Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We’ve got real answers — no fluff, no gimmicks.
Whether you’re new to chiropractic care, dealing with an injury, or just curious about how our approach works, this page is here to clarify what we do and why we do it. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us — we’re always happy to talk.
❓ Do chiropractic adjustments hurt? Most adjustments are not painful. You may feel pressure or hear a pop, but the technique is gentle and controlled. Some people may feel mild soreness for a day or two after their first few adjustments — similar to the feeling you get after trying a new stretch or exercise for the first time.
❓ What’s the difference between chiropractic care and physical therapy? There shouldn’t be a meaningful difference in outcomes — the evidence shows that multiple methods can help people get better. At Empower, we use whatever tools are appropriate for you, whether that’s exercise, soft tissue work, spinal manipulation, or movement coaching. Spinal manipulation isn’t exclusive to chiropractors, and exercise certainly isn’t exclusive to physical therapists. What matters is how and when each method is applied to fit your needs.
❓ Will I have to come forever? No. There’s little evidence to support the necessity of ongoing “maintenance care” for everyone. That said, some people simply enjoy the feeling of getting adjusted or like the performance and recovery benefits it brings. For those not in pain, care may shift toward refining movement, strength, and skills — not working around pain or injury.
❓ Can I get care even if I’m not in pain? Yes! Many people come in to optimize performance, prevent injury, or address movement inefficiencies. If someone loves working with us, they’re always welcome — even if they no longer have symptoms. In those cases, care often becomes more performance-focused than rehab-focused.
❓ Can I still train if I’m injured? In many cases, yes — and we encourage it. With the right modifications, we can help you train safely around the injury so you retain strength, conditioning, and momentum. In fact, this is often a chance to strengthen neglected areas and return to your sport or training smoother and stronger than before.
❓ What conditions do you commonly treat? We see disc herniations, low back pain, shoulder issues, tendinitis in various areas, hip pain or dysfunction, postural problems, and nerve-related conditions — as well as many non-injury performance concerns like stiffness, weakness, or lack of body awareness.
❓ What is performance coaching in a rehab setting? It’s guided strength and movement coaching that keeps you progressing even during injury recovery. Performance coaching helps you retain conditioning and train smart while injured — and can improve strength, mobility, or awareness in areas that were previously underdeveloped.
❓ What is myofascial decompression and how is it different from traditional cupping? We use cups to create decompression — not just to leave marks. The technique combines suction with movement to improve tissue glide and restore motion. It can also help calm overactive muscles and stimulate underactive ones, making it a powerful tool for pain relief and movement control.
❓ What’s that “cracking” sound during an adjustment? It’s not bones moving — it’s a natural release of pressure in the joint. Think of it like lifting a cold glass off a table and hearing a soft pop as the seal breaks. It’s safe, normal, and not required for the adjustment to be effective.
❓ Is spinal decompression the same as traction? Not exactly. While both reduce pressure, flexion/distraction decompression (which we use) is more targeted and movement-based. It allows us to localize treatment to specific joints and tissues — especially helpful for disc injuries or nerve-related pain.
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