The 7 Methods of Chiropractic Adjustment and What They Are Used to Treat

Chiropractic care has many options for ways to treat patients effectively. Which method is used depends completely on the patient’s condition. At Kaster Chiropractic we have your wellness in mind at all times and adjust accordingly.

It is helpful to be familiar with the types of treatment. They are listed below.

1. The Diversified Technique

This is the most common technique.
The diversified technique serves 3 main purposes.
One: to restore spinal alignment.
Two: To repair joint dysfunction.
Three: To ensure proper movement and mobility.
Using hands-on thrusting motions with exacting precision, chiropractors can restore spinal alignment and increase the patient’s range of motion. Range of motion can be affected by misalignments in joints and bones. This technique is utilized by 96% of all chiropractors. Reports state that those chiropractors use the Diversified Technique on 70% of their patients.

2. Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation is utilized by both chiropractors and physical therapists to relieve pressure on joints, improve nerve function and reduce inflammation. While spinal mobilization is considered a manual therapy similar to the diversified technique, it consists of more gentle thrusting motions and involves stretching.

3. Thompson / Drop-Table Technique

The Drop-Table technique requires a specially designed table of padded platforms fitted with drop mechanisms so the patient can be “dropped” ever so slightly at the same time as the doctor applies a quick thrust to complete the adjustment. The gentle dropping motion is comfortable for patients and makes difficult or stuck adjustments easy on the body.

4. The Gonstead Adjustment

The Gonstead Adjustment is used to restore normalized disc alignment as well as mobility. It can be applied with the patient sitting up or lying on one side.

The specificity of the contact point on the chiropractor’s hand can be administered with the patient sitting up or lying on their side as the chiropractor manipulates the lower back or pelvis.

5. The Activator Method

A small handheld mechanism known as an ‘Activator’ is often used by chiropractors to administer gentle impulse pressure to the vertebral segments of the spine. The spring-loaded device is used to adjust the tone of the nervous system. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions.

6. Flexion Distraction

The Flexion Distraction technique utilizes a special table that distracts and flexes the spine in a gentle rhythmic motion. This technique is commonly used to treat symptomatic disc injuries with back pain and leg pain. The adjustment is pain-free and even considered comfortable making it a great option for patients with recent injuries or extra sensitivity to other adjustments.

7. Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression could be considered more of a chiropractic technique than an adjustment, but is worth mentioning since it is so effective at treating symptoms of lower back pain that are a result of bulging, herniated, degenerated, and slipped discs. Spinal decompression utilizes a special table that works by carefully stretching the spine promoting the healthy flow of water, oxygen, and other essential fluids into the discs and throughout the spine.

When you come to Kaster Chiropractic as a patient you can expect that we are masters at all of these techniques and have been treating patients in the Southwest Florida Area for the last 20 years. We will apply the best choices for your body and health conditions to get you feeling your absolute best again. Call us at 239-332-2555 to schedule or visit us online to learn more about the practice. www.kasterchiropractic.com.