If you’ve experienced back pain, neck tension, stiffness or an injury, you may have considered seeing a physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath.
So where does Spinal Flow Technique fit in?
Although all four approaches involve the body, they are not interchangeable. Physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy are established healthcare professions with their own education, scope of practice and clinical approaches.
Spinal Flow Technique, on the other hand, is a complementary wellbeing approach focused on gentle contact along areas of the spine and supporting relaxation and nervous system regulation.
Understanding those differences can help you decide which type of support may be appropriate for you.
What Is Spinal Flow Technique?
Spinal Flow Technique was developed by chiropractor Dr Carli Axford and draws on concepts relating to the spine and nervous system.
During a session, I use gentle contact at specific areas along the spine. There is no cracking, manipulation or force.
Rather than manually adjusting joints or prescribing rehabilitation exercises, Spinal Flow sessions focus on providing gentle input to the body and supporting relaxation and nervous system regulation.
Clients remain fully clothed throughout their session.
Importantly, Spinal Flow is a complementary wellbeing approach. It does not replace medical assessment, physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy or other healthcare when these are required.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists are university-qualified healthcare professionals who assess and manage a wide range of conditions affecting movement and physical function.
Depending on your needs, physiotherapy may involve exercise rehabilitation, movement assessment, education, manual therapy and other techniques.
For example, physiotherapy may be particularly appropriate following an injury, surgery or when rehabilitation and improving movement or function are important goals.
Spinal Flow has a different purpose.
Instead of providing physical rehabilitation or prescribing exercises, sessions use gentle contact and focus on relaxation and nervous system regulation.
Consequently, choosing between the two isn’t necessarily about deciding which approach is “better”. The appropriate option depends on what you need.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors focus particularly on the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, joints and their relationship with physical function.
Approaches vary between practitioners. Some chiropractors use spinal manipulation or adjustments, while others incorporate mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques, exercise or lifestyle advice.
Spinal Flow does not involve chiropractic adjustments.
Although the technique was developed by a chiropractor, the experience of a Spinal Flow session is quite different. Contact is gentle, with no cracking, force or manual adjustment of the spine.
Therefore, someone specifically seeking chiropractic assessment or treatment should see an appropriately qualified chiropractor.
Osteopathy
Osteopaths are university-qualified healthcare professionals who consider how different parts of the musculoskeletal system work together.
An osteopathic appointment may include taking a health history, assessing movement and using hands-on techniques. Depending on the practitioner and individual circumstances, advice around movement, exercise or lifestyle may also form part of care.
Again, Spinal Flow differs in both purpose and application.
Rather than manually mobilising or manipulating the body, the technique uses gentle contact at specific areas along the spine while the client rests comfortably.
So, Which Approach Do You Need?
There isn’t one answer that suits everybody.
A recent injury may require medical assessment or physiotherapy.
Certain musculoskeletal concerns may lead you to seek advice from a physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath.
Meanwhile, someone looking for a gentle complementary wellbeing session focused on relaxation and nervous system regulation may be interested in exploring Spinal Flow.
In some circumstances, people may also choose complementary wellbeing approaches alongside care from qualified healthcare professionals.
Most importantly, persistent pain, unexplained symptoms, neurological changes, significant injuries or worsening health concerns should be appropriately investigated rather than assumed to be caused by stress or a “blockage”.
Why I Use Spinal Flow at Purposeful Life
My interest in Spinal Flow grew from my own experience with years of back pain and my curiosity about the relationship between stress, the nervous system and how we feel within our bodies.
Today, it forms one part of my broader whole-person approach at Purposeful Life.
I don’t assume that every symptom is caused by the nervous system. Nor do I believe one approach is appropriate for everybody.
Instead, I begin by listening to what has been happening.
What symptoms have you noticed?
How long have they been present?
What else has been happening with your sleep, stress, energy and overall wellbeing?
Have you already sought medical or allied-health advice?
Looking at the bigger picture helps us have a more useful conversation about where you might begin.
Spinal Flow Isn’t About Cracking or Adjusting Your Spine
One of the most common questions I’m asked is whether Spinal Flow is similar to having a chiropractic adjustment.
The answer is no.
A Spinal Flow session involves gentle contact while you remain fully clothed. There is no cracking, manipulation or force.
For people who are interested in a gentle complementary approach, this distinction can be important.
Spinal Flow doesn’t need to compete with physiotherapy, chiropractic or osteopathy either. Each has a different role, and sometimes the most appropriate support may involve more than one type of practitioner.
Ready to Learn More About Spinal Flow?
If you’re curious about Spinal Flow but aren’t sure whether it’s the right place for you to begin, you’re welcome to learn more about how I work or book a FREE Strategy Call.
Sessions are available in Williamstown, the Barossa Valley and at Abergeldie House, Glen Osmond.
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