From the beginnings of its use, chiropractic has gradually evolved into a wonderful way to heal pain, ailments and various emotional disorders as well.
Nowadays, chiropractors make use of numerous chiropractic techniques that involve treatment of different parts of our body, including the spine as well. It would not be wrong to say that the most of the techniques used today can be traced back into the roots of ancient Greece, Egypt and China. However, it was during the late 19th century when chiropractic techniques witnessed massive development in the United States and other parts of the world.
Spinal manipulation, or SMT, turned out to be more famous in the period of 1980s; the techniques mainly involve massage and manipulation to “adjust” the most crucial part of human body, i.e. the spine.
In addition, other major tissues are also adjusted and healed through chiropractic care. In fact, chiropractic has been proven to be effective where other forms of treatment have failed. Moreover, there is hardly any negative feedback regarding any kind of side effects associated with the chiropractic practices. This is the reason why a lot of chiropractic experts feel safe to use such treatments on their patients. Through this piece of writing, we will help you know about the different techniques used in chiropractic, and how they are related to our body.
Diversified Technique
This technique is widely used while applying chiropractic adjustment therapy. In fact, it is the most popular form of chiropractic that is taught in almost every chiropractic school. In this technique, the manipulation or adjustment is done through a high-velocity pressure action, accompanied with a low-amplitude thrust. It is important to note that the rapid, shallow thrusts that trigger the popping sounds are usually related to chiropractic adjustment/manipulation.
Extremity Adjustment/Manipulation
This chiropractic method of adjustment is applied to joints, except the spine. This means that this technique can be applied on body parts like the elbow, shoulder, hand, finger, wrist, toe, foot, knee, ankle, and hip. The carpal tunnel syndrome, gait- and posture-associated issues can be cured with this technique.
Activator Method
This technique involves the use of a spring-loaded tool, which works on the adjustment/manipulation protocol. The hand-help instrument generates force, which is definitely lighter, and “quicker” in nature.
The activator method can be utilized –
- As a key treatment procedure for every patient.
- As a part of a certain set of techniques for patients who do not prefer manual adjustment/manipulation.
- For cases where manual adjustment may be harmful.
Gonstead Technique
This method is also carried out by hand, and basically leads to cavitations. Temperature gradient analysis, X-ray analysis, and palpation may prove to be useful in clinical decision making.
Cox Flexion/Distraction
In this particular method of chiropractic care, hands-on manipulation techniques are used to traction the spine, as well as flex it forward. A special table is used in this method, and issues related to lumbar disc herniations, cervical herniations, and non-disc spinal problems are treated with this method. In addition, it also helps increase the mobility and flexibility of spinal joints.
Adjustive Instrument
Apart from the activator method, there are many advance chiropractic methods that incorporate the use of manipulation instruments to correct the posture of the body.
Thompson Technique
This technique is different from the diversified one, and it involves the use of a special table, which incorporate numerous segments known as drop pieces. When the right amount of pressure is applied, the table would raise/drop a tiny proportion of an inch. The purpose of the drop is to open or distract the joint when making the adjustment. This technique is quite effective in treating pain in the joints.
Sacro Occipital Technique
This chiropractic technique involves the usage of triangular-formed blocks, which are usually placed below the pelvis of the patient in order to cure problems figured out in the lower back. Slow pressure and low force types of adjustments may be applied to focus on the joint problems, basically in the skull.
Applied Kinesiology
This method involves the amalgamation of several chiropractic techniques. Diversified adjusting techniques may be applied with nutritional direction, accompanied with mild massage on numerous points, which are usually referred to as neurovascular and neurolymphatic points.
NIMMO/Receptor Tonus
The foundation of this technique is based on the fact that abnormal joint function results from any kind of muscle disorder. Therefore, the NIMMO technique (named after founder Raymond Nimmo) focuses on muscular problems, which are usually referred to as trigger points. Pressure is applied on those points with various degrees of strength, usually for a few seconds; the application of pressure in this technique is also known as ischemic compression. Through this technique, muscles are relaxed, and it also brings back the mobility in the joints.
Cranial Technique
Though this technique is not a purely chiropractic technique, it involves numerous techniques that make use of the chiropractic adjustment to the skull’s joints. So, this technique is somewhat similar to the Sacro Occipital Technique. And, it is really helpful in treating any issues related to the upper region of our head.
So, those are some of the techniques used in chiropractic therapy.
Chiropractic techniques mainly focus on releasing the muscle tension and provide a soothing effect to the tissues. Increasing the mobility of the joints is also one of the prime objectives of chiropractic treatment.
Most of the chiropractors make use of the above-mentioned techniques to cure a wide scope of muscle issues, joint pains, and spinal problems as well. Though it is possible to practice most of the above-mentioned techniques at home, provided you have the required equipment, it is usually recommended to consult with a certified chiropractor before initiating any treatment.
