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Diversified
This is the most common non-specific technique used by most general practice chiropractors. It is a technique which may utilise more than one method. It will involve spinal adjustment, and generally results in a popping sound.
Drop Techniques
A specific technique for adjustment of the full spine on a special table. The adjusting table with a segmented drop system quickly lowers the section of the patient’s body corresponding with the spinal region being adjusted.
The chiropractor's thrusts (using minimal force) initiates movement, and the fast drop of the table carries the joint through the remainder of its range of motion.
SOT
SOT is an acronym for Sacro Occipital Technique. It is a method of chiropractic based primarily on the identification and treatment of three bodily systems: the cranial sacral respiratory system, the weight-bearing system and the function of the lumbar spine.
A SOT chiropractor analyzes your body, concentrating on these three areas. They integrate large amounts of information, and then use several different techniques and approaches simultaneously, including the use of blocks, joint adjustment, organ/soft tissue reflex manipulation and cranial corrections.
SOT patients are also routinely given guidance regarding home care, diet, and nutrition.
Blocking Techniques
Whilst the patient is lying down, wooden wedges are skillfully placed in certain positions under the pelvis. The pelvis is thus balanced gently and naturally, using the patient's own bodyweight. This aims to restore natural alignment and balance of the spine and pelvis and thus normalise flow of CSF, an essential nutrient-carrying fluid which bathes the brain and spinal cord.
Acupuncture/Dry Needling
This technique combines modern western Trigger Point theories with traditional Chinese Acupuncture. Fine needles are inserted to stimulate acupuncture points, creating a small inflammatory reaction and stimulating the body's own pain relieving and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Acupuncture/Dry Needling works in this instance by inhibiting some of the body's responses to the problem, particularly muscle spasm and so relieving some of the pain and thus allowing the Chiropractic Adjustments to work unopposed.
Ultrasound
An oscillating crystal, within an electric circuit, produces ultrasonic waves that are emitted by a handheld applicator, passed non-invasively through the skin, local to the point of pain. The waves pass through the soft tissues to the bone, where they reflect back out into the soft tissues, causing a local rise in metabolism of cells making up that tissue. This has the effect of increasing the rate of healing, reducing inflammation, and has also been shown to be successful in eroding, over a period of treatment, calcium deposits in inflamed tendons and bony outgrowths in osteoarthritic joints.
PIR Stretching
Research has shown that muscles can be stretched more effectively during a period of inhibition called a ‘recovery period’, produced immediately after muscle contraction. Post-Isometric Relaxation technique involves asking the patient to contract a muscle (eg. in the arm, leg, jaw etc), just prior to the practitioner applying a stretch to that muscle. This is normally repeated three times, each time taking the stretch a little bit further, but always safely and within the tolerance levels of the patient.
Deep Tissue Massage
Intensive and powerful massage (not a relaxation massage – no candles, aromas or soft music I’m afraid!), designed to help soft tissues accommodate the new changes in joint function and alignment produced from chiropractic adjustments. Eases out muscle trigger points and tension in the fascia (connective tissue) that can cause ongoing fatigue and referred pain.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is an intensive course of exercise therapy designed to strengthen and restore the normal function of muscles, improve endurance and stamina, increase flexibility and range of movement of tight muscles, and reduce pain. Balance exercises are also included to improve the reaction time of lazy muscle groups. Each patient is individually assessed and a programme is devised specific to individual needs and level of ability.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is a massage technique that involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. It may also be called myofascial (myo meaning muscle, fascial meaning connective tissue) trigger point therapy.
Electromuscular Stimulation (EMS)
A low-frequency electrical current is passed between adhesive electrodes placed
on the skin, causing a pulsatile passive muscle contraction. When the muscle receives
the electrical impulses, it contracts as if the brain has sent the message itself.
The intensity of input is adjusted to the patient's comfort levels. This has 6
main clinical effects:
- Re-educating and strengthening weak muscles
- Reducing muscle spasm by loosening tight and knotted muscle fibres
- Increasing range of motion and reducing stiffness
- Rebuilding wasted muscles
- Preventing atrophy in muscles that have a compromised nerve supply
- Stimulating circulation
Interferential Therapy (IFT)
Two pairs of adhesive electrodes are placed over the skin, and two different medium-frequency
currents are passed between each pair of electrodes. At the point where these
two circuits cross, they produce interference that results in a low-frequency
input through the skin, which stimulates the peripheral nerves under that point.
There are 5 main clinical applications of IFT:
- Pain relief
- Muscle stimulation
- Increased local blood flow
- Reduction of oedema
- Stimulation of healing and repair
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