Chirp Wheel- A Chiropractors Perspective

Since it's release in 2015 the Chirp Wheel has steadily gained in popularity and usage for individuals with spinal pain. This is largely due to the accessibility and cost effectiveness. But is the Chirp Wheel an option for every person every condition? In this blog we will go over the Chirp Wheel from a chiropractors perspective. 

An overview of Chirp Wheel

The Chirp Wheel uses ABS plastic which then has a foam cover bonded to outside the plastic. They design the plastic to have a ridge in the middle to allow room for the spine to travel while using to avoid compression and pain right on the osseous spinous process. The Chirp Wheel was designed with the purpose to be an at home self care option for individuals who suffer from musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

There are a number of different conditions and symptoms which lead people to use the Chirp Wheel, listed are some of the most common benefits individuals use the Chirp Wheel for.

• Relieves muscular tension
• Encourages spinal movement
• Improves posture
• Promotes relaxation

Conditions that the Chirp Wheel could cause and/or exacerbate

• Subluxated rib
• Flexion biased low back pain
  • Disc herniations
• Facet fracture
  • Ex: Scotty Dog Fracture
• Diastasis Recti
• Slipping rib syndrome
• DISH

How not to use a Chirp Wheel

• Bigger is not always better. 
  • Bigger is better is not always the case with Chirp Wheels or foam rollers. It is smart to start with their smaller sized wheels and test how your body responds before jumping up in size. Jumping up in size too quickly can result in rib irritation and unnecessary hyper extension of the spine, potentially causing more discomfort.
• Fast and out of control

Consult your chiropractor first

Your chiropractor is going to be able to determine the most appropriate way to use the Chirp Wheel depending on the individual. That being said, certain conditions patients are going to likely respond very well to using the Chirp Wheel such as paraspinal hypertonicity, thoracic hyperflexion due to poor posture and scapular dyskinesia. Other conditions such as rib subluxation, certain disc herniations and slipping rib syndrome may not respond as well.