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Theresa Dunton, DC & Randi Jo Pallis, DC
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ April 17, 2017 ~ Pages 64-71
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Abstract
Objective: To document the improvement of major residual effects in a post-stroke patient following a course of chiropractic care.
Clinical Features: A 58-year-old male presented to a chiropractic office complaining of left hip pain. Through the case history it was revealed that the patient suffered a stroke deep in the basal ganglia 18 years prior and had been experiencing residual paralysis bilaterally with little to no control over his fine motor skills and widespread muscle spasticity. The patient’s right hand was involuntarily contracted in a complete fist. The patient’s medical doctor indicated that these effects were permanent.
Intervention and Outcome: After 13 months of chiropractic care addressing vertebral subluxation, utilizing Thompson Technique, Diversified Technique and the KH2 Laney Adjusting Instrument, the patient has improved control of fine motor skills, and his muscle spasticity has decreased. He is now able to turn pages of a book with his right hand and lay it flat on a table with no assistance. The patient is also able to move well enough to put on his own jacket, button and zip it, with no assistance. He can now exercise on his Pilates machine, which he had been unable to do since before his stroke. Incidentally, the patient has not had to increase his eyewear prescription since beginning chiropractic care.
Conclusion: The clinical progress documented in this case suggests that chiropractic care addressing the vertebral subluxation may be beneficial for stroke survivors with major residual effects.
Keywords: chiropractic, stroke, post-stroke, vertebral subluxation, adjustment, spinal manipulation
