What extremity adjustments are
Every joint in your arms and legs has a normal range of small gliding and rolling movements that happen underneath the bigger motions you see. When those small movements are restricted, perhaps after a sprain, a period of immobilization, or months of repetitive strain, the joint can feel stiff, achy or weak, and nearby muscles start working harder than they should.
Extremity adjustments use specific, controlled pressure or gentle movement to restore that joint play. Depending on the joint and your comfort, Dr. Okhowat may use a quick, low-amplitude thrust or slower, rhythmic mobilization. These are often combined with soft tissue work and exercises so the improved motion has a better chance of lasting.
It also matters what happens above and below the sore spot. A stiff ankle can change how the knee loads. A shoulder that will not glide properly can make the neck work overtime. That is why the exam looks at the whole chain, not only the joint that hurts.
Joints and problems this care may address
Extremity care is used for a wide range of joint complaints. These are among the common reasons people consider it.
- Shoulder stiffness and pinching
- Pain when reaching overhead or behind your back often involves how the shoulder blade and upper arm move together. Joint mobilization and strengthening may help restore smoother motion.
- Elbow and forearm overuse
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow commonly come from gripping, typing or racquet sports. Care focuses on the elbow, the wrist and the forearm muscles that pull on both.
- Wrist and hand strain
- Repetitive computer or phone use can leave the wrist sore and stiff. When tingling or numbness is present, the neck and elbow are checked too, since nerves pass through all three.
- Hip and knee discomfort
- Restricted hips often show up as knee pain or low back tightness. Care may combine hip mobility work, knee tracking assessment and strengthening of the muscles around both joints.
- Ankle stiffness after a sprain
- Ankles that were sprained in the past sometimes never regain full motion. Restoring ankle mobility and balance may reduce strain on the knee and help you feel steadier.
- Foot and heel pain
- Heel pain on your first steps in the morning and arch aches after long days on your feet are common complaints. Foot joint mobilization is often paired with stretching and, where needed, custom orthotics.
- Jaw tension
- The jaw is one of the most used joints in the body. When clicking, tightness or pain is the main issue, see TMJ and jaw pain treatment.
What to expect
Extremity care is precise and usually quite gentle. Here is how a typical course unfolds.
History of the joint
You will be asked how the problem started, what movements bother it, and whether you have had injuries, injections, surgery or imaging on that limb. Your work and hobbies matter here, because repetition often drives these problems.
Hands-on joint exam
Dr. Okhowat compares the sore side with the other side, testing active and passive motion, joint play, strength and stability. The joints above and below are checked, and the neck or low back is examined if symptoms travel along the limb.
Targeted treatment
Treatment may include joint mobilization or a gentle adjustment, soft tissue work on overloaded muscles, and suggestions about supports or bracing where useful. You will be told what each technique is before it is done.
Exercises to keep the gains
Most plans include a few corrective exercises to strengthen and control the joint through its new range. Over the following visits, the focus shifts from easing pain to building capacity.
Possible benefits
Every joint and every person responds differently. With a sensible plan, many people notice improvements like these.
- May ease stiffness and aching in the affected joint.
- Can help restore range of motion for reaching, gripping, squatting or walking.
- May reduce extra strain on nearby joints that have been compensating.
- Offers a non-surgical, drug-free option to try under appropriate guidance.
- Gives you exercises and habits that support the joint between visits.
Is this right for me?
Extremity care is often a good fit for joint stiffness and overuse problems that have built up over weeks or months, and for lingering restrictions after an injury has healed. It is not the right first step for fresh, significant trauma or for a joint that may be infected or broken.
Please see a physician or urgent care before chiropractic care if any of the following apply.
Often a good fit
- A joint feels stiff, achy or limited and has not improved with rest
- You have a repetitive strain problem from work, sports or hobbies
- An old sprain or injury left you with lingering stiffness
- You want to avoid or delay more invasive options while you try conservative care
See a physician first
- Visible deformity, severe swelling or inability to bear weight after an injury (possible fracture or dislocation)
- A hot, red, swollen joint, especially with fever (possible infection or gout)
- Calf pain with swelling, warmth or redness in one leg (possible blood clot)
- Rapidly worsening numbness or weakness in the hand or foot
- Joint pain with unexplained weight loss, night sweats or a history of cancer
- A recent joint replacement or surgery that has not been cleared for manual care
If you have any of these, please see a physician or go to urgent care before booking. In an emergency, call 911.
How Dr. Okhowat approaches extremity care
Dr. Okhowat is a graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College and a Diplomate of the College of Manipulative and Body Based Practices with the American Association of Integrative Medicine. Manual techniques for the joints of the arms and legs fall squarely within that body-based training.
Drawing on over 19 years of experience, he treats the limb as a connected system: a shoulder complaint might lead to the upper back, and a knee problem to the hip or foot. The office on Wilshire Boulevard is a short drive from Beverly Grove, which can make visits easier to fit into a workday.
- DC, Cleveland Chiropractic College
- AAIM Fellow
- AAIM Diplomate, Manipulative and Body Based Practices
- Over 19 years of experience
I have been going to physical therapy here for my hip and for the TMJ on my jaw and work on my neck/shoulder area affected by that. I have graduated from the work on my jaw because everything is reset and it has changed my life! The treatment they do is excellent and I'm noticing so much consistent improvement with every area that's been worked. Everyone is very attentive and patient and helpful to figure what's going on and how to help!! Highly recommend.
Questions patients ask
Can a chiropractor adjust shoulders, knees and ankles?
Yes. Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat joints throughout the body, not just the spine. Extremity techniques are usually smaller and more targeted than spinal adjustments and are often combined with exercise and soft tissue work.
Does an extremity adjustment hurt?
Most people feel pressure and sometimes a release, rather than pain. A sore joint may be tender to touch, so the technique is adapted to your comfort. Mild soreness for a day afterward can happen, similar to after a workout.
Can a chiropractor help with carpal tunnel symptoms?
Conservative care may help some people with mild wrist and hand symptoms by addressing joint motion, forearm muscles and nerve pathways from the neck down. Constant numbness, weakness or muscle wasting in the hand needs a medical evaluation, and in some cases a nerve test.
Can a chiropractor help with plantar fasciitis?
Heel pain often responds to a combination of foot and ankle mobilization, calf and arch stretching, footwear changes and, for some people, orthotics. Care is aimed at reducing load on the irritated tissue while it settles.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on how long the problem has been present and how much daily strain the joint is under. Many overuse problems need a handful of visits plus consistent home exercise. Your progress is reviewed regularly, and you will be referred if improvement stalls.
Should I get an X-ray or MRI first?
Not always. Imaging is useful after significant trauma, when a fracture or tear is suspected, or when symptoms do not improve as expected. If the exam suggests you need imaging, Dr. Okhowat will refer you to your physician.
Is it safe to treat a joint that has arthritis?
Gentle mobilization and movement are often appropriate for arthritic joints and may help with stiffness. Forceful techniques are avoided, and an inflamed, hot or very swollen joint should be checked medically first.