One of the benefits of chiropractic treatment is that it is customized to the patient and the complaint. No two chiropractic patients are adjusted exactly the same way. However, there are different chiropractic techniques in use, and some are more common than others. Here are a few of the techniques that chiropractors use most often while treating patients.
1. Diversified Technique
The diversified technique involves hands-on adjustment of the spine and/or extremities. It is similar to the Gonstead technique in that each involves manual manipulation. Among chiropractic offices in the United States, the diversified technique is the most widely used.
2. Activator Technique
Chiropractic is strongly associated with hands-on adjustments. In fact, that’s what the name means. However, some techniques involve using tools rather than the hands alone. The activator technique is an example. It requires a handheld device that performs the adjustment with a lower force because of spring loading. Due to its precision, it is good for working on small joints, such as those found in the foot and wrist. If manual manipulation would be unreasonably risky, or if the sound of the joint popping is upsetting to you, your chiropractor may choose to use an activator instead.
3. Flexion-Distraction
Flexion-distraction uses a specially designed table to allow for gentle stretching of the spine. This technique is used to treat conditions such as disk herniation. Pressure on the spinal cord or peripheral nerve roots can cause neurological symptoms. Left untreated, nerve damage may result. The goal of flexion-distraction is decompression of the nerves. It is also known as the Cox method.
4. Drop Table
A chiropractic adjustment is generally safe, and most patients experience little to no pain. However, if you are experiencing extreme symptoms, it may be appropriate to perform an adjustment with less force. If so, the chiropractor may use a drop table technique. The table drops a fraction of an inch when the chiropractor applies force to make the adjustment. The movement is very subtle, and you may only perceive it as a slight vibration. However, the table can make a loud noise when it drops.
Different chiropractic techniques, especially those involving manual manipulation, can seem very similar to one another from the point of view of a casual observer. However, a chiropractor is trained in the practice of each and understands the subtleties that may be lost on the layperson. If you’ve got a concern and need to discuss chiropractic issues, contact a chiropractor in your area, like the Lotus Wellness Center, a chiropractic clinic, for more information today.
