Denville Medical - Chiropractic Terms

Diversified
One of the original and most commonly used methods is diversified adjusting. With diversified adjusting a quick thrust is used which is usually accompanied by a "popping" sound as the pressure is released from the joint much like opening a champagne bottle. It is safe and the patient usually feels more relaxed after the adjustment. The body, with its restored nervous system, rebuilds damaged tissues and clears away wastes. A major effect of diversified adjustments is restoration of lost function.

Carver
This method was developed by Willard Carver, an early Palmer student who formulated his own theories about subluxations and nerve interference and opened the Carver Chiropractic college in 1908. Carver developed a technique in which traction and pressure is applied to the spine just before making a manual thrust, which he called the "Tracto-Thrust" system.

Thompson/Drop
This technique was developed originally by Dr. Clay Thompson. He developed the drop table (Thompson Table) that was fully patented in 1957. He discovered pelvic displacement patterns and a correlation between pelvic displacements and the difference of leg length. This analysis can be used to assess more accurately the location of a subluxation depending on the response in the body. The adjustment is assisted by the use of what is known as a drop piece. This drops away gently to assist the removal of the subluxation as the adjustment is made with the patient lying face down.

Cox Flexor/Distraction
The Cox Table is the perfected chiropractic instrument for the efficacious Cox Flexor/Distraction Technique.This seventh-generation table, designed by Dr. James M. Cox, inventor of flexion-distraction protocols, is the culmination of decades of clinical research proving its efficacy. The Cox Table is the instrument that allows Cox Technique practitioners to adjust unadjustable patients, including those who can't be cavitated and those with radicular disc herniation, degenerative discs, stenosis, and other conditions.The Cox Table and the Cox Technique are designed to use the doctor's hands to guide every aspect of the adjustment.The ergonomic design of this table and the hands-on nature of this technique combine to create an experience that's physically easier on the doctor and proven efficacious for the patient.Other chiropractic techniques may be practiced on the table as well, with the same ease of use and ergonomic comfort.

Gonstead
This technique was originally developed by Dr Clarence Gonstead. He established an X-ray analyzing method to judge displacements of spinal vertebrae and pelvis. He advocated that a vertebra can displace to posterior first of all. The adjustment is manual as in diversified however the actual technique can vary in contact point and direction.

Sacro Occipital Technique (S.O.T.)
SOT is one of the oldest chiropractic techniques and was founded by Dr. Major B. De Jarnette (1900-1992). He was skilled in osteopathic technique having learned from the founder of Osteopathy, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. He was skilled in cranial techniques as he was a student of Dr. Sutherland. SOT is neurologically based, requiring advanced knowledge of how the body responds to correction and in what order it prefers to address stress. SOT is a method of chiropractic care that identifies distortion patterns in the nervous, pelvic, and spinal systems. SOT practitioners understand the mechanics and neurology of the body in an organized and practical way. The relationship between the spinal, cranial and related organ systems is analyzed. The flow of cerebrospinal fluid is regarded as important in this technique. This technique uses wedge shaped blocks to insert under the patient's pelvis for pelvic correction using the patient's weight. SOT patients are also often given guidance regarding home care, diet, and nutrition.

Activation
Activation uses various movements and tests to determine where the subluxation is. Correction is made using the Activation Adjusting Instrument to give consistent low-force, high-speed chiropractic adjustments rather than directly by hand. The handheld Activation instrument is specifically designed to deliver a controlled, light and fast thrust without undue strain to the patient. The thrust delivered by the instrument is so quick that it accelerates ahead of the body's tendency to tighten up and resist the thrust of an adjustment. Adjustments using the activation technique are suitable and comfortable for all types of patients, ranging from pregnant women, babies and children, to athletes and seniors. It is often used in combination with many other techniques.

Kinesio Taping
The Kinesio Taping Method involves taping over and around muscles in order to assist and give support or to prevent over-contraction. The first technique gives the practitioner the opportunity to actually give support while maintaining full range of motion. This enables the individual to participate in their normal physical activity with functional assistance. The second technique, which is most commonly used in the acute stage of rehabilitation, helps prevent overuse or over-contraction and helps provide facilitation of lymph flow for an entire 24 hour period. Correctional techniques include mechanical, lymphatic, ligament/tendon, fascia, space and functional. Kinesio Taping can be used in conjunction with other therapies, including cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, and electrical stimulation.