"The key to quick results with chiropractic is in finding the right chirporactor, one whose style and technique best matches the specific needs of the individual patient"

Chiropractic Techniques Used by Dr. Dan

DIVERSIFIED (FULL SPINE)

This is a widely used system of spinal manipulations that includes most of the procedures taught at chiropractic schools. This is the most commonly used technique and is the one probably most familiar to chiropractic patients. Full Spine adjustments require speed, skill, and strength on the part of the practitioner, who uses his hands to carefully stretch, pull, and push on dysfunctional and/or displaced spinal segments (vertebral subluxations). This type of adjusting procedure, with it's quick and shallow thrusts, usually causes cavitation, which is the audible popping noise associated with the release of pressure in the synovial fluid inside of the joint. The Diversified Technique has many different setups and moves that the doctor can choose from at his discretion and can be used to adjust many of the joints in the body.

THOMPSON TECHNIQUE

This is a specific chiropractic method and is a variation of the Diversified Technique that uses a special table with several segments called drop pieces. These segments can be cocked up a fraction of an inch, so that when the thrust is delivered, the table will drop down along with the spinal segment that is being adjusted. The drop pieces assist the adjustment by adding speed to the thrust and at the same time minimizing the force needed. Cavitation of the joint may or may not occur.

COX FLEXION/DISTRACTION

This is a specific chiropractic technique that utilizes another type of specialized table that breaks away at the middle and is able to flex, or bend down. This allows the practitioner to provide specific traction to his patient by pulling on the end of the table with one hand and pushing on the dysfunctional vertebra with the other hand. This technique is primarily used to treat cervical and lumbar disc syndromes. Imagine a giant marshmallow (disc) being smashed between 2 bricks (vertebrae). Pulling apart the bricks (vertebrae), takes pressure off of the marshmallow (disc) which allows it to heal by resuming it's normal shape.

EXTREMITY ADJUSTING

This is the application of chiropractic manipulation to joints other than those of the spine, such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, ankle, etc. This done either by hand or with the assistance of a spring-loaded instrument. Examples of conditions treated by extremity adjustments are carpal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries, tennis elbow, tendonitis, sprains, and strains.

GONSTEAD TECHNIQUE

This is another variation of the Diversified Technique and utilizes manipulation by hand that results in joint cavitation. Detailed x-ray analysis and autonomic nervous system (sympatheteic and parasympathetic) considerations are used in the clinical decision-making process. A hand-held instrument may be used to make temperature gradient studies along the spine.

SACRO OCCIPITAL TECHNIQUE (SOT)

This is an involved chiropractic technique that uses triangular-shaped blocks that act as wedges which are placed at specific positions under the pelvis of the patient. This helps the entire spine by increasing the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid that provides nutrients to the central and peripheral nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerve roots). Low force, slow pressure types of manipulation to the skull, which specifically follow the patients deep breathing pattern, may be used. Inhalation and exhalation patterns correspond to pelvic (Sacro-iliac) and cranial (Occipital) distortions, since these are the only two places in the body where the meninges, which covers the brain and spinal cord, directly attatch to the skeleton.

CRANIAL TECHNIQUE

This is not a specific chiropractic technique in and of itself, as it is used by several distinct techniques (such as SOT and AK) that use the application of chiropractic manipulations to the joints and sutures of the skull. Since the anatomy and physiology of the skull joints are different than those found in the rest of the body, the style of their manipulation is different and no cavitation occurs. Cranial adjusments are made by following patients breathing patters while gently pushing on specific joint sutures in specific directions. The sutures of the skull are like gears in a watch. Pushing on one bone of the skull is like turning one gear in a watch, in that it directly and indirectly turns the other bones (gears).

UPPER CERVICAL TECHNIQUE

This is a specific chiropractic technique used to adjust only the upper cervical spine called the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). These 2 vertebrae are unique in structure and function. The majority of head rotation occurs here and is the articulation between the skull and spinal column. The spinal cord is most susceptible to pressure from misalignments in this area. Some practitioners are diehard upper cervical docs and only adjust these two vertebrae. They theorize that correction to this area enables the rest of the spine to self-correct. Most chiropractors, however, will pay close attention the the upper cervical spine, but will also do the work and make the neccessary adjustments to the rest of the spine as well.


ACTIVATOR/ARTHROSTIM INSTRUMENT

The activator is a hand-held, spring-loaded instrument that produces a thrust by the mechanical triggering of the practitioners hand. The arthrostim is another hand-held instrument that produces a more rapid-fire thrust with the use of an electrically charged coil, kind of like a small, electric jack-hammer. These act as tools that the chiropractor may use to deliver low force, but quick thrusts, to specific points along the spine. Research suggests that this type of adjustment affects the nervous system in profound ways. Instument assisted adjustments are commonly selected for children, the elderly, and any patient who presents with contraindications to other, more forceful types of treatment.

APPLIED KINESIOLOGY

This is a more holistic approach to chiropractic in which several specific procedures may be combined. A wide range of adjusting techniques may be used along with muscle testing, muscle balancing, and the cancelling out of active "circuit breakers" called neurolymphatic and neurovascular points. This is achieved with light massage of the points, along with the balancing of the acupuncture meridian systems of the body. This can be a very involved technique and takes years of extra study and practice to master.