Techniques

Diversified is the most commonly utilized technique in chiropractic care, and is the characterized by the high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust directed over a joint or hard-tissue structure. The intention behind the HVLA is to restore proper alignment and movement within the joint structures of the body, thereby restoring overall function. The location of each adjustive thrust is determined by the doctor in a variety of ways, typically through an assessment process that involves static and motion palpation of various joint and tissue structures. Diversified is a core technique taught at a majority of chiropractic colleges.

Thompson Technique is a unique adjusting protocol in which a moveable table assists the doctor in the manipulative process. The patients' leg lengths are assessed while lying on their stomachs, and the doctor performs a series of stress/pressure checks on various regions of the patients' bodies to determine if the original leg length is affected. These stress/pressure checks guide the doctor to an appropriate region for an adjustment. The adjustment is then applied by raising the segmental drop pieces of the table, and applying a gentle thrust into the joint, which causes the mobile table piece to break away beneath patient (the piece moves only a few millimeters), allowing the doctor's thrust to increase four-fold in a gentle manner, usually undetected by the patient.
 

Cox Flexion-Distraction is a treatment which is performed on a mobile table; no corrective thrust is delivered to the patient with this technique. Commonly used for lower back conditions like disc bulges/herniations, the doctor guides the table through a series of ranges of motions, applying firm and relatively constant pressure to the appropriate areas along the patient's spine. The technique has been shown to be successful in restoring motion, decreasing disc bulging/wedging/herniation, and improving overall function through a motion that is designed to mimic the natural manner in which our spinal discs receive their nutrition and nourishment. For more information on Cox Flexion-Distraction, please visit their patient website.

Activator Methods Technique utilizes a handheld tool to apply a corrective thrust into an appropriate joint or tissue structure, as detected via the doctor's palpation or, more appropriately, through the Activator Methods screening procedures. This technique relies on leg length checks as the doctor instructs the patients through a series of movements that cause changes in the pelvis and lower extremity. When a length length changes after patient movement, the doctor becomes aware of malpositioned vertebrae or joint structures, and can then use the Activator tool to apply a gentle thrust into the located lesion, thereby correcting its position and restoring function. The Activator technique is generally regarded as a gentler approach to chiropractic treatment. For information on the latest Activator research, please visit their website.
 

Logan Basic Technique is a low force, low amplitude technique, developed to help level the foundation upon which the human spine rests: the sacrum. The founding principle of this technique states that however the foundation lies, so goes the spine. With Basic, the doctor will assess the patient's spinal alignment, including an assessment of posture and the status of the surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons. A very light pressure will be applied to the patient's body, near the sacrum. This pressure will be supplemented with pressures along the patient's spine; both actions allow relaxation of the body's natural survival response to guard (or 'protect') via a tightening of muscles and joint structures. The Logan Basic Technique contact point is located close to one of the body's highly active nervous system junctions, the end of the sympathetic chain, known as the ganglion impar. Because of this anatomical proximity, Basic technique provides an astonishingly effective means by which your doctor can naturally relieve such symptoms as fever, nausea, colic, sprains/strains, even sunburn!  Basic Technique has ties to Webster Technique, and is often used while treating pre-conception, pregnant, and pediatric. Logan Basic Technique also has a specific protocol designed to treat acute low back pain and scoliosis conditions. Because of its gentle nature, this technique is safe for almost any age, condition, and patient! 

Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue management is the use of tools, often metal, plastic or stone, with a lubricating topical along the muscles, tendons and fascia to encourage new blood flow, break apart scar tissue and improve mobility and function of the local tissue. It is adapted from the principles of cross-friction massage and ancient Goa Sha, and implements the use of tools with direct compression over the tissues in various directions to stimulate a desired effect.