Tag: chiropractic techniques

Ever wondered exactly how those chiropractic techniques help to alleviate your aches and pains? If you’ve received regular chiropractic treatment, you’ll probably know that each technique offers specific benefits. This may be to reduce pain, increase spinal mobility and improve overall range of motion.

But have thought about how chiropractic techniques help to make you feel so much better?

Here our Southend chiropractor lifts the lid on some of common techniques and how they work:

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation is the term used to describe the overall process of spinal adjustments. In simple terms, it involves ‘retraining’ the spine and the surrounding muscles to restore a healthier state of functionality.

Extremity Manipulation

This technique can be used to help joints outside of the spine. However it can also be beneficial to the spine itself, as the better the mobility of the external joints, the less stress there is on the spinal column.

Thompson Drop

The Thompson Drop is an adjustment technique that involves assessing the length of a patient’s legs and evaluating how this correlates to the pelvis and the spine. To perform this technique, a chiropractor will use a “drop table” and often carry out multiple thrusts.

A gentle thrust is applied to a joint which sets the drop piece into motion and targets the specific joint or tissue. Gentle on the joints and discs, this technique is an effective way to achieve a deep adjustment and is a great technique for performing a full manipulation of the spine.

The Gonstead Technique

Possibly the most recognised form of manipulation; this method is used to treat a variety of conditions. Typically used to address spinal misalignments and fixations, a chiropractor will apply varying levels of pressure to meet the individual needs of the patient.

The Activator

This common technique involves using a hand-held instrument to try to correct spinal misalignments. The method also involves assessing the legs and evaluating how this may affect the hips and the rest of the spine. Children and patients with chronic pain conditions tend to favour this extremely gentle technique.

So now you know the basics of some of the most widely used chiropractic techniques. You see, there’s a lot more to chiropractic care than just “snap, crackle and pop”!