Chiropractic

MOTION PALPATION

Motion palpation is a diagnostic technique used by the doctor of chiropractic to locate joint dysfunction within the spinal column and extremities. This technique 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. Based on the joint fixation in the spine, this technique allows us to adjust the spine without the use of x-ray (unless trauma/health history/exam indicate medical necessity). It’s what we use to feel how things move with our own two hands.

DIVERSIFIED

First, an analysis of your spine is performed. This can initially involve a case history and X-ray pictures of your spine. Subsequent visits may include motion palpation, with the chiropractor feeling the spinal joints move as you turn and bend. Or, a leg check may be performed, to uncover an imbalance in the neck or lower spine. With the malposition of one or more spinal bones identified, a specific manual thrust is administered. The direction, speed, depth and angle that are used is the result of years of experience, practice and a thorough understanding of spinal mechanics. The energy delivered during the thrust may produce a slight “popping” sound from the shifting of gas and fluids in the joint. This sound may be interesting, but is not a guide as to the value or effectiveness of the adjustment. While improving spinal biomechanics can reduce nervous system interference's, virtually all joints of the body can be adjusted to help restore proper range of motion.

THOMPSON

The Thompson Technique, developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson, has evolved into a system of analysis and a way of adjusting the full spine. The combination produces precise adjustments and high levels of patient comfort. What patients often notice first is our segmental “drop” table. Individual cushions or “drop pieces” located along our table surface, support each area of your spine until the thrust is delivered. Then, each drop-piece gently gives way, reducing the amount of energy needed to move a specific spinal segment.

GONSTEAD

Named after its developer, Dr. Clarence Gonstead, this approach came from his engineering background. His “foundation principle” explains how a vertebral subluxation complex pattern in one area of the spine can produce compensatory changes in another. To adjust your lower spine and pelvis, we’ll have you lie on your side.When you are seated, we can restore the integrity of your spine without twisting or rotating your neck. Sometimes you’ll hear a slight “popping” sound that we call cavitation. Sometimes you won’t. Either way, better health is on the way!

PALMER PACKAGE

Over the years since its founding in 1897, Palmer College of Chiropractic developed what is known throughout the profession as the “Palmer Package.” This is a group of chiropractic techniques that, once mastered, provide the Palmer graduate with the technique expertise needed to deal with practically any clinical situation that may emerge in practice.

FLEXION-DISTRACTION

Cox Technique is doctor-applied, doctor-controlled, patient-focused treatment designed to provide spinal pain relief. After undergoing a thorough examination that leads the doctor to a specific diagnosis of the spine condition to be treated the patient lies face down on a Cox Table, the specially designed instrument for delivering Cox Technic treatment. Tolerance testing is performed prior to the application of Cox Technique to ensure that the treatment will not further aggravate the condition. In delivering the treatment, the physician concentrates on one vertebral motion segment at a time. The goal is to reduce stenotic effects by dropping intradiscal pressure, thus allowing disc reduction, an increase in the size of the intervertebral foramen, and a reduction of pressure on the dorsal root ganglion and the exiting nerve roots.

ACTIVATOR

The Activator Methods^® Adjusting Instrument is a handheld spring-loaded tool that delivers a consistent low-force, high-speed thrust.Because it’s many times faster than adjustments delivered by hand, the body rarely tightens to resist, making adjustments comfortable and effective. It’s also helpful for adjusting elbows, wrists, knees and other joints of the body (most commonly known to patients as the “clicker”).