Treatment Techniques
Below is a list of some of the common
treatment techniques and terminology used in the chiropractic
profession. After your initial examination, we will
recommend a treatment program during your report of findings. The
program may include some of the following treatments.
Diversified
Diversified Technique is the classic
chiropractic technique, developed by D.D. Palmer, DC. and
taught in all chiropractic colleges. Diversified Technique
was refined and developed by the late Otto Reinert, DC,
to address biomechanical failure in each section of the
spine, as it relates to specific subluxation. The focus
is on restoration to normal biomechanical function, and
correction of subluxation. In addition, Diversified methods
have been developed to adjust extremity joints, allowing
for beneficial applications in treating sports injuries
and other injuries. Diversified adjusting of the spine
uses specific lines of drives for all manual thrusts, allowing
for specificity in correcting mechanical distortions of
the spine. X-rays and case histories are used in analysis
and diagnosis. No instruments are used in the adjusting
procedure. Motion palpatation and full spine, hands-on
techniques are used to deliver a deeper thrust, which makes
an osseous (popping) sound as the adjustment is given.
www.logan.edu/chiro_tech_div.htm
Trigger Point Therapy
The technique and methods of Trigger
Point Therapy were primarily defined and developed by Janet
Travell, M.D. Trigger point therapy's primary focus is
the elimination of myofascial pain syndrome caused by hyper
irritable areas in muscles. Because these pain syndromes
are often overlooked, Dr. Travel developed the techniques
of trigger point therapy to help patients find relief.
Trigger point therapy is performed in several ways. The
least invasive is through the application of direct pressure,
or ischemic compression to the effected muscle and the
trigger point contained therein. Application of a vapocoolant
spray in conjunction with stretching of the affected muscle,
as well as therapeutic ultrasound may also be used. More
invasive methods are available if the myofascial trigger
points are unresponsive to the above therapies. Trigger
point involves direct pressure to and stretching of the
affected musculature. The amount of force used is dependent
on patient tolerance. The technique affects the body by
eliminating the accumulation of waste in the muscle. Additionally,
trigger point therapy allows for restoration of normal
muscle tone and flexibility. Trigger points are generally
located through physical examination. Additional methods
of detection such as thermal imaging are currently being
investigated. The technique can be performed with no equipment
but often will include the use of a "T.bar" for
added pressure, a vapocoolant spray and possibly ultrasound.
The technique can be performed on any
muscle that develops a myofascial trigger point including
extremities and cranial muscles. The Trigger Point Manual
by Janet Travell, M.D. and David Simons, M.D. is the definitive
text on the subject. Many resources are available on the
web through a search for "Myofascial Trigger Points."
www.triggerpointbook.com/
Motion Analysis (Palpation)
Motion Analysis was brought to the United
States in 1981 and quickly gained acceptance as a standard
diagnostic tool for the chiropractic profession. Motion
palpation is now taught in chiropractic colleges throughout
the world. Motion Palpation is a diagnostic technique used
by a doctor of chiropractic to locate joint dysfunction
within the spinal column and extremities. This method of
spinal analysis, also called Motion Analysis, is based
upon the conclusion that a vertebra cannot be displaced
or remain displaced if some anomaly in the soft tissues
(muscles, ligaments, articular capsule, etc.) does not
cause and perpetuate its malposition. Therefore a study
of the normal and abnormal mobilities of all the vertebral
articulations and eventually all the extra spinal points
was done to determine whatever anomalies in motion could
be found in relation to subluxations. Intimate methods
of palpating, and later of measuring mobilities, were developed
before and after different adjustments. Motion Analysis/Palpation
was created as a system of spinal analysis, which permits
an easy examination of the spine, both in pinpointing the
different subluxations and in determining their types.
This system also serves in determining direction and force
of adjustment. It was found that subluxations can be classed
according to the degree of restriction of mobility. It
was also found that correction of the fixation usually
has a spontaneous correcting effect on smaller fixations.
Furthermore, when the key fixation in any series is discovered
and corrected, there was found to be a series of fixations
which usually occured together and disappeared together.
Medical diagnosis is used to determine if a subluxation
to be adjusted is the site of any pathology. Clinical diagnosis
is also necessary to determine if a medical specialist
is needed before proceeding with adjustment. Motion Analysis
is a comprehensive diagnosis that helps the doctor to apply
treatment in the most beneficial way. References: http://www.motionpalpation.org
(and) Researchers: H. Gillet, D.C. & M. Liekens, D.C.
www.motionpalpation.org
Biophysics
This technique was developed by Donald
Harrison, PhD, DC, MSE in 1980. The basic philosophy and
goals are to restore the body and spine to their optimum
alignment; to resist gravity and distribute load properly
to body parts; and to restore the lateral spinal curves
to their optimum normal curves for optimum motion. Chiropractic
Biophysics works to change abnormal postures to normal.
