There are more than 100 types of spine manipulation techniques used by chiropractors. Some of these techniques are gentle, while others involve applying a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The varied technique has three main purposes: restore spinal alignment, repair joint disorders, and ensure proper movement and mobility. Practical shocks with extreme precision allow doctors to restore spinal alignment and increase a patient’s range of motion that may be affected by misaligned joints or bones.
This technique is widely used, with 96% of all chiropractors using the Diversified Technique on about 70% of their patients. Spinal manipulation, also called manual therapy or spine mobilization, is used by both chiropractors and physical therapists to relieve pressure on the joints, reduce inflammation, and improve nerve function. While spinal mobilization is a “manual therapy technique” similar to the diversified technique discussed above, it uses gentler thrusting movements and requires more stretching. The Thompson drop table technique uses a specially designed table made of cushioned platforms equipped with drop mechanisms allowing the patient to be dropped a fraction of an inch while the doctor applies a quick push to complete the adjustment.
The gentle fall movement is comfortable for the patient and resembles a slight vibration. Gonstead adjustment is used to restore normal alignment of intervertebral discs and restore maximum mobility. It can be administered with the patient sitting or lying on his side. A unique aspect of Gonstead fitting is the specificity of the contact point on the chiropractor’s hand. It can be given when the patient stands up or lies on his side while the chiropractor manipulates the lower back or pelvis.
A video demonstration of Gonstead customization. Thompson technique – This is a special chiropractic method and a variant of the diversified technique, which uses a special table with several segments called droppers. These segments can be stretched a fraction of an inch. When the thrust is delivered the table drops that fraction of an inch. The aim of the drop is to deflect (open) the joint during adjustment.
The drop pieces support thrust while minimizing the force required for adjustment. Cavitation of the joint may or may not occur. Adjustive instruments — There are techniques other than activators that involve the use of adjustment instruments to make adjustments to the patient. The goal of using an instrument is that you can apply an accurate line of correction (or a specific vector force) and a controlled force with greater precision because you are standing in a comfortable position, focusing solely on adjustment, and not partially focused on maintaining your focus on your own posture, as with varied technology.
There are many different chiropractic techniques. Some chiropractic doctors perform joint manipulations only with their hands, while others use various instruments. In addition, some chiropractors handle quick but firm manipulations, while others have a lighter touch. Manipulation of the spine is the entire process of spinal adjustment and involves “retraining” the spine and surrounding muscles to adapt to a healthier functional state.
Manipulation of the extremities can be used on all other joints outside the spine. It is beneficial to restore mobility to the limb joints, reducing the burden on the spine. While the following chiropractic questions have no right or wrong answer, an understanding of chiropractor techniques can help the patient better assess whether there is a good patient-chiropractor fit. The Activator Method Chiropractic Technique (AMCT) is a chiropractic treatment method and device developed by Arlan Fuhr as an alternative to manual manipulation of the spine or limb joints.
.
