Family Chiropractic Plus

While many people associate chiropractic care with back and neck pain, its benefits extend much further. One of the most common yet often overlooked conditions we help manage at Family Chiropractic Plus is arthritis. This condition, which causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, can significantly impact your quality of life, but you don't have to manage it alone. Understanding Arthritis Arthritis is a condition that affects joint health, and its symptoms typically worsen with age. If you're experiencing any of the following, you might be dealing with arthritis: • Pain and tenderness in your joints • Stiffness, especially in the morning • Swelling, inflammation, or redness • A feeling of weakness or buckling in the joint • Decreased range of motion You are not alone. Millions of Americans live with some form of arthritis, from osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can prevent you from enjoying your favorite hobbies, working comfortably, and living the active St. Petersburg lifestyle you love. Before turning to more medication, consider a less-invasive and highly effective treatment: chiropractic care. How Chiropractic Care Helps Arthritis At Family Chiropractic Plus, we look beyond just the symptoms to address the root cause of your joint pain. Studies show that chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to treat joint pain and reduce inflammation. Types of Arthritis We See • Osteoarthritis: The most common form, affecting the flexible cartilage of the joints. • Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic autoimmune disorder that targets the joints. Routine chiropractic care can benefit both forms of the condition. Our pain management strategies, combined with non-invasive treatments, can help you find relief without long-term reliance on painkillers. Our Methods of Chiropractic Treatment Every person’s experience with arthritis is unique. We develop a holistic treatment plan that addresses your specific pain points while improving your overall mobility and strength. Our techniques include: • Extremity Joint Mobilization: We gently work with the joints in your hands, wrists, feet, and knees to identify restricted areas and improve your mobility. • Chiropractic Adjustments: By correcting misalignments, we can reduce restrictions not just in the affected joints but throughout your body, which helps lower overall inflammation. We also offer other supportive treatments to enhance your care, such as massage therapy, heat/cold therapy, and personalized physical therapy exercises. Common Questions About Chiropractic Care for Arthritis Seeking treatment is the first step toward relief. Here are answers to some common questions we hear from our St. Petersburg patients. Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Arthritis? Yes. For osteoarthritis, chiropractic care is one of the safest treatment methods available. For inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, we are still able to provide safe and effective care, though we may modify our techniques. We will never adjust a joint that has active, swollen inflammation. Instead, we can work on the surrounding tissues and muscles to relieve tightness and pain. Can a Chiropractor Help With Arthritis in the Lower Back? Absolutely . Spinal manipulation is one of our primary services. By gently realigning the spine, we can relieve pain and tension in the lower back. These adjustments also improve overall joint health, increase mobility, loosen tight muscles, and can even boost your energy and sense of well-being. How Often Will I Need to See a Chiropractor? Many patients feel significant relief after their first visit. However, consistent, regular visits are typically the most effective for managing pain and healing the body over time. The frequency of your visits will be tailored to your specific condition and goals, which we will discuss with you. Start Your Journey to Relief at Family Chiropractic Plus If arthritis pain is affecting your life, don't let it hold you back any longer. Chiropractic care at our St. Petersburg clinic won’t just help you manage your pain day-to-day—it can help improve your joint function and slow the progression of your arthritis over time. Contact Family Chiropractic Plus today to schedule your appointment and learn more about our arthritis treatment options.

When the intense summer heat gives way to the milder days of fall here in Florida, it's the perfect time to refocus on your health and flexibility. This seasonal shift often changes our routines—perhaps we're less active outdoors or spending more time sitting. This can lead to increased stiffness and discomfort. At Family Chiropractic Plus, we believe that staying flexible is essential for your overall wellness, and combining chiropractic care with targeted stretches can help you feel your best all season long. Why Does Flexibility Matter? Flexibility is more than just being able to touch your toes. It’s crucial for maintaining a healthy spine, reducing your risk of injury, and improving your mobility. As we get older, our muscles naturally become less elastic. Daily activities, like sitting at a desk for hours, can lead to significant tightness and pain. By incorporating chiropractic care and simple flexibility exercises into your routine, you can improve your range of motion and release tension throughout your body. Chiropractor-Approved Stretches to Try This Fall Here are five simple stretches you can do at home or at the office to keep your body flexible and aligned. 1. Cat-Cow Stretch This is an excellent stretch for improving spinal flexibility and loosening tight back muscles. • How to do it: Start on your hands and knees. As you inhale, arch your back and lift your head and tailbone (Cow Pose). As you exhale, round your spine and tuck your chin to your chest (Cat Pose). Flow between these two poses for 10 repetitions. 2. Seated Hamstring Stretch Our hamstrings can tighten up when we're less active. This stretch helps increase flexibility in the back of your legs and your lower back. • How to do it: Sit on the edge of a chair with one leg extended straight, heel on the floor. Keeping your back straight, lean forward from your hips with your chest out until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs. 3. Neck Stretch It’s easy for neck muscles to become stiff. This simple stretch targets the neck and upper spine. While sitting or standing straight, slowly tilt your head, bringing your ear toward your shoulder. You can use your hand to apply gentle pressure to deepen the stretch. Hold for 15-20 seconds and then switch sides. 4. Child’s Pose This restorative pose is fantastic for relieving tension in the lower back and shoulders while promoting hip flexibility. • How to do it: Start on your hands and knees, then sit your hips back toward your heels and extend your arms forward. Rest your forehead on the floor and breathe deeply. Hold for 30-60 seconds. 5. Hip Flexor Stretch Tight hip flexors are a common issue, especially for those who sit frequently. This stretch helps release that tension. • How to do it: Get into a lunge position with one foot forward. Keeping your chest up, gently press your hips forward until you feel a stretch along the front of your back hip. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs. Chiropractic Care and Stretching: The Perfect Combination Chiropractic adjustments and stretching work together perfectly. Our adjustments at Family Chiropractic Plus help correct misalignments that cause stiffness, while regular stretching helps you maintain that alignment, improve flexibility, and prevent future injuries. Tips for Staying Flexible All Season Long • Stay Consistent: Make stretching a daily habit, even for just a few minutes. • Hydrate: Drinking enough water is crucial for muscle health, especially as the weather changes. • Keep Moving: Avoid sitting for long periods. Get up and take short walks or stretch breaks throughout the day. Visit Family Chiropractic Plus in St. Petersburg This Fall Our team is here to help you feel your best with chiropractic adjustments, personalized stretching routines and overall wellness support. If you’re feeling stiff or experiencing discomfort as we move into fall, schedule an appointment with us. Together, we’ll create a plan to keep you flexible and pain-free.