Chiropractic Adjusting Techniques

When Chiropractic and Technology Meet
Advances in computers and engineering technologies have converged with
chiropractic adjusting to analyze and treat the human body in such a way that was
never before realized. The PROAdjuster utilizes a precise oscillating stimulus with
uninterrupted motion which responds and registers information faster than your
body’s ability to react – giving the doctor a precise and accurate picture of the
extent of rigidity or fluidity of each vertebra. Plus, the “light-hands” technique
is done comfortably, while you’re sitting in an upright position and without any
turning or sudden movements!

A Revolutionary Adjusting Technique
This delicate approach revolutionizes the way you think about chiropractic, and
eliminates the fear element of spinal adjustment – a commonly shared perception.

The FDA Approved PROAdjuster:

• Utilizes sophisticated computerized analysis to quickly pinpoint problem areas – in real-time
• Charts the results graphically on a computer monitor
• Applies gentle, resonant force impulses precisely to the affected area
• Completely eliminates the fear element of spinal adjustment – it’s a “light-hands” approach

If you are new to chiropractic, or simply seek a consistent spinal analysis and a gentle adjustment – one that is precise and easy on the body – with no turning or sudden movements, then the PROAdjuster at Scituate Harbor Chiropractic is the ideal solution for you.

For more details on the PROAdjuster, visit the PROAdjuster website.

Activator Methods

Activator Methods is based on the postulate that understanding body mechanics and force is the key to understanding how to move bones. A leg test is utilized to tell the doctor if the subluxation exists, chiefly in the lumbo-sacral area or cervical region of the spine. With further research into body mechanics, W.C. Lee D.C. and A.W. Fuhr D.C. were able to analyze the body and produce from the analysis consistent changes using a light non-force specific chiropractic adjustment. Lee and Fuhr understood that force was not necessary to correct subluxations in the body.

Two components are necessary for fast, effective reduction of nerve pressure caused by subluxations. They are speed and line of drive. Speed and line of drive are what make chiropractic the distinct and dynamic art and science that it is. The activator instrument was designed to deliver this specific dynamic thrust. It is a small hand-held gun-type mechanism that delivers a sharp percussive thrust upon triggering. The activator instrument controls the force and speed of the adjustment exceptionally well and with the activator, the line of drive can be more specific.

Diversified

Diversified Technique is the classic chiropractic technique, developed by D.D. Palmer, DC. and taught in all chiropractic colleges. Diversified Technique was refined and developed by the late Otto Reinert, DC, to address biomechanical failure in each section of the spine, as it relates to specific subluxation. The focus is on restoration to normal biomechanical function, and correction of subluxation. In addition, Diversified methods have been developed to adjust extremity joints, allowing for beneficial applications in treating sports injuries and other injuries.

Diversified adjusting of the spine uses specific lines of drives for all manual thrusts, allowing for specificity in correcting mechanical distortions of the spine. X-rays and case histories are used in analysis and diagnosis. No instruments are used in the adjusting procedure. Motion palpatation and full spine, hands-on techniques are used to deliver a deeper thrust, which makes an osseous (popping) sound as the adjustment is given.

Thompson Terminal Point

Thompson Terminal Point Technique is built around the research of Dr. Derifield of Detroit Michigan. Dr. Derifield noticed that the same adjustment on two patients with the same analysis did not always give the same results. As he gained more experience, he found that the answer lay in determining through analysis whether the subluxation was lower spine or cervical. Analysis of the patient's subluxations, using the Derifield Technique, depends upon a very accurate leg check. Dr.Derifield created a set of rules for checking the legs to determine the point of the subluxation in the pelvic and lumbar area. It was further determined that turning the head in certain ways helped to balance the legs.

Later Dr. Niblo added testing various trigger points on the side of the short leg, and adjusting the anterior ischium, producing astonishing results. Using a Thompson terminal point table, which is especially designed for the Derifield technique, a special weighing mechanism in the terminal point table instantly weights the patient and adds only enough tension to hold the patient in the "up" position before the thrust is given.

Sacro Occipital

Sacro Occipital Technique of Chiropractic (SOT) and Chiropractic Craniopathy is grounded in scientific research. Since the early 1900's, SOT has consistently delivered exceptional results while emphasizing patient comfort. SOT is a total body technique. Its broad scope includes not only the back and neck but also the internal organs, extremities and cranial structures.

In SOT, the primary focus is upon structural stability and integrity as well as neurological function. The basis of the human structure is the pelvis and the cranium. The spine, shoulders, neck and head sit upon the pelvis and are subject to the stresses and strains of gravity. These structures, as well as the rest of the body, are functionally maintained and controlled by the brain through the nervous system. Brain function is dependent upon optimal motion and alignment of the cranial bones and cranial dura. Located below the pelvis is the locomotion system: the legs and feet. All structures of the body are essential to the integrity of the whole.

Additionally, organ function depends upon proper nerve supply from the spine. The spine in turn receives nerve reflexes from the organs that can compromise spinal mechanics. Therefore, the alignment, balance and optimal function of the cranium, pelvis, each spinal segment, organs and all of the extremities are essential to optimal health.

Bio-Energetic Synchronization

The working theory behind this technique is that the body has the ability to heal itself and will do so when the energy needed to make repairs is made available through balancing and syncronization of the body's total energy. Bio Energetic Syncronization Technique (B.E.S.T.) maintains that when a correct spinal adjustment is given, not only is nerve interference lessened, but more significantly, a change has been made in the body's energy fields. This concept of energy fields is new to most patients and to most doctors. However, the existence of these fields has been proven definitively through years of Medical research. B.E.S.T. has found a way to use and balance these energy fields. B.E.S.T. technicians believe that the total energy each living organism has is divided between a physical field and a mental field. The distribution of these energy fields is automatically regulated according to the kind of activity in which the individual is engaged. B.E.S.T. researchers have found that most sick people have a certain amount of their body's vital energy diverted into an emotional field.

Doctors of this technique maintain that no energy can be in the emotional field unless it has been borrowed from either the physical, the mental, or both. When energy is borrowed from one field, it no longer exists in another and thereby an imbalance occurs causing deficiency in a particular field.

Probably the most significant aspect of B.E.S.T. is that it provides the doctor with an effective and reliable means of balancing and syncronizing the body's mental and emotional fields with that of the physical field. As energy accumulates in the emotional field, the physical field simply doesn't have enough. This results in the back muscles receiving less than their normal energy supply. Often this deficiency is greater on one side of the body. When this happens, the muscles on one side of the spine have more strength, relatively, than those on the other, and one or more vertebrae is 'pulled' out of place allowing the disc to swell or bulge on the deficient side. Rather than force the misplaced vertebra back into position, B.E.S.T. re-distributes the energy supply so that the spinal muscles receive an equal amount and as a result, the muscles themselves pull the misplaced vertebra back into it's normal position. B.E.S.T. is performed entirely by hand. Leg lengths are checked and various muscle strengths compared. Contact areas of the body called 'switches' are also checked. The activation of these points allows the body to normalize the flow and distribution of energy.