What I’m Really Checking During an Adjustment (That You May Not Notice)

Most people think an adjustment is all about the pop, the stretch, and that familiar feeling of release.
But if you’ve ever wondered what’s actually happening behind the scenes during your session—this one’s for you.

Because every time you come in, I’m doing far more than “cracking a joint.” I’m running through a system—quietly, quickly, and intentionally—to figure out what your body needs right now.

Here’s a look inside that process.

1. Evaluating Muscle Tension (While You’re Sitting Up)

Before I adjust anything, I check the muscles around the area you’re concerned about.

Muscles tell the truth.

If a muscle is locked up, guarded, or overstimulated, the joint underneath will fight me, no matter how perfectly I adjust it.
So first, I release tension through soft-tissue (myofascial) work, stretching, or gentle pressure. When the muscle calms down, the joint follows.

2. Pre- and Post-Testing: Real-Time Feedback from Your Body

Before I do any major work, I often check:

• Your range of motion

• Your pain points

• Which muscles aren’t firing

• What happens when you move a certain direction

Then I check again after some intervention.

This lets me see what’s changed—and what hasn’t—so I know what to "adjust" next. It also helps us track how your body responds session by session, not just guess.

3. Assessing Joint Mechanics

Once the muscles are cooperating, I assess how the joints themselves are moving.

If I find a restriction, I use a gentle, targeted adjustment to improve the mechanics.
Then I retest to confirm we’re headed in the right direction.

It’s precise. It’s purposeful. And it’s always based on what your body is showing in the moment.

4. Adding an Energetic Reset (When Needed)

Sometimes after the muscles and joints improve, there’s still soreness, guarding, or that “something’s still stuck” feeling.

That’s where acupuncture or acupressure comes in.

Using specific points, I support your:

• Nervous system

• Stress response

• Circulation

• Deeper layers of tension or pain

Think of it as clearing out the “static” so the body can reset and reorganize.

5. Teaching You How to Maintain Progress at Home

Your session doesn’t end when you stand up from the table.

I’ll often give you:

• A specific stretch

• A targeted exercise

• An acupressure point

• A breathing or mobility drill

These are designed to reinforce the work we just did so you stay aligned, mobile, and improving between visits—not tightening back up by the next appointment (ideally).

6. Extra Support for More Complex Cases

If pain keeps returning, or if your symptoms aren’t matching the typical mechanical patterns, I may take a functional medicine lens.

That can include looking deeper at issues like:

• Inflammation

• Stress hormones

• Metabolic dysfunction

• Gut imbalances

• Nutrient deficiencies

Sometimes the body won’t hold an adjustment because something deeper is driving the dysfunction.
When that’s the case, we tackle the root cause—not just the symptoms.

Why Every Visit Looks Different

Some people need a full-body reset.
Some need just a nudge in the right direction.
Some need structural work.
Some need nervous-system support.

Your body changes day to day—and your care should, too.

What stays consistent is this:
I listen to your body and your story, then tailor the session to what you need most right then and there.

What Patients Often Say After a Session

“That was way more than I expected.”

“I didn’t realize how much tension I was holding until it released.”

“You somehow find the exact spot every time.”

That’s not magic—it’s your body talking.
My job is to listen.

Whether it’s a structural imbalance, a muscle firing issue, an energetic disruption, or a stress response hiding under the surface, I’m always looking at the whole picture.

You’re not just a spine or a symptom.
You’re a system.
And my approach honors that.

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Whether you’re in pain, feel stuck in your healing, or are simply curious what your body has been trying to tell you—I’m here to help.

Let’s reconnect your structure, energy, and function so you can get back to doing what you love.

If you’re ready for a more thoughtful, customized approach to care, you can book a session or reach out with questions anytime.