Spinal Rehabilitation

Why rehabilitation matters

Getting out of pain is the first step. Staying out of pain is the real goal. Spinal rehabilitation bridges that gap — it strengthens the muscles, stabilizes the joints, and corrects the imbalances that caused your problem in the first place. Without rehabilitation, adjustments and pain relief treatments may provide temporary improvement, but the underlying weakness or instability remains, and the pain returns.

At Chiropractic Solutions of Denver, rehabilitation is integrated into treatment plans from the beginning — not added as an afterthought. Dr. Baldwin designs individualized rehab programs that progress as you heal, building toward full functional recovery and long-term spinal health.

Our three-phase approach

Recovery follows a logical progression. Skipping phases or rushing the process increases the risk of re-injury and prolonged recovery.

Phase 1: Pain control and tissue healing

The first priority is reducing pain, controlling inflammation, and creating conditions for tissue repair. This phase typically includes:

• Chiropractic adjustments — restore joint mobility and reduce nerve irritation
• Soft tissue therapy — Graston technique, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release to address muscle spasm and adhesions
• Interferential therapy (IFC) — electrical stimulation that reduces pain and swelling in the acute phase
• Class IV laser therapy — accelerates cellular repair and reduces inflammation
• Acupuncture — controls pain and reduces muscle guarding

Phase 2: Strengthening and stabilization

Once pain is under control and tissues are beginning to heal, the focus shifts to rebuilding strength in the muscles that support the injured area. Weak core muscles, inhibited spinal stabilizers, and tight compensatory muscles are addressed through progressive exercises tailored to your specific condition:

• Core stabilization — strengthening the deep spinal muscles (multifidus, transverse abdominis) that provide segmental stability
• PNF stretching — proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques to restore flexibility and range of motion
• Postural correction exercises — targeted work to address forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and pelvic imbalances
• Functional strengthening — exercises that mimic real-world movements to prepare you for return to full activity

Phase 3: Functional evaluation and maintenance

Before discharge, Dr. Baldwin evaluates how the entire area is functioning as a unit — not just the injured segment. This includes reassessment of range of motion, strength, posture, and movement quality. If deficits remain, the rehab program is adjusted. If you have met your recovery goals, you transition to a maintenance schedule designed to keep you healthy and prevent recurrence.

Techniques and modalities

Our rehabilitation programs draw on a range of evidence-based techniques:

• Graston Technique — instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that breaks down scar tissue and fascial restrictions
• Dry needling — targets myofascial trigger points to release deep muscle tension and restore normal muscle function
• Active Release Technique (ART) — combines movement with targeted pressure to release adhesions in muscles, tendons, and nerves
• Russian stimulation — electrical muscle stimulation used to strengthen weakened or inhibited muscles
• Therapeutic ultrasound — deep tissue heating that promotes blood flow and tissue healing
• Home exercise programs — every patient receives specific exercises to continue their progress between visits

Post-surgical rehabilitation

We work with patients recovering from spinal surgeries including discectomy, laminectomy, fusion, and scoliosis correction. Post-surgical rehabilitation focuses on restoring mobility, rebuilding strength around the surgical site, and preventing compensatory problems from developing in adjacent segments. If you have had spinal surgery and are looking for rehabilitation support, we coordinate with your surgeon to ensure your recovery stays on track.

Conditions we rehabilitate

• Low back conditions — disc herniations, spinal stenosis, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, sacroiliac dysfunction, post-surgical recovery
• Neck conditions — cervical disc injuries, whiplash, cervical stenosis, radiculopathy, post-surgical recovery
• Chronic pain — myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, failed back surgery syndrome
• Sports injuries — return-to-sport rehabilitation for athletes at all levels

Is spinal rehabilitation covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans cover rehabilitation services when prescribed as part of a treatment plan. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins, and we offer self-pay options for services not covered by your plan.

Contact us at 303.647.9196 or Schedule Appointment to schedule an evaluation and start your rehabilitation program.