chiropractic methods
Activator Method
Gentle, low-force adjustments using a handheld, spring loaded instrument. The instrument delivers a high speed but gentle thrust to the vertebrae or joint, via a small rubber tip.
Active Release Techniques (ART)
Every ART session is a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses their hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. These treatment protocols, over 500 specific moves, are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient.
Applied Kinesiology (AK)
Applied kinesiology (AK) is a form of diagnosis using muscle testing as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how a person’s body is functioning. When properly applied, the outcome of an AK diagnosis will determine the best form of therapy for the patient. Since AK draws together the core elements of many complementary therapies, it provides an interdisciplinary approach to health care.
Arthrostim Instrument
Produces 14 thrusts per second with variable displacements of force for a greater adaptivity of needs. Useful for children and those who are more sensitive to adjustments.
Bio-Energetic Synchroninzation Technique (B.E.S.T.)
The Basic or Face-down procedure is a portion of the B.E.S.T based on scientific principles utilizing nerve pressure points to effectively allow the patient’s body to update physiological function into a more relaxed and balanced state. By stabilizing the Parasympathetic nervous system and also balancing the Sympathetic nervous system with it, total body balance with lasting updated muscle memory patterns is possible. This method of reducing subluxations is gentle, painless and effective, since the body’s own muscles do the work.
The Advanced or Face-up procedure is designed to directly remove high brain interference from expression in the physical body. Developed to identify and then remove interference caused by stored emotional patterns, the procedure allows the patient to consciously focus on certain feelings that have been stored in the brain as memory engrams and subsequently allow the subconscious portions of the brain to update for current need rather than past experience. By following the specific protocol using muscle testing, the practitioner need not become aware of the patient’s thoughts or feelings, thus eliminating the emotional interaction between patient and practitioner. Once the specific emotion, recurring thought, stress or feeling has been identified, the practitioner instructs the patient’s conscious thought process, eye position,and breathing pattern to re-time the body toward a more appropriate current need and promote healing while lightly stimulating treatment points.
Cox Flexion/Distraction
The goal of Flexion Distraction is to decompress the spine by applying gentle stretching or traction to the lower spine. The Cox Flexion Distraction technique is performed on a special table (designed by Dr. Cox), which has moving parts to effectively separate the different parts of the spine. The combination of this special adjustment table and very gentle pressure utilizes flexion-distraction and decompression to increase the disc height between vertebrae, decompressing the spinal column and restoring the spinal joints to their proper alignment and range of motion. The chiropractor can adjust the different sections of the table to neutralize the effects of gravity and then apply gentle pressure to the affected areas as they move through a more normal range of motion. Movements are repetitive and usually slow, without any quick thrusts or under pressure.
Extremity Adjusting
Different types of adjustments for restoring structure and function of extremity joints.
Graston Technique
The Graston Technique is a form of manual therapy known as soft-tissue instrument-assisted mobilization. It is one of a number of manual therapy approaches that uses instruments with a specialized form of massage/scraping the skin gently.
Infant Adjusting
Adjustments of infants begin after birth. Gentle methods are used to reduce colic, improve sleeping, behavior, boost immunity and ear infections.
Koren Specific Technique
This system utilizes specific protocols using muscle testing (Applied Kinesiology or AK) to identify subluxations and is corrected using the Arthrostim adjusting instrument. It introduces energy/force/information to the body to realign segments and remove nerve pressure.
Logan Basic Technique
Logan Basic Technique is a system of body mechanics with special emphasis on pelvic and spinal distortions and the subluxations that affect spinal structures. It is a light force, full spine adjusting procedure highlighting the correction of spinal and pelvic pathobiomechanics.
Nutrition Response Testing
Nutrition Response Testing (also known as Functional Medicine) is a very precise, specific and non-invasive method of testing, analyzing, and correcting nutritional deficiencies and imbalances in the body. The analysis begins with muscle testing utilizing the body’s neurological reflexes and acupuncture points. During the testing the practitioner may utilize supplement vials or vials with specific stressors such as food sensitivities, immune challenges, scars, metals, and chemicals. If present in your body these stressors may be preventing your body from healing.
Sacro Occipital (SOT)
Sacro Occipital Technique is a unique method of chiropractic care that identifies the cause of your symptoms by combining spinal and extremity alignment with soft tissue analysis and cranial sacral procedures commonly utilizing pelvic/sacral blocks.
Thompson Drops
A chiropractic adjustment performed on a table in which the supporting cushions drop an inch or two when a thrust is applied to the spine. Practitioners locate “subluxations” by checking leg lengths with the legs straight, the knees bent, or the head turned to either side.
Total Body Modification
Organ, allergy, sickness, and system balancing technique identified by muscle response testing reflex points then corrected by stimulating spinal areas.
Traditional Chiropractic Adjustments
Adjustments or spinal manipulation is the minor movement of vertebrae in the spine to reduce pain and subluxations and to improve alignment and function. The most commonly used of all chiropractic methods and most familiar to patients is the Diversified Technique. The Diversified adjustment entails a quick high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust that usually results in a cavitation of a joint (popping noise).