There are many different chiropractic techniques. Some doctors of chiropractic perform joint manipulation with their hands only, while others use various instruments. Additionally, some chiropractors treat using quick but firm manipulation, while others have a lighter touch.
Some patients prefer the immediate feeling of relief offered by the "joint popping" type of spinal manipulation, while others cringe at the mere thought and prefer a low-force chiropractic technique.
In short, chiropractic treatment is largely driven by the individual preferences of both the chiropractor and the patient.
My style varies depending on what you need. I have studied very light force techniques such as Network chiropractic and Activator, and I am proficient in Diversified, Extremity adjusting, Drop table and Sacro Occipital technique as well as Cox technique which is a speciality that really helps with stenosis and disc problems. I also weave in soft tissue techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy to help your body to relax before the adjustments, and I also teach you exercises to help you to improve your posture and create greater movement in the areas that are causing you problems.
Doctors of chiropractic frequently treat individuals with neuromusculoskeletal complaints, such as headaches, joint pain, neck pain, low back pain and sciatica. Chiropractors also treat patients with osteoarthritis, spinal disk conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sprains, and strains. However, the scope of conditions that Doctors of chiropractic manage or provide care for is not limited to neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractors have the training to treat a variety of non-neuromusculoskeletal conditions such as: allergies, asthma, digestive disorders, otitis media (non-suppurative) and other disorders as new research is developed.
Chiropractic techniques:
Cox technique is a non-surgical, gentle type of manipulation performed with the patient lying on the Cox Table, which is a specially designed chiropractic instrument that allows the administration of flexion-distraction and decompression adjustment and manipulation for the cervical and lumbar spine. I was drawn to this technique because it is evidence-based and has a rich history of clinical and biomechanics research that show a high level of success in working with disc herniations and stenosis. I also wanted a technique that was gentle and produced amazing results.
The Graston technique is a manual soft tissue technique invented by an athlete named David Graston. He was unable to fully recover from an old knee injury he had while water skiing. While he was recovering, he started researching and learning about the type of massage that can break up scar tissue he noticed in his injured knee, and he decided that he wanted to design a set of tools to assist with his own rehab. Cross frictional massage, developed by orthopedic surgeon DR James Cyriax, was the main concept behind the development of the tissue treatment protocol for the Graston Technique.
The Graston Technique is a patented form of manual therapy that uses tools to release knots or restrictions in the muscles due to old injuries causing scar tissue. Graston technique helps to restore normal mobility and function and to reduce pain. It is highly effective in treating Cervical sprain/strain, rotator cuff tendinosis, ankle sprains and any injury or surgery that leaves scar tissue and loss of range of motion. Graston has been shown to decrease treatment time and reduce a patients need for pain relieving medications.
Developed by Larry Webster DC over 30 years ago, the Webster technique has been associated with improved pregnancy outcomes since that time. While most chiropractic methods are safe to use when you are pregnant, the Webster Technique is focused on prenatal care. The Webster Technique adjusts a woman’s changing musculoskeletal system with specialized attention to the pelvis. Through gentle chiropractic adjustments, you will experience a stress reduction in your uterus and its supporting ligaments. This is ideally suited for women who are advancing in pregnancy, and it can help with reducing labor pains through optimal fetal positioning.