Abnormal postures are set up in MIRROR-IMAGE* postures,
and full spine adjustments are performed either on Drop
Tables or with hand-held instruments. Due to the nature
of the technique, the adjustment can be performed using
a 'sliding scale' from extremely low to maximum force depending
on the individual postural correction responses and the
patient's tolerance and preference. Adjustments are performed
to place body parts in their optimum positions to resist
gravity, decrease abnormal loads, increase ranges of motion
and to prevent further degeneration. This is done by correcting
the spine to normal and by correcting various abnormal
postures and abnormal cervical, thoracic, and lumbar lateral
curves. X-rays are generally used with this technique for
pathology, biomechanical analysis of spinal misalignment,
and for spinal curves. They are also used to monitor spinal
changes to normal alignment.
www.chiropracticbiophysics.com
Activator
Activator is based on the postulate
that understanding body mechanics and force is the key
to understanding how to move bones. A leg test is utilized
to tell the doctor if the subluxation exists, chiefly in
the lumbo-sacral area or cervical region of the spine.
With further research into body mechanics, W.C. Lee D.C.
and A.W. Fuhr D.C. were able to analyze the body and produce
from the analysis consistent changes using a light non-force
specific chiropractic adjustment. Lee and Fuhr understood
that force was not necessary to correct subluxations in
the body. Two components are necessary for fast, effective
reduction of nerve pressure caused by subluxations. They
are speed and line of drive. Speed and line of drive are
what make chiropractic the distinct and dynamic art and
science that it is. The activator instrument was designed
to deliver this specific dynamic thrust. It is a small
hand-held gun-type mechanism that delivers a sharp percussive
thrust upon triggering. The activator instrument controls
the force and speed of the adjustment exceptionally well
and with the activator, the line of drive can be more specific.
www.activator.com/research.asp
Applied Kinesiology
Applied Kinesiology is an interdisciplinary
approach to health care which draws together core elements
of complementary therapies, creating a more unified approach
to the diagnosis and treatment of functional illness. The
origin of contemporary Applied Kinesiology is traced to
1964 when George G. Goodheart, Jr., D.C., first observed
that in the absence of congenital or pathologic anomaly,
postural distortion is often associated with muscles that
fail to meet the demands of muscle tests designed to maximally
isolate specific muscles. He observed that tender nodules
were frequently palpable within the origin and/or insertion
of the tested muscle. Digital manipulation of these areas
of apparent muscle dysfunction improved both postural balance
and the outcome of manual muscle tests. Goodheart and others
have since observed that many conservative treatment methods
improve neuromuscular function as perceived by manual muscle
testing. These treatment methods have become the fundamental
Applied Kinesiology approach to therapy. Included in the
AK approach are specific joint manipulation or mobilization,
various myofascial techniques, cranial techniques, meridian
therapy, clinical nutrition, dietary management, and various
reflex procedures. With expanding investigation, there
has been continued amplification and modification of the
treatment procedures. Although many treatment techniques
incorporated into AK were pre-existing, many new methods
have been developed within the discipline itself. AK uses
muscle testing to examine how the body is functioning and
to make a diagnosis. A patient's health history is required,
along with examination and laboratory findings, to determine
the treatment required. AK uses functional assessment measures
such as posture and gait analysis; manual muscle testing
as functional neurologic evaluation; range of motion; static
palpatation; and motion analysis. These assessments are
used in conjunction with standard methods of diagnosis
such as clinical history, physical examination findings,
laboratory tests, and instrumentation to develop a clinical
impression of the unique physiologic condition of each
patient. When appropriate, this clinical impression is
used as a guide to the application of conservative physiologic
therapeutics. The practice of AK requires that it be used
in conjunction with other standard diagnostic methods by
professionals trained in clinical diagnosis. As such, the
use of AK or it's component assessment procedures is appropriate
only to individuals licensed to perform these procedures.
AK exam is designed to enhance standard diagnosis procedures,
not replace them. The Applied Kinesiologist finds a muscle
that tests weak and then attempts to determine why that
muscle is not functioning properly. The practitioner will
then evaluate and apply the therapy that will best eliminate
the muscle weakness and help the patient.
