A recent article on Dynamic Chiropractic entitled “Update on Manipulation and Exercise – What the Research Says” discusses research examining the connection and synergistic effects of combining spinal manipulation with exercise. While the article does state that not all research finds a positive synergistic effect between the two, it goes on to state that it is “purely logical” that spinal manipulation will have a positive effect on exercise.
A number of studies are briefly discussed, including studies that involved participation of chiropractors, physical therapists and osteopaths performing the spinal manipulations and/or administering exercises. It is interesting to note that one study of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) or chronic neck pain (CNP) found “Sixty-four percent of physical therapy patients were prescribed exercise, compared to 33.1 percent of DCs and only 14.4 percent of MDs/DOs.”