Chiropractic Treatments
The Chiropractic profession is unique in its approach to treating
health problems. While medicine has one major approach in treating a
health problem, Chiropractic has many different approaches in
treating the same problem.
There are at least 20 different chiropractic techniques widely used
today, and, many chiropractors use several.
Chiropractors focus on dysfunctions that can result from
irregularities spinal structure or movement. They rely heavily on
hands-on procedures to determine structural and functional problems,
and they use manipulation to promote normal bodily function
correcting or preventing these structural deviations. The principal
procedure used by many chiropractors is a form of manipulation known
as adjustment that refers to a variety of manual mechanical
interventions. There are about 55 adjustments in a chiropractor's
repertoire.
We explain the various treatment methods available to you when you
visit a chiropractor. Some of them are:
Manipulation is movement of short amplitude and high
velocity that moves the joint beyond where patient's muscles could
move the joint by themselves but short of ligament rupture.
Mobilization is movements administered by the clinician within
physiologic joint space in order to increase overall range of
motion.
There are hundreds of ways or techniques to adjust the spine. Each
chiropractor becomes highly skilled in a variety of adjustment
procedures that are most suitable for your age, body type and
condition. Some of the most common chiropractic techniques used
today are:
Gonstead Technique:
Detailed analysis of spinal X-rays is used to determine correct
adjustments to be administered.
Activator:
Detects and corrects dysfunction using a small tool which delivers a
light and measured force to correct misalignments. It is used to
gently and painlessly move the vertebrae. Detailed information
regarding the Activator Technique can be found {activator} here.
Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique (BEST):
A non-force technique using subtle, yet precise pressure applied by
hand to remove blocked nerve energy, eliminate physiological
interference and balance sensory signals to the central nervous
system.
Cox Flexion Distraction:
Involves traction or stretching of the spine designed especially to
correct lower-back pain.
Applied Kinesiology:
Applied KInesiology deals not only with the placement of bones, but
with the muscles that hold them in position. Chiropractors employing
applied kinesiology use special techniques to help balance opposing
muscles attached to a misaligned bone. Light massage is given to
various reflexes and sometimes to acupressure points. This restores
normal muscle function, in order to allow the adjustments to be more
effective.
Thompson Terminal Point:
A full spine technique using a special drop table.
Palmer Toggle Recoil Technique:
A speed and precision adjustment in which the hands are placed over
the subluxation and the elbows snapped to give sudden pressure.
There is no joint cracking.
Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT):
Padded blocks are placed under the patient in the pelvic area to
allow the body to adjust itself, since muscle tension at the pelvis
affects the neck.
Logan Basic Technique:
A gentle, sustained pressure is exerted at the base of the spine.
Correcting the sacrum corrects the rest of the spine.
Nimmo Technique:
Application of simple pressure to tender areas to release muscles
from localized spasm.
Orthotics:
Custom-made devices placed in the shoes to treat posture problems,
such as uneven leg length, spinal curvature and tilted pelvises.
Motion Palpitation:
Joints felt as they are moved to determine fixations.
In general, an adjustment consists of a sudden, short, controlled
thrust against a joint. The chiropractor will move the affected
joint to the limit of its range of movement and then make a rapid
thrust beyond this point to stretch the joint capsule and
surrounding tissues.
While undergoing adjustment, it is important that the patient remain
relaxed for this to be effective. A certain speed of the thrust is
employed to ensure that the patient's muscles have no time to
contract and so restrict the movement. Cracking or popping sound may
be heard during the thrust: this is caused by gases in the synovial
fluid (the lubricating fluid inside each joint capsule) and is
harmless.
Most chiropractors will treat only a joint that they believe is
misaligned or subluxated. Some, however, may treat the whole spine
or concentrate only on one area.