- May 10, 2023
The most common chiropractic treatments include diversified adjustments, the Thompson Drop-Table Technique, and the activator method. However, what works for most people might not work for you. If you suffer from any kind of joint or spinal pain, a chiropractor will apply a technique or a combination that meets your goals.
When you visit Specific Care Chiropractic, our physicians will conduct an evaluation, review your medical history, and construct a treatment plan that addresses your unique condition. Depending on your circumstances, this plan could last a couple of weeks or even a couple of years. On top of chiropractic adjustments, your physician might recommend physical therapy for optimal results. You can learn more during your first appointment.
Types of Chiropractic Adjustments We Administer
The chiropractors at Specific Care Chiropractic treat a wide range of spinal and musculoskeletal injuries, including:
- Bursitis
- Sciatica
- Herniated or bulged discs
- Scoliosis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Neck and back injuries
- Whiplash
Chiropractic adjustments can help heal all these injuries. According to the Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, patients who underwent this type of care experienced a significant improvement in their movements. Researchers for the same journal also observed patients who suffered from low back and neck pain. After receiving spinal manipulation, they reported a significant reduction in discomfort.
Improved mobility and pain reduction are just two of the many benefits of chiropractic adjustments. Your chiropractor will determine which methods are best for you based on your condition. Common types of chiropