Most Chiropractors use various types of techniques to adjust or change your spine. A technique is just a unique way that someone chooses to accomplish the same task as another person. There are a lot of standard techniques in chiropractic, but each chiropractor ultimately ends up with their own way of doing things. Dr. Kruse is very versatile in over 15 different kinds of techniques. The most important thing about a technique is that it works for you. If you have been treated successfully by one chiropractor, there is no need to reinvent the wheel by treating you in a way that is uncomfortable for you. The most important part of finding a technique that will work for you is feeling like you can communicate with your doctor. Below are some of the major ways that we can begin to make changes to your spine.
Diversified technique is one of the most standard techniques in chiropractic. It involves analysis of x-rays, leg checks and palpation of the spine to determine the areas of misalignment. Diversified adjustments are almost synonymous with hearing some kind of cracking sound during the procedure. They are excellent at breaking up fixations and restoring natural range of motion and alignment.
Extremity Adjusting is a procedure used to establish proper alignment with the other joints of the body. Specifically the shoulders, elbows, wrists, ankles, feet, knees and hips are all evaluated in this process. While some of the time a misaligned extremity will cause pain, many times it will not! Ankles and knee problems are frequently the silent culprits for causing low back pain as well. This can be the missing component that many patients need to help stabilize their back and get them pain free.
Motion Palpation is a procedure used to test the mobility of spinal joints by feeling for movement between the vertebrae. Pinpointing fixations is like putting your finger on the problem. Motion is life and if one segment in your spine stops moving normally, then your body will begin to lock up and even degenerate.
Muscle Tone Palpation is a technique to determine muscle imbalances in the body. Since muscles move bones, your doctor can tell where the bones have become imbalanced. This is also important for determining specific stretches that will allow you to be active in your own recovery.
Upper Cervical analysis focuses on the correction of the atlas (C1) and sometimes the axis (C2). These are the first two bones in your neck and just under the base of your skull. In the initial consultation, the doctor will examine your alignment and x-rays are usually recommended.
Low Force is a nondescript term used to describe any of a number of techniques that use very little force to adjust the spine.
Drop Table is a low force technique that is usually dependent on the table being used. In this case the table itself is actually designed to give way to force. This allows the doctor to set areas into motion without causing any direct pain.
Activator is a low force instrument used to make your adjustment. It is a small had held impact tool in which a quick force is applied to correct a vertebral misalignment according to a set pattern.
Arthrostim is a low force instrument that is similar to the Activator, but it uses rapidly repeating pulses of very light pressure to get around any muscle guarding and restore proper alignment to the spine.
Muscle Energy is a low force technique that focuses on balancing the pelvis and especially the tail bone by using resisted stretches and adjustments. The technique also helps to reeducate the body through the muscles.
Trigger Point releases are a low force technique, either through Bio-energetic Synchronization Technique (BEST) or Sacral Occipital Technique (SOT), and are great at achieving long lasting relief for pain and muscle spasms in the body. These are especially effective for headaches or neck and shoulder pain.
Blocking is a technique used within many different techniques like SOT. The key with blocking is using gravity to actually move or adjust the spine. This is especially helpful with adjusting the hips and back.
Flexion Distraction is another technique that requires a special table that bends and flexes in the middle. This is very helpful with treating low back pain and disc problems because it allows the doctor to apply gentle corrective pressures while the back is already in motion and in a distracted position.
Food Testing is a technique to help uncover food sensitivities. This involves the specific testing of different foods and how they affect the alignment and musculature of the body.