Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash

Let me ask you a question. Do you ever think about “wellness?” As in, “I want wellness?” 

These days, “wellness” is a buzzy catchphrase that pertains to everything from essential oils to yoga to chiropractic care. And since no one wants “unwellness” or sickness, it sounds like a good objective.

But what is wellness chiropractic? Is it different from regular chiropractic? 

In this post, we’ll define the “wellness” concept and wellness chiropractic. That way, you’ll be able to decide if it fits with your health goals. 

First, the Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as “the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.”

Hmmm…. That makes sense. Framed this way, wellness in this way is an active state and not simply “not well.” So when you actively choose healthy foods and regular exercise you’re engaging in activities that promote wellness. 

But it goes deeper than that. 

Pfizer links wellness referencing the World Health Organization who says “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Going further, both Pfizer and the Global Wellness Institute include social, mental, and physical goals within the larger categories of wellness. 

Those include getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, exercising regularly, and incorporating other healthy habits like making time for family and friends and other self-care activities. 

Wellness Chiropractic Fits Into Active Wellness Activities

Whether you’re new to chiropractic or you think of it as a back-pain relief technique, you might be surprised to consider all of its benefits in your wellness plan.

You probably already know that chiropractic care focuses on your spine. You have one spine and chiropractors like to say “it’s your lifeline.” It’s more than “just” the bones and discs, that gives your body flexibility and holds you upright. It also connects your head to your toes via miles of nerves and tendons that make up your nervous system. 

A healthy spine means your nervous system can communicate easily with all the cells in your body. When your body can communicate with itself, it promotes self-healing. 

Just like taking Vitamin C, getting enough sleep, and eating well can help your body function well, wellness chiropractic can also play a role. It reduces neck and shoulder pain and can even contribute to reduced ankle or knee pain. 

When combined with other wellness activities, chiropractic care can contribute to stress reduction — we recommend massage therapy for even more stress relief. 

Regular chiropractic treatments can even help you catch health concerns before they become problems. It’s a natural approach rather than the wait until you’re sick approach. 

In today’s environment, stress reduction and wellness care are more important than ever. Even small adjustments in your habits can make a difference in your overall health. Make a commitment to work more veggies into your meals, get out for a walk, or do some simple exercises at home. Youtube has a wealth of classes on everything from yoga to kickboxing. 

If you’re in Doylestown, Pa., you can contact McQuaite Chiropractic for your wellness chiropractic treatments. We accept most insurances and have family plans available. You can call 267-247-7000 for more info. 

If you’ve ever twisted an ankle stepping off a curb, then you know that it’s not only painful but keeps you chair (or bedridden) for awhile. 

If you’ve had a gout flare-up, it can be difficult to walk. Or if you simply haven’t been getting exercise, you may find yourself stiff and in pain. 

Mobility is related to our ability to do everyday tasks like cut the grass, reach a glass on a shelf or carry laundry up the stairs. Most of us don’t think of it until we don’t have it. 

Scientific studies from The Mayo Clinic have found a direct link between spinal health issues and other health concerns when the body isn’t getting the physical movement that it needs.

Staying active is more than improving your fitness level – It’s about keeping your joints active – keeping them flexible and mobile. This may not sound like too important of a health goal, but making sure your body is mobile and flexible is actually quite important because it means you can do all the things you want to do in your life. 

Here are 7 Simple Tips To Improve Your Mobility 

Tip #1: Use Warm-Up & Cool Down Stretches To Improve Mobility & Flexibility 

(YouTube is your friend to find exercises that work for you)

A couple of favorites are: 

Yoga with Adriene, Action Jacquelyn

Tip #2: Use Exercises That Help Improve Knee and Ankle Strength & Mobility 

(Walking is a simple yet very effective way to do this)

Start with just 5-10 minutes a day if you’re really out of shape. A walk around the block only takes a few minutes but can clear your head and remind you of the world right around you. This benefits your mental health as well as physical. 

Tip #3: Eat A Healthy Diet & Reduce Excess Weight 

You know this is important. Extra weight puts stress on your joints and this can lead to injury. Even if you’re only a few pounds overweight, imagine you’re carrying around a watermelon or two. 

Tip #4: Eat Foods that Fight Inflammation 

(this means less white flour and more veggies)

Soon, the Doylestown Farmer’s Market will reopen with spring peas and asparagus and other in-season produce. Or, visit the grocery store of your choice and stock up. If you’re short on time and energy, buy frozen veggies for quick and healthy stir fry. 

Salmon is also good anti-inflammatory food. 

Tip #5: Involve Your Family For Accountability 

Use an app like Pacer to track your activity levels, you will be amazed how addicting it will become when you see how many steps a day you take. 

Tip #6: Use Supplements That Help What Ails You 

(So many experts in our community can help you with this including Dr. Jeff)

Tip #7:  Enroll in a Fitness Class – Karate, Yoga, Swimming, Tennis, Golf 

Make movement a regular part of your life.  You know the expression, “move it or lose it.” It’s true. 

Mobility is essential for health and happiness. When we no longer can extend an arm, stand up straight or maintain balance or be agile, we run risks of falls and injuries. 

Unfortunately, mobility continues to decrease as you age. So if you’re in your 40s, 50s, or older and have begun to wake up with aches and pains for no reason at all, starting a routine to improve your mobility is important. 

Routine chiropractic adjustments can help you stay mobile and/or increase your mobility by keeping your spine flexible. If you’re in the Doylestown, Pa. area, we’d love to help you stay healthy and mobile with regular chiropractic care. 

The most significant factor in improving mobility is your mindset. If you keep committed and motivated to a healthy active lifestyle you’ll be able to manage your mobility levels. Keep motivated and commit to a better quality of life!