As Chiropractors we understand that the nervous system controls and co-ordinates all the functions of our body. Interference to the communication and function of the nervous system via misalignments of the spine or Subluxations can impair the optimal function of the body. The purpose of the Chiropractic adjustment is to remove these Subluxations.

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Overview

Here is a summary of some of the main techniques practiced by the Doctors at Back to Health. They can be practiced on a stand-alone basis or in combination.

They fall into a few broad categories:

Segmental: The approach is at a more localised area or section of the spine where the subluxation is. E.g. Gonstead and Diversified.

Postural: The posture is evaluated and any distortions are noted. E.g. S.O.T and A.K

Tonal: The spine and nervous system is assessed as a functional unit in whole and more overall movements analysed. E.g. Tonal Upper Cervical, components of S.O.T and Network Spinal Analysis.

The delivery of the adjustment can be via: Hand Chiropractic means done by hand. E.g. Gonstead and Diversified, or Assisted: This can be via: Instruments E.g. Activator , Tables: E.g. Thompson, Blocks: E.g. S.O.T

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Diversified

One of the original and most commonly used methods is diversified adjusting. With diversified adjusting a quick thrust is used which is usually accompanied by a "popping" sound as the pressure is released from the joint much like opening champagne bottled.

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Gonstead Technique

Originally developed by Dr Clarence Gonstead. He established X-ray analysing method to judge displacements of spinal vertebrae and pelvis. He advocated that a vertebra can displace to posterior first of all. The adjustment is manual as in diversified however the actual technique can vary in contact point and direction.

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Activator

Activator uses various movements and tests to determine where the subluxation is. Correction is made using the Activator Adjusting Instrument to give consistent low-force, high-speed chiropractic adjustments rather than directly by hand

How does the Activator adjusting instrument work?

The handheld Activator instrument is specifically designed to deliver a controlled, light and fast thrust without undue strain to the patient. The thrust delivered by the instrument is so quick that it accelerates ahead of the body's tendency to tighten up and resist the thrust of an adjustment.

Adjustments using the activator are suitable and comfortable for all types of patients, ranging from pregnant women, babies and children, to athletes and seniors. It is often used in combination with many other techniques.

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Thompson Technique

Developed originally by Dr. Clay. Thompson. He developed the drop table (Thompson Table) that was fully patented in 1957. He discovered pelvic displacement patterns and a correlation between pelvic displacements and difference of leg length. This analysis can be used to assess more accurately the location of a subluxation depending on the response in the body. The adjustment is assisted by the use of what is known as a drop piece. This drops away gently to assist the removal of the subluxation as the adjustment is made with the patient lying face down.

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Logan Basic

Logan Basic technique is a very predictable structural technique that works by gentle pressure on the hip and buttock area. When the base of the spine is misaligned, this causes compensation further up, which results in the distortion of the entire body

A gentle contact is made to remove the misalignment or subluxation and to resolve the compensation.

Upper Cervical Techniques:

Toggle Recoil Technique

Dr. B. J. Palmer developed this technique and was the son of Dr D.D Palmer the founder of Chiropractic. This is very famous technique, which adjusts only upper cervical spine (C1 or C2). This is the entrance to the nervous system and a region of high neurological importance as the brainstem is descends to the top of the first cervical (neck) vertebra.

The adjustment can be made by hand using a drop piece or by using various instruments much like an activator.

There are many techniques however this is a summary of some of the techniques utilised by the Chiropractors at Back to Health.