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If you searched for alternatives to chiropractic care, you are in good company. Many people who live with back, neck, or joint discomfort are curious about their options before they commit to any one approach. The reasons vary, and every one of them is a fair reason to ask questions.
Some people are worried about the "cracking" sound they associate with a spinal adjustment. Others want something gentler, or have tried adjustments in the past and want to know what else exists. Cost questions come up too, and it makes sense to understand what a plan involves before you start.
At Chiropractic Care Clinic in Montgomery, AL, Dr. Elaine McNally has more than 30 years in practice. She offers chiropractic adjustments, but they are not the only thing we do, and nobody is required to have one. This article walks through the non-thrust options we offer in-house, the approaches that other licensed providers offer, and how to decide what fits you. Results vary from person to person.
Our Bell Road clinic offers several options that do not involve a quick, high-velocity thrust. Dr. McNally uses them when appropriate, and they can be part of a plan built around your needs and comfort level.
Flexion-distraction is a specialized mechanical traction technique. It uses gentle stretching and decompression of the spine and is used to support people dealing with disc and back discomfort. Dr. McNally uses specialized equipment designed for controlled stretching movements.
During a session, you may notice:
The sensation is typically similar to a subtle stretch. Dr. McNally explains each step and adjusts the technique to your comfort level, so you know what is happening at every point in the session.
Low-level laser therapy is a light-based, non-invasive option. Specific wavelengths of light are directed to the area of concern and are used for the temporary relief of minor muscle and joint discomfort and stiffness.
Each session is typically brief. Many people appreciate it as a non-invasive option, and it can complement other care in your plan.
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves, a form of sound wave technology, directed at specific areas of discomfort. It is a non-invasive option used for the temporary relief of localized muscle and joint discomfort.
Each treatment session is about 10 minutes. Whether it suits you depends on your exam and health history, and Dr. McNally will talk it through with you. Please note that this treatment is not covered by insurance, so we are happy to talk through that with you before you decide.
Interferential therapy uses two gentle electrical currents that intersect within the tissue. Small electrodes deliver carefully controlled currents that may help with short-term relief of pain and muscle tension.
Most people describe the sensation as mild and comfortable, similar to a gentle tingling. Sessions can be completed during a regular appointment, which makes it easy to fit into an existing plan.
Before recommending anything, we want to understand what is going on. A plan that fits the person starts with listening, and then with a thorough assessment. At our Montgomery clinic, that means a detailed discussion of your symptoms and health history, a physical exam, and, when clinically indicated, X-ray imaging. We can also review existing MRI scans you bring with you.
Dr. McNally explains the findings in everyday language, so you can take part in decisions about your care. Imaging is not used for everyone; it is used when it can help inform the plan. Some options, including electrical stimulation and shockwave, are not suitable for everyone (for example with a pacemaker, during pregnancy, or with a bleeding disorder), so please share your full health history. You can read more about our diagnostic process.
This step is also how we decide which option may suit you. Someone with a stiff lower back, someone with an irritated tendon, and someone recovering from an injury may each be pointed in a different direction.
Many people explore a range of options, and that is a sensible thing to do. The approaches below are offered by other licensed providers or instructors in the Montgomery area and beyond. They are not offered at our clinic. We describe them here neutrally, because you deserve a fair picture.
Physical therapy is provided by licensed physical therapists, sometimes with a doctor's referral, depending on your insurance and state rules. It commonly involves guided exercises, stretching, and instruction on movement habits. Some people find it helpful when they are recovering from an injury or surgery or want a structured exercise program. We do not provide physical therapy at this clinic.
Massage therapy is provided by licensed massage therapists and involves hands-on work on the muscles and soft tissues. Some people find it helpful for relaxation and for muscle tightness. We do not provide massage therapy at this clinic.
Acupuncture is provided by qualified, credentialed practitioners and involves placing very thin needles at specific points on the body. Some people find it helpful as part of their approach to managing discomfort. We do not provide acupuncture at this clinic.
Yoga, Pilates, and similar practices are taught by trained instructors in classes or private sessions. They emphasize flexibility, posture, strength, and body awareness, and some people find them helpful for staying active. If you have a current injury, it is wise to check with a healthcare provider before starting a new movement program.
Our goal is for you to end up with the right kind of care, even when that is not something we provide. If your evaluation suggests that another provider may be a better fit, we will tell you plainly. That might mean a physical therapist, a medical doctor, or a specialist, and Dr. McNally can refer you for further imaging or specialist input when it makes sense.
Some symptoms need a medical doctor first. Please seek prompt medical care if you experience:
Loss of bladder or bowel control, or rapidly worsening weakness or numbness, can be an emergency: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are unsure whether your symptoms fall into this category, it is always reasonable to contact a medical provider.
Whether you are considering our clinic or any other, a few questions can help you feel confident in your decision. You may want to ask any provider:
A good provider will welcome these questions. If you are dealing with back pain or sciatica, they are a useful starting point for that conversation.
Yes. Flexion-distraction uses slow, rhythmic, controlled stretching on a specialized table rather than a quick thrust. Low-level laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and interferential therapy also do not involve a thrust. Which option may suit you depends on your exam and your goals, and Dr. McNally will talk it through with you.
No. We do not offer acupuncture, massage therapy, or physical therapy at our clinic. What we do offer in-house are flexion-distraction, low-level laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and interferential therapy, along with diagnostics and chiropractic care. If you are interested in one of the services we do not provide, we can suggest what to look for and where to start your search. We would rather you find the right fit than settle for something we cannot offer.
Your first visit starts with a warm welcome and a thorough conversation about your concerns and how they affect your daily life. Dr. McNally then performs an exam and, when clinically indicated, may recommend X-rays. You will leave with a clear explanation of the findings and the options for your care. You can find forms and details on our new patients page.
Often, yes. Our approach is multi-modal, which means a plan can draw on more than one method. Some people choose non-thrust options only, and others combine them with adjustments. Either choice is yours, and the plan can change as your needs change. Results vary, and Dr. McNally will review your plan with you along the way.
Looking for an alternative to spinal adjustments does not mean you have to figure everything out alone. If you are in Montgomery, AL and would like to talk through your options, you can book an evaluation with Dr. McNally. You can also browse our full list of treatments to learn more first. Whatever you decide, we will be honest about what we can do and what may be better handled elsewhere.
