Techniques We Use

DIVERSIFIED TECHNIQUE

Diversified Technique is the classic chiropractic technique, developed by D.D. Palmer, DC. and taught in all chiropractic colleges. Diversified Technique was refined and developed by the late Otto Reinert, DC, to address bio-mechanical failure in each section of the spine, as it relates to specific subluxation. The focus is on restoration to normal bio-mechanical function, and correction of subluxation.

In addition, Diversified methods have been developed to adjust extremity joints, allowing for beneficial applications in treating sports injuries and other injuries. Diversified adjusting of the spine uses specific lines of drives for all manual thrusts, allowing for specificity in correcting mechanical distortions of the spine. X-rays and case histories are used in analysis and diagnosis. No instruments are used in the adjusting procedure. Motion palpitation and full spine, hands-on techniques are used to deliver a deeper thrust, which makes an osseous (popping) sound as the adjustment is given.

DROP TABLE TECHNIQUE

BIRTH OF THE DROP TABLE

The history behind the drop table is interesting, and if there are no such things as accidents, this surely is representative of such. As a Palmer student, Thompson purchased a used table with a broken headpiece. Because the headpiece would drop slightly when a thrust was delivered, Thompson began achieving great results. He only realized what a difference the “drop” made after purchasing a new table with a sturdy, stable headpiece. His patients verbalized their dislike of the new table, causing Thompson to think twice about his old table, the broken headpiece and whether it was related to his patients’ favorable results. The outcome, in turn, was the invention of the drop headpiece, and subsequent development of the Thompson Technique.

A TECHNIQUE FOR THE DROP-TABLE

It was only natural that Thompson develop an adjusting technique to accompany his drop table creation. The Thompson Technique, designed to be used with the Thompson table, utilizes a leg check to pinpoint vertebral subluxations. It consists of five categories that will identify whether the problem exists in the cervical or lumbo-sacral region, as well as help order each adjustment:

• Cervical Syndrome
• Positive Derefield
• Negative Derefield
• Bilateral Cervical Syndrome
• X-Derefield

The Thompson Technique is very effective when used with the drop table. However, the drop table also lends itself to many other techniques such as Gonstead, SOT, Diversified, and Logan Basic, only adding to its versatility in the chiropractic practice.

FLEXION / DISTRACTION

HOW DOES FLEXION-DISTRACTION WORK?

For Disc related conditions:

• Increases the intervertebral disc height to remove annular tension on the annular fibers and nerve by making more room and improving circulation.
• Allows the nucleus pulposus, the center of the disc, to assume its central position within the annular fibers and relieves irritation of the spinal nerve.
• Restores vertebral joints to their physiological relationships of motion.
• Improves posture and locomotion while relieving pain, improving body functions, and creating a state of well-being.

For Non-Disc related conditions:

Patients with other conditions causing back pain (facet syndrome, spondylolisthesis, sprain/strain, scoliosis, transitional vertebra, sacroiliac restrictions and misalignment, certain types of spinal stenosis), Flexion/Distraction provides all of the above benefits plus the ability to place the spinal joints into normal, painless movements so as to restore spinal motion without pain:

• F/D decreases disc protrusion and reduces stenosis.
• Flexion stretches the ligamentum flavum to reduce stenosis.
• Flexion opens the vertebral canal by 2 mm (16%) or 3.5 to 6mm more than extension.
• Flexion increases metabolite transport into the disc.
• Flexion opens the apophyseal joints and reduces posterior disc stress
• The nucleus pulposus does not move on flexion. Intradiscal pressure drops under distraction to below 100mm Hg. On extension the nucleus or annulus is seen to protrude posterior into the vertebral canal.
• Intervertebral foraminal openings enlarge giving patency to the nerve.

GONSTEAD TECHNIQUE

There are tremendous benefits in seeking a Gonstead doctor when choosing a chiropractor in your area. It is also comforting to know that should you take a vacation or move to a new area, you can continue your quality care without interruption or change in style and technique. There is a worldwide referral network of qualified Gonstead chiropractors using the same methods of analysis, the same specific adjusting procedures, and who share the same goal . . . to correct the subluxations in your spine for the purpose of creating a healthier you!

THE “GONSTEAD CHIROPRACTOR”

The Gonstead Chiropractor goes beyond what many chiropractors consider a spinal assessment by conducting a thorough analysis of your spine using five criteria to detect the presence of the vertebral subluxation complex.

Visualization – Visualization is a way to cross reference all the other findings. Your chiropractor is an expert in looking for subtle changes in your posture and movement which could indicate any problems.

Instrumentation – The instrument of choice in the Gonstead System is the Nervoscope. The Nervoscope detects uneven distributions of heat along the spine which can be indicative of inflammation and nerve pressure. This instrument is guided down the length of your back and feels like two fingers gliding down each side of your spine.

Static Palpation – This is simply the process of feeling (or palpating) your spine in a stationary (or static) position. Your chiropractor will feel for the presence of swelling (or edema), tenderness and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your back.

Motion Palpation – This process involves feeling the spine while moving and bending it at various angles. This enables the chiropractor to determine how easily or difficult each segment in your spine moves in different directions.

X-Ray Analysis – x-ray films enable your doctor to visualize the entire structure of your spine. This is helpful in evaluating posture, joint and disc integrity, vertebral misalignments and ruling out any pathologies, or recent fractures that may be present or contributing to the patient’s condition. These full-spine radiographs are taken in the standing, weight-bearing position to fully substantiate the examination findings.

ACTIVATOR METHOD

The Activator Method Chiropractic Teqhnique is a diagnostic and treatment system used by some chiropractors to treat many types of back pain, neck pain, and headaches (both chronic and migraine).

The Activator Method is a type of manipulation which uses a small, hand-held instrument called the Activator Adjusting Instrument to deliver a gentle impulse force to the spine with the goal of restoring motion to the targeted spinal vertebra or joint.

It is an alternative to the traditional manual form of spinal manipulation.