Techniques

There are numerous ways or techniques a chiropractor can use to adjust you.  Dr. Jeff is educated in several different chiropractic techniques.  This allows him to not only accommodate your preferences, but also assess your condition and decide the appropriate technique that will deliver the best results.

Here is an explaination of the different techniques.

Diversified:
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 biomechanical failure in each section of the spine, as it relates to specific subluxation. The focus is on restoration to normal biomechanical 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 palpatation and full spine, hands-on techniques are used to deliver a deeper thrust, which makes an osseous (popping) sound as the adjustment is given.

Gonstead:
Detailed analysis of spinal X-rays is used to determine correct adjustments to be administered. This technique is administered using little or no rotational forces.

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.

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:
A full spine technique using a special drop table.

Palmer Toggle Recoil:
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.

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.