Chiropractic Techniques

Doctors of chiropractic have extensive training in anatomy and physiology as well as diagnosing musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders. I was surprised to learn that there are currently over 130 different chiropractic techniques used worldwide. Most doctors of chiropractic master 8 to 10 approaches to treat a variety of patients. The majority of these techniques are manual (hands on), along with a variety of instrument assisted techniques and some table-assisted techniques. Personally, my favorite techniques are diversified adjustments, anterior adjustments, Arthrostim adjustments, Thompson Drop-table technique, and flexion distraction therapy. 


Diversified and anterior adjustments are a classic hands on technique that I’d say 95% of chiropractors utilize in practice. It involves a high velocity - low amplitude thrust and commonly accompanies a cavitation or “pop”. A “sound” doesn’t always occur, nor does it signify a successful adjustment albeit many people think that. The cavitation or “pop” is simply gas being released from the facet joints similar to when people pull on their knuckle joints or crunch them to make a sound. Cavitation commonly occurs in the 24 moveable vertebrae of the spine during manual adjustments. 


My favorite technique for anterior head syndrome (forward head posture) utilizes an Arthrostim. An Arthrostim adjustment is considered a high speed low amplitude adjustment with an instrument for contact instead of the hands. The instrument impulses at 10-12 impulses per second. It has specific attachments to precisely contact the vertebrae to move it multiple times (as opposed to a traditional adjustment with one moment of contact.) Arthrostim adjusting is great for the patient who “tenses up” in anticipation of the adjustment. It’s also very gentle which is helpful for patients with varying degrees of arthritis. This technique has also been studied along with Digital Motion X-Ray. A motion x-ray shows the vertebrae spinous processes being “stuck” before the adjustment, the actual chiropractic adjustment using an Arthrostim, and then the spinous processes moving freely after the adjustment. This is all done in real time. It’s actually quite interesting to watch the studies being performed. To clarify, we do not offer Digital Motion X-Rays at our office. These are very specialized studies.


For leveling the hips/pelvis I prefer using a Thomson drop table. This is another gentle technique that works through different forms of physics including gravity and inertia. The table pops up creating a gap between the patient and table. Using a precise contact, the table drops quickly using gravity. The sudden drop of the table followed by a stop when it flattens utilizes inertia (an object in motion stays in motion until acted upon by another opposing force- the table suddenly stopping).  While this technique is “loud” it’s one of the gentlest ways to balance the pelvis. 


The last technique I’ll mention today is Flexion distraction therapy. I’m excited to share that I have a new table coming in early August to help combat cervical and lumbar compression and disc issues. Flexion distraction therapy is great for sciatica and stenosis patients. Oftentimes traditional chiropractic adjustments don’t provide the spinal decompression that some conditions need. This doctor assisted technique has helped in the reduction of peripheral nerve pain and aids in the regression of bulging discs. Did you know that it’s estimated that 70 percent of our population suffers from an asymptomatic disc bulge? This means that even though we may not currently have pain, our discs may be at a greater risk of damage while doing everyday tasks such as vacuuming, folding laundry, pulling weeds, or carrying groceries in from the car. 


While these are a few of my favorite techniques, I graduated from Palmer College so I’m well trained in the core Palmer Package. I’m also trained in soft tissue techniques like activated trigger points and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) but that’s a whole separate topic we can learn about a different day. Each patient has their own individual stressors and needs so utilizing a variety of techniques means that patients can receive the care they’re looking for. ​