Overview

Have you recently experienced sudden neck or back pain? Or have you been in pain for quite some time and are ready to get back to feeling better? A chiropractic adjustment with us might just be what you need for overall wellness. Here's what you should know about chiropractic adjustment for functional medicine.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress syndrome, or PTSD, is a type of anxiety disorder that develops in people exposed to a dangerous or scary situation. Though our bodies produce a natural fight-or-flight response and recover after the traumatic situation, some patients may continue to experience symptoms for much longer.

Trained psychiatrists and licensed psychotherapists who have experience with mental disorders can diagnose PTSD. Patients of all ages can develop PTSD and, depending on the severity of symptoms, are unable to carry out daily activities and experience a rapid decline in quality of life. They may experience:

• an increase in stress
• bad dreams
• recurring nightmares and flashbacks
• increase in heart rate
• sweating
• avoiding crowded places or events
• easily startled
• tense
• memory loss

What Are the Benefits of Integrative Approaches to Managing PTSD?

There are multiple benefits to using an integrative approach to managing PTSD. Integrative forms of treatment are non-invasive and do not involve the use of narcotics. Having numerous forms of therapy to choose from means a one-size-fits-all approach is not taken, and treatment options are highly individualized based on the needs of the patient, as well as the symptoms experienced.

Common integrative therapies for PTSD management include:

• cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
• yoga
• meditation
• massage to help increase serotonin and dopamine levels in patients
• reiki
• tai chi
• biofeedback
• hypnosis
• acupuncture
• guided imagery
• creative arts therapies
• animal-assisted therapy
• changes to diet

What to Expect During an Integrative PTSD Therapy Session

If you've never had an integrative PTSD therapy session, you might be wondering what to expect during your first appointment. A licensed psychiatrist or physiotherapist at Chris Strickland will begin by asking a series of questions to determine your current health status, including your emotional and mental well-being. From there, they will prescribe a treatment plan that's specific to you and one that promotes recovery and increases your well-being. Your treatment plan may include one or multiple types of therapies, depending on your symptoms and lifestyle.

Effective PTSD therapies require an accurate evaluation and prompt care using safe, effective integrative techniques. Follow-up appointments are key to successful PTSD symptom management and in increasing your quality of life.

For more information about integrative approaches for PTSD, contact Chris Strickland at (706) 769-9779.