Chiropractic Techniques

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TOP 15 MOST USED CHIROPRACTIC TECHNIQUES IN THE USA

 

According to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners in January 2000.

These statistics are from the Job Analysis of Chiropractic, created by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners in January 2000.

 

Most frequently used chiropractic techniques. Short Description:

 

1. Diversified Technique - This type of chiropractic manipulation/adjustment is widely used and includes several procedures taught in chiropractic colleges. This technique is the most commonly used of all chiropractic techniques and probably the most well-known to patients. Diversified manipulation/adjustment implies a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust that usually results in a cavitation of a joint (fast, low thrust that causes popping noise often associated with a chiropractic manipulation/adjustment).

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2. Extremity Manipulating/Adjusting -  Extremity Manipulation/Adjustment – is the application of chiropractic manipulation/adjustment to joints other than the spine, i.e., shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand/finger, hip, knee, ankle/foot/toe. Examples of conditions treated by manipulation/adjustment of the extremity: carpal tunnel syndrome, gait, or posture-related problems.

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3. Activator Method: Activator Method - This is a portable manipulation/adjustment protocol, based on a spring instrument. Instead of the force of the manipulation/adjustment being done with the hands, the force is generated with a small device that provides a slight but quick thrust. Activator may be used as a primary treatment protocol for all patients or a selective method for patients who may not desire manual manipulation/adjustment or where manual manipulation/adjustment may be contraindicated.

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4. Gonstead Technique: Gonstead Technique - is a specific chiropractic technique that is distinct from the Diversified technique because it focuses primarily on PA adjustment, rather than rotary adjustment, but it is still done by hand, and usually results in cavitation of the joint. X-ray analysis, palpation and temperature gradient study, can be used in clinical decision making (i.e., which segment(s) to manipulate/adjust).

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5. Cox Flexion/Distraction: Cox Flexion/Distraction - is a specific chiropractic technique that uses mechanics and practical manipulation/adjustment using a special table, where the spine is pulled and flexed forward. This technique is primarily used to treat cervical and lumbar disc herniations, non-disc spine problems, and to increase the mobility of spinal joints.

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6. Thompson Technique: Thompson Technique - is a specific chiropractic method and is a variation of the Diversified Technique that uses a special table with several segments called Drop pieces. These segments can be tilted a fraction of an inch, so when the push is made, the drop will drop this fraction of an inch. The purpose of the reduction is to distract (open up) the joint during adjustment. Drops assist thrust, minimizing the force required for adjustment. Cavitation of the joint may or may not occur.

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7. Sacral Occipital Technique: Sacral Occipital Technique - is a specific chiropractic technique that uses triangular-shaped blocks usually placed under the pelvis of the patient prone to treating the problems identified in the lumbar region. Low force, slow pressure types of manipulations/adjustments can be used to solve common problems identified in the skull. SOT can be used as a unique treatment technique or as a joint method of treating patients.

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8. Applied Kinesiology: Applied Kinesiology - This is an approach to chiropractic care in which several specific procedures can be combined. Diversified manipulations/adjustment techniques can be utilized with nutritional interventions along with light massage of various points referred to as neurolymphatic and neurovascular points. Clinical decision-making is often based on testing and evaluating muscle strength.

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9. NIMMO/Tonus Receptor: NIMMO/Tonus Receptor - is a specific chiropractic technique based on the presumption that muscles are responsible for causing abnormal joint function. NIMMO addresses muscle problems, commonly called trigger points, by applying pressure (known as ischemic compression) to the point for varying amounts of time (usually a few seconds), thus allowing the muscle to relax, and regain its normal resting length. This procedure allows the bone(s) to which the muscle(s) is attached to move normally to restore proper function to the joint.

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10. Cranial Technique: Cranial Technique - it is not a specific chiropractic technique, but possibly several techniques use the application of chiropractic manipulation/adjustment to skull joints (similar to the SOT technique mentioned earlier). Since the individual anatomy of the skull joints is different, the manipulation/adjustment styles are different and cavitation does not occur.

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11. Adjustive Instruments: Adjustment instruments - There are techniques, in addition to the Activating Method, that include the use of adjustment instruments to perform the adjustment on the patient. The purpose of using an instrument is that you can apply a precise "correction line" (or specific force vector) and a more precisely controlled force, because you are standing in a comfortable position, focusing only on fit, and not partially focused on maintaining your own posture, as with diversified technique.

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12. Upper Cervical Palmer: Upper Cervical Palmer - Also known as Toggle Recoil, a specific approach of upper cervical origin (UC) is the basic model for UC-derived techniques that apply low and not high-force blows, or forces by instruments for correction. These various techniques focus on dysfunctions of the upper cervical spine joint (C1 and C2). The theory is that treating this area can also solve problems throughout the body. It usually occurs without cavitation. X-ray analysis is commonly used for clinical decision-making (which segment to adjust) and can also rely on static and moving palpation and thermographic analysis.

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​13. Logan Basic: Logan Basic - is a specific chiropractic technique in which light pressure is applied to the sacral ligaments. Light force is simultaneously applied to multiple levels of the spine to reduce pain/symptoms and restore muscle balance. This technique is very gentle and effective with children of all ages.

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14. Meric System: Meric System - This is not a specific chiropractic technique, but refers more to clinical decision-making regarding the levels of the spine to manipulate/adjust. Segments of the spine are manipulated/adjusted (usually with a Diversified Technique) corresponding to the nerves that supply the patient's symptomatology zone.

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​15. Pierce-Stillwagon: Pierce-Stillwagon - is a specific chiropractic technique that uses pelvic adjustment in supine and prone on a "Drop" table, and instrument in prone or sedation adjusting the cervical region. X-ray analysis (film, or motion evaluation from video floroscopic analysis) and thermographic analysis is regularly used for clinical decision-making about which spinal level(s) to adjust.

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