What Is HRV – and how does Chiropractic affect it?
You’ve probably heard us talk about how chiropractic care helps your body manage stress — but what if we could actually measure that?
HRV measures the natural variation in time between each heartbeat. These small changes are a sign of a responsive, adaptable nervous system — and the better your body can adapt, the better it handles stress.
In short:
Higher HRV = more resilience and better recovery
Lower HRV = your body may be under more stress or struggling to adapt
It’s one of the clearest indicators of how your autonomic nervous system is functioning — and since chiropractic care is all about restoring communication through the nervous system, tracking HRV is a perfect fit.
What Affects HRV?
HRV is influenced by:
Sleep
Nutrition
Hydration
Movement
Mental and emotional stress
Nervous system regulation (this is where chiropractic comes in)
How We Use HRV in Our Office
At The Catalyst Spine Co., we measure HRV as part of our ongoing assessments. It’s a non-invasive, easy way to check how your nervous system is functioning — and it gives us insight beyond symptoms.
Tracking HRV over time can show:
How well you’re adapting to care
When your body is in a state of growth vs. survival
Whether your nervous system is becoming more balanced
It helps us personalize your care — and it helps you stay connected to your body in a measurable way.
Life isn’t about avoiding stress. It’s about how well your body can handle it. Chiropractic care doesn’t just help with pain — it supports the very system that helps you adapt to life: your nervous system.
I know a lot of people have the “seeing is believing” mindset — and honestly, same. That’s why I love tracking HRV. It gives us real, measurable insight into how your body is handling stress and adapting over time.
We will measure your HRV during your initial exam and periodically throughout your care. In some cases, we’ll track HRV before and after your adjustment.
Before: Gives a baseline snapshot of how the nervous system is functioning that day
After: Shows immediate changes in autonomic nervous system activity (especially parasympathetic tone)
