What Exactly Does a Chiropractor Do?

A Scientific Yet Practical Explanation: What Exactly Does a Chiropractor Do?

Understanding Chiropractic Care From an Evidence-Based Perspective

Chiropractors are musculoskeletal specialists who assess, diagnose, and treat issues related to the spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system. The goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and optimize movement using hands-on techniques and exercise-based interventions.

The Science Behind the “Crack” – What Happens During an Adjustment?
One of the most common questions people ask is: What is that cracking or popping sound during an adjustment?

The sound is known as cavitation, which occurs when a chiropractor applies a quick but controlled force to a joint. This action creates a rapid change in joint pressure, causing dissolved gases in the synovial fluid to form tiny bubbles that collapse, producing the characteristic sound.

Importantly, the sound itself isn’t an indicator of success—an adjustment can still be effective without an audible pop. The key benefits come from restoring joint motion, reducing stiffness, and stimulating the nervous system.

Pain Modulation & The Pain Gate Mechanism
One of the biggest reasons chiropractic care, stretching, exercise, massage, needling, massage guns, and other manual therapies work is the Pain Gate Theory.

The Pain Gate Mechanism explains how the nervous system processes pain signals. When a joint is stiff or restricted, pain signals travel to the brain through the spinal cord. However, the brain can only process a limited amount of input at a time. If we introduce non-painful stimuli—such as joint movement, mobilization, or an adjustment—it activates mechanoreceptors, which send competing signals to the brain and effectively “close the gate” on pain perception.

Beyond the Spine: A Chiropractor’s Scope of Care
While many associate chiropractors with spinal adjustments, evidence-based chiropractors in Cape Town—especially at The Cape Town Chiro— we focus on holistic musculoskeletal health, including:

✔ Sports Injury Rehab – Runners along the Sea Point Promenade, CrossFit athletes, and triathletes often seek care for ITB syndrome, shin splints, and low back pain.
✔ Postural & Workplace Issues – Cape Town’s remote workers and corporate professionals frequently experience neck and shoulder tension from prolonged desk work.
✔ Exercise Prescription – Strength and mobility exercises form a key part of recovery and injury prevention plans.
✔ Soft Tissue Therapy – Muscle release techniques, dry needling, and taping can be used alongside adjustments.

Should You See a Chiropractor?
If you’re dealing with persistent pain, stiffness, or restricted movement, consulting an evidence-based chiropractor can help determine the root cause and offer a tailored treatment plan.

For expert chiropractic care in Cape Town, book a consultation at The Cape Town Chiro —your trusted Chiropractor in Sea Point, Green Point, and the Atlantic Seaboard.

Book Your Assessment Today!
✔ Contact us here + 27 313 6987 to schedule an appointment.
✔ Find a Chiropractor Near You in Cape Town who understands both sports performance and everyday movement health.