Techniques Explained

Thompson

Thompson Terminal Point Technique is built around the research of Dr. Derifield of Detroit Michigan. Dr. Derifield noticed that the same adjustment on two patients with the same analysis did not always give the same results. As he gained more experience, he found that the answer lay in determining through analysis whether the subluxation was lower spine or cervical. Analysis of the patient's subluxations, using the Derifield Technique, depends upon a very accurate leg check. Dr.Derifield created a set of rules for checking the legs to determine the point of the subluxation in the pelvic and lumbar area. It was further determined that turning the head in certain ways helped to balance the legs. Later Dr. Niblo added testing various trigger points on the side of the short leg, and adjusting the anterior ischium, producing astonishing results. Using a Thompson terminal point table, which is especially designed for the Derifield technique, a special weighing mechanism in the terminal point table instantly weights the patient and adds only enough tension to hold the patient in the "up" position before the thrust is given.

Chiropractic 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.

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.

Network

Founder: Donald Epstein, D.C. Network is an approach to wellness that applies low force touch contacts, applied at the spinal gateways, to cue the nervous system to develop new strategies for living and healing. Two spinal "healing" waves develop which help improve spinal and neural integrity and adaptability; and significantly advance wellness and quality of life. Care advances through a series of levels, each producing specific new abilities to adapt to the environment, make healthier choices, enjoy life and develop an healthier spine. This approach combines patient-reported wellness profiles with the practitioner's clinical assessment to help review the emerging options for healing and an enriched life. Adjustment is given using a low force touch contact. Rather than attempting to fix or control any problem -- including nerve tension, pressure, stress, pain, fixation or subluxation -- or to return a patient to a previous state, a Network practitioner will seek to promote new properties within the nervous system and spinal tissues. These properties are believed to assist in advancing spinal and neural integrity, wellness, quality of life and self-organization, allowing for a greater degree of wellness.

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)

Activator Methods

Activator Methods 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.

Upper Cervical

Upper Cervical Technique focuses on the precise adjusting of the atlas and axis, the two vertabra just below the head. It is the basic premise of the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research Association (NUCCRA) that an atlas or C1 subluxation is the most damaging subluxation in the spinal column. It is the first vertebral opening through which the nervous impulses pass to and from the brain. As it is located at the lower end of the brain stem, the subluxation's misalignment factors are capable of unsetting the central nervous system's inhibitory control over the extensor muscles of the spinal column, causing spinal imbalance, bodily distortions and stress. The NUCCA theory states that less than 1 mm of atlas laterality is enough to trigger a spastic contracture. Therefore, precision is essential in both X-ray taking and analysis. Each aspect is of equal importance: X-ray placement, X-ray analysis and the adjustment. Contraindications of this NUCCA adjustment are few, but osteoporosis and vertebral fracture are two conditions that could be problematic. The advantages of this procedure include safety, little pain, measurability, predictability, reliability and stability so that the body can heal itself. Skin temperature analysis, static and motion palpataion and spinal balance (leg check) are examination procedures which accompany x-ray analysis and preceed the initial adjustment. Complete physical, orthopedic, neurological examinations and laboratory, when indicated, are part of the work. The upper cervical X-ray series are used for the listing of the misalignments. Palmer Upper Cervical technique is a coordinated concussion of forces, applied by the hands, arms and shoulders, to reduce or correct multi-directional structural disrelationships of the first and second neck vertebrae in the human spine. The patient is placed on their side with their head on a drop head-piece falling approximately 1/2 inch as the adjustive thrust is initiated. A simultaneous and extremely rapid contaction of the doctor's arm muscles provides the adjustive thrust delivered through the doctor's hands. Only the hands are used to deliver the toggle (adjustive thrust). The hands and arms are allowed to 'recoil' quickly, thereby assuring minimal discomfort to the patient. Post adjustment instructions are given on an individual basis. Patients are usually advised to rest for a short period following adjustments and a 'common sense' exercise and balanced diet program are suggested.   The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research Assn. (NUCA)  www.nucca.com