As chiropractic care becomes a more common form of natural therapy in an age of increasing musculoskeletal health concerns, it may be worth learning more about the techniques used in the popular health care method.
There are five techniques which chiropractors apply onto their patients depending on the musculoskeletal health issues they are addressing. Keep reading to further your understanding of chiropractic care and what techniques may be used during your own chiropractic appointment!
Gonstead Technique
The Gonstead technique is one that you have probably already heard of. As the most commonly used hands-on technique in chiropractic, the Gonstead technique is usually used to adjust the pelvis or lower back in a patient. The Gonstead technique may be used to realign joints, reduce pain and stiffness in areas of concern, as well as increase the overall mobility and functionality of a patients’ body. As one of the most basic, yet important techniques used in chiropractic, the Gonstead technique is taught early in a chiropractor’s training.
Diversified Technique
Similar to the Gonstead technique is the Diversified Technique. In addition to helping patients achieve the results as listed above with the Gonstead technique, the Diversified technique also helps to restore movement in the body, as well as realign the spine into correct positionings. It involves preview hands-on thrusts into the body.
Activator Technique
The Activator technique is different from the Gonstead and Diversified techniques as it involves the use of an instrument, rather than applying hands-on force. The Activator technique uses a hand-held adjusting instrument to gently pound impulses into problem areas of the body – usually the vertebral segments of the spine or the extremities.
When performed correctly, the Activator technique does not hurt patients – rather is simply felt as a thumping sensation in the body. The Aviator technique may be used to treat lower back pains as well as migraines, and is especially commonly used amongst older patients.
Thompson Technique
The Thompson technique also uses an external piece of equipment – namely padded platforms which patients are recommended to lie on. As a chiropractor applies hands-on force to areas of the body when making adjustments, the platform drops a fraction of an inch. This drop feels similar to a vibration in the patients’ bodies and can be used to treat musculoskeletal health concerns in the spine. The padded platforms are also usually adjustable to a patients’ size and are dropped differently depending on where chiropractic care is applied.
Flexion Distraction/Cox Technique
The Flexion Distraction is a decompression technique, most commonly used to treat facet joint pains, scoliosis, disc herniations and other musculoskeletal health conditions. It is felt as a stretch for patients and must be performed on an adjustable table designed for chiropractic care.
Looking to learn more about the different types of chiropractic techniques used in chiropractic care sessions – including your own? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced team of chiropractors at Therapy Works, who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding chiropractic techniques!
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Stephanie Braga
Hi, I am Stephanie Braga. A professional blogger and content community manager on this platform. I love to write and post content on different niche. Contact me, if you need any help related to digital marketing or content marketing.