What to expect from this technique:
The outcome of an AK diagnosis will determine the best
form of therapy for the patient; provide an interactive
assessment of the functional health status of the individual
which is not equipment intensive but does emphasize the
importance of correlating findings with standard diagnostic
procedures; restore postural balance, correct gait impairment,
improve range of motion; restore normal afferentation to
achieve proper neurologic control and/or organization of
body function; achieve homeostasis of endocrine, immune,
digestive and other visceral function; and intervene earlier
in degenerative process to prevent or delay the onset of
frank pathologic processes
www.icakusa.com
Cox
Cox Technique founder, Dr. Cox explains
Cox Technique / Flexion-Distraction as a marriage of chiropractic
principles with osteopathic principles. These principles
were set forth by Alan Stoddard, DO, in his book, 'Manual
of Osteopathic Technique' written about the manipulative
procedures developed by John McManis, DO, in the early
1900's. Since the early 1970's, Dr. Cox has refined the
technique; developed a manipulation instrument for effective
use of the technique; conducted clinical, as well as participated
in experimental, research; lectured around the world; and
written well-received articles, chapters for textbooks,
and textbooks. Cox Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, non-force
adjusting procedure that works with the body's natural
design to aid it in healing. Dr. Cox has developed a special
table for effective use of the technique. The Cox Table
(www.coxtable.com), a Flexion -Distraction table, is used
to apply the distraction spinal manipulation adjustment.
What to expect from this technique: Tractioning the spine
and then flexing it can resolve pain from joint and disc
problems painlessly. It is a powerfully effective, conservative
approach to low back and leg pain, and an alternative to
explore before recommending surgery. For patients with
non-disc related conditions causing back pain (facet syndrome,
spondylolisthesis, sprain/strain, scoliosis, transitional
vertebra, sacroiliac subluxation, stenosis), Cox Flexion-Distraction
provides all of the above benefits plus the ability to
place spinal joints into normal movements to restore spinal
motion without pain.
www.coxtechnic.com
Gonstead
In the early 1960's word was spreading
throughout the world that there was a healer in a small
farming community in Wisconsin to whom people of all ages,
and walks of life, were flocking. The man was Clarence
S. Gonstead. He became a chiropractor in 1923 following
a personal experience with chiropractic that had helped
his body heal from a painful, crippling episode of rheumatoid
arthritis. With a background in mechanical engineering,
he would come to apply the principles of this discipline
to the evaluation of the spine. Based on his studies, he
developed the "foundation principle" to explain
how a fixation in one area of the spine created compensatory
bio-mechanical changes and symptoms in another. He was
a pioneer in the chiropractic profession, developing equipment
and a method of analysis that used more than one criteria
to verify the precise location of vertebral subluxation
(A subluxation is a spinal bone that is fixated or "stuck" resulting
in nerve pressure and interfering with the innate ability
of the body to maintain health). One hallmark of the Gonstead
Technique is adjustment of the neck with a very specific
maneuver that is completed with the patient seated. The
neck is adjusted in this manner to eliminate the twisting
or rotation aspect of the adjusting procedure. The Gonstead
Technique is recognized throughout the global chiropractic
community as one of the safest systems of evaluating and
caring for conditions related to the spine.
www.Gonsteadseminar.com
Sacro Occipital Technique
Sacro Occipital Technique of Chiropractic
(SOT) and Chiropractic Craniopathy is grounded in scientific
research. Since the early 1900's, SOT has consistently
delivered exceptional results while emphasizing patient
comfort. SOT is a total body technique. Its broad scope
includes not only the back and neck but also the internal
organs, extremities and cranial structures. In SOT the
primary focus is upon structural stability and integrity
as well as neurological function. The basis of the human
structure is the pelvis and the cranium. The spine, shoulders,
neck and head sit upon the pelvis and are subject to the
stresses and strains of gravity. These structures, as well
as the rest of the body, are functionally maintained and
controlled by the brain through the nervous system. Brain
function is dependent upon optimal motion and alignment
of the cranial bones and cranial dura. Located below the
pelvis is the locomotion system: the legs and feet. All
structures of the body are essential to the integrity of
the whole. Additionally, organ function depends upon proper
nerve supply from the spine. The spine in turn receives
nerve reflexes from the organs that can compromise spinal
mechanics. Therefore, the alignment, balance and optimal
function of the cranium, pelvis, each spinal segment, organs
and all of the extremities are essential to optimal health.
www.soto-usa.org
