Types of chiropractic adjustment techniques.
Chiropractic adjustments are safe and effective in treating a broad range of health issues, ranging from problems associated with the muscles and skeleton to helping with sleep disorders and headaches. Let us take a look at some common chiropractic adjustments.
Activator Technique
The activator technique is a gentle chiropractic adjustment procedure. The goal is to produce a low-velocity, low-amplitude force that gently makes corrections in the musculoskeletal system. The chiropractor uses a hand-held, spring-loaded device called the activator to produce gentle pulses on your lower back or pelvis. This procedure tones muscles and your central nervous system. Physicians use the activator procedure to treat pain and headaches, reduce stiffness, realign joints and increase range of motion.
Diversified technique
The diversified technique is a procedure widely used by chiropractors, doctors, and other medical physicians. It is an example of a High-Velocity, Low-amplitude procedure (HVLA). Just like many procedures in this blog, it takes years of experience, practice, and knowledge to safely execute this type of adjustment. The process involves applying pressure on target areas on your back to manipulate the spine and make adjustments.
Most people recognize this procedure because of the popping sound created when chiropractors perform this on a patient. ( You should know that your back doesn't have to "crack" for an effective adjustment). During this procedure, the patient lies face down on a padded table or slab, and the physician applies sudden pressure on the restricted area.
Gonstead Technique
This technique is one of the most common techniques in chiropractic health services. It is a hands-on procedure that involves carefully examining the spine to find misaligned or restricted joints.
Chiropractors can carry out the Gonstead adjustment on patients either sitting up or lying on their side. The Gonstead adjustment is a gentle but very effective treatment for restoring mobility and realigning the spine.
Drop table or Thompson Technique
The drop table or Thompson technique allows for gentle manipulation of the spin. The procedure requires an adjustable to drop simultaneously as your body move. When the chiropractor applies a sudden thrust on your spine to make adjustments, the table moves in tandem to lessen the impact. The Thompson technique can relieve stiff joints, realign the spine and help improve posture.
Flexion-Distraction
The flexion-distraction, Cox technique, or decompression manipulation is another type of gentle chiropractic adjustment used to stretch or increase the range of motion in the spinal column in a rhythmic motion. The procedure requires a special adjusting table. This procedure is one of the preferred methods for treating patients with disc herniation, scoliosis, back pain, and leg pain.
Conclusion
There are over 150 procedures used in chiropractic therapy. However, your chiropractor selects the most effective treatment for you based on your unique needs.