If you’re getting ready for surgery or need relief afterward, chiropractic care could be the right solution. Schedule a Consultation Appointment today and take the next step toward an easier recovery!