Physical Autonomy and Chiropractic Care

The GMB blog’s article on Physical Autonomy is a breath of fresh air!  The fitness world way too often pushes grind over gain and aesthetics over actual ability.

Instead of obsessing over six-packs or punishment-based training, GMB flips the script. They ask a powerful question: What do you actually want to be able to do with your body?

That’s where chiropractic care fits in beautifully—especially when we’re talking about long-term maintenance care.

GMB’s Core Message: Movement as Freedom

The GMB team defines physical autonomy as having the strength, flexibility, and control to do what you love, whenever you want. Whether that’s helping a mate move house, climbing hills on holiday, or playing with your kids—your body should be ready and able.

As they put it, “It’s not about punishment. It’s about freedom.”

That’s a concept I totally agree with. We don’t just want to get people out of pain—we want to keep them well, moving freely, and living confidently.

Chiropractic Care: The Missing Link in the Physical Autonomy Conversation

The article focuses mostly on movement training, but it overlooks a crucial factor in achieving physical autonomy: a well-functioning nervous system. This is where chiropractic care shines.

When spinal joints are restricted (a condition we call subluxation), the communication between your brain and body gets fuzzy. That can mess with your strength, balance and coordination.  And yes, even effect your motivation to move. Regular chiropractic care helps keep your spine moving well and your nervous system humming.  That way the signals between your brain and muscles stay sharp and accurate.

That’s not just about performance—it’s about protection. When you move with better control, you’re less likely to injure yourself in the unpredictable moments of everyday life (or weekend adventures).

The Case for Maintenance Care

The article emphasizes that physical autonomy isn’t a six-week boot camp—it’s a practice. Something you maintain. This idea lines up perfectly with what many chiropractic patients already experience: the benefits of ongoing care even when they’re not in pain.

In fact, a 2018 study in PLOS ONE showed that people who received regular chiropractic maintenance care had fewer days of bothersome back pain compared to those who only came in when things flared up. In short? Staying well beats fixing yourself after the wheels fall off.

Working Together: Movement Meets Manual Care

GMB encourages readers to build physical autonomy through consistent, purposeful movement.

As chiropractors, we’re all in on that too. But we also know that movement becomes easier, more fluid, and more sustainable when the spine and nervous system are working without interference.

Chiropractic care can support and enhance any movement practice.  Whether that’s lifting weight in the gym, yoga, mountain biking, golf, going for a surf.  Or just chasing your kids around the yard. It helps create the physical foundation that we all desperately need.

Final Thoughts

The GMB blog has reframed fitness in a way that actually matters to everyday people—not just gym junkies.

Their concept of physical autonomy is inspiring and practical.

But as chiropractors, we’d simply like to add one thing.  That is if you’re serious about building a body that feels free and capable for life, your spine and nervous system need to be part of the conversation.

That’s where chiropractic care—especially regular, proactive care—can help you not just move better, but live better.