Chiropractic Techniques

Chiropractic Methods Practiced

We use a number of highly-effective adjusting approaches to help improve spinal biomechanics and reduce nervous system interference. The approach we use is based on our clinical judgment and years of experience.

The primary adjusting techniques we use include:

Palmer Diversified

At Bjork Chiropractic, we use an adjusting style commonly referred to as “Diversified.”

First, an analysis of your spine is performed.

Subsequent visits may include motion palpation, with the chiropractor feeling the spinal joints move as you turn and bend. Or, a leg check may be performed, to uncover an imbalance in the neck or lower spine.

With the malposition of one or more spinal bones identified, a specific manual thrust is administered. The direction, speed, depth and angle that are used is the result of years of experience, practice and a thorough understanding of spinal mechanics.

The energy delivered during the thrust may produce a slight “popping” sound from the shifting of gas and fluids in the joint. This sound may be interesting, but is not a guide as to the value or effectiveness of the adjustment.

While improving spinal biomechanics can reduce nervous system interferences, virtually all joints of the body can be adjusted to help restore proper range of motion.

Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT)

Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) was originally formulated by Major Bertrand DeJarnette (The Major) who was a Doctor (chiropractor and osteopath) and Engineer in the 1920’s. The Major was inspired to go beyond simple spinal adjusting and developed methods of correcting the Cranium, Pelvis, Extremities and Organs. This study brought about a system of adjusting patterns in the body, not just single body parts. The most significant pattern was the relationship between the sacrum and occiput (which became the name of the technique).

An important distinction of SOT is the use of indicators. Each adjustment has a sign or signal that the we use to know when and where to adjust. For example, muscle tension at the knee may indicate the pelvis needs correction, and connective tissue fibers at the base of the skull (called occipital fibers) indicate different vertebra in the back or spine may be in need of an adjustment. This also tells us on the next visit if the correction has been completely or marginally effective. From these indicators, we design a different adjustment set on each visit, listening to the body each time. It takes study to master this method of care, but it makes for an effective, precise adjustment without relying exclusively on x-rays.

Thompson 

The Thompson Technique, developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson, has evolved into a system of analysis and a way of adjusting the full spine. The combination produces precise adjustments and high levels of patient comfort.

A System of Analysis

Early chiropractors noticed that subluxations would produce the appearance of a short, or contracted leg. Using a protocol of comparing leg lengths while the patient turned their head, helped determine whether the subluxation was in the upper, middle or lower back.

What patients often notice first is our segmental “drop” table. After stepping onto the platform, the table gently lowers you into a horizontal position. This helps preserve any leg length inequality.

Terminal Point Table

Individual cushions or “drop pieces” located along our table surface support each area of your spine until the thrust is delivered. Then, each drop piece gently gives way, reducing the amount of energy needed to move a specific spinal segment.

Popular and Patented

So unique is this approach, Dr. Thompson was granted a patent in 1955. Since then, because of its precision and patient results, it is a technique used around the world.

Graston

Graston Technique^® is successful in effectively treating all soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic or acute and post surgical. The Graston Technique^® offers many advantages to the patient such as:

• Decreases overall time of treatment
• Fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery
• Reduces need for anti-inflammatory medication
• Resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent

Graston Technique is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.

Gonstead

The focus of the Gonstead adjustment is to be as specific, precise and accurate as possible, addressing only the problem areas (areas of subluxation). Great care is taken to ensure a bio-mechanically correct position and precise thrust to provide the most accurate and painless adjustment possible.

It is the goal of your Gonstead doctor to restore and maintain optimal health by locating and correcting any interference to the nervous system caused by vertebral subluxation.

Extremities

The chiropractic approach that works so well with the spine can be applied to other joints of your body. Virtually every articulation of your skeletal system is susceptible to fixations that can impair function and range of motion:

Wrist

Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually due to compression of the median nerve as it passes through the band of ligaments in your wrist. In many cases, the underlying cause is a misalignment of one or more joints of your neck, shoulder, elbow or wrist. Identifying the involved joint(s) and a program of chiropractic care can often avoid surgery.

Jaw 

Stress, teeth grinding and spinal problems can cause TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders where your jaw connects to your skull. (You can feel the joint move by placing your fingers in front of your ears and opening your mouth.) Skilled chiropractic care can restore proper nervous system control of involved muscles and ligaments, reducing pain, stiffness, clicking sounds or locked jaw.

Shoulder

Many shoulder problems originate in the area where the nerves branch from the spinal cord and exit the neck. Shoulder pain or pain radiating down the arm can be accompanied by weakness, numbness or tingling in the wrists or hands. Many patients report dramatic improvement with chiropractic care.

Elbow

Classic tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a repetitive strain injury that often afflicts the dominant arm. It is seen among carpenters, mechanics, office workers, cashiers and those who perform repeated hammering, grasping and rotary forearm motions. A thorough examination followed by appropriate chiropractic care has been known to produce excellent results.

Hip

The hips and sacrum, considered the “pelvic girdle,” is the foundation of your spine. These sacroiliac joints can affect nerves exiting the spine. While the chiropractic adjustment of the hips can produce excellent results, many hip problems can be caused from malfunctioning joints above or below the pelvis.

Ankle

The ankle is the most frequently injured joint in the body. “Pronation,” in which the feet flare outward and kneecaps rotate inward, is the most common foot problem. When weak arches cause the bones of the foot to drop to an unstable position, stress on the foot increases. Adjusting malfunctioning joints of the feet, combined with custom shoe orthotics, can reduce tenderness, improve your gait and stabilize the entire skeletal system.

Activator/Impulse

Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT) seeks to conduct a systematic analysis of basic body biomechanics, under the general belief that disturbed mechanics leads to disturbed function. A series of diagnostic stimulating maneuvers and leg checks are used to identify the location of subluxation, misaligned vertebrae which interferes with nerve impulses; the therapeutic goal is to restore proper body mechanics through the application of low-force adjustments, also referred to as spinal manipulation. This instrument is manual and the doctor squeezes the instrument to produce the force.

Similar in use to the Activator Method, Impulse Adjusting restores proper body mechanics through the application of multiple low-force impulses or adjustments to the spine. This instrument is powered and therefore the force is generated by pushing the trigger and the machine generates the force.

Applied Kinesiology

Applied Kinesiology borrows from many different disciplines, using muscle testing as a guide for diagnosis and patient care.
The ancient Chinese observed that every muscle in the body links to a specific organ, gland or acupuncture meridian. By testing the strength of its related muscle, we get a glimpse of the condition of that particular organ or tissue.

Simple muscle testing helps us uncover the structural, chemical and mental problem that may be in your body. It can also direct us to the best options to restore your health.

Finding the Problem

First, we review the history of your health situation. This is followed by a thorough physical examination. Then we analyze your posture, the way you walk, turn and bend. By combining these findings with muscle testing, we develop a unique insight into the cause(s) of your problem.

While many health problems can be traced to the spine, other joints of the body can be involved. When chiropractic techniques are applied, range of motion can be improved and painful inflammation reduced. Without drugs or surgery!

If you’ve been to a chiropractor before and prefer to be adjusted in a particular way, let us know. We want you to relax, enjoy and fully benefit from your chiropractic care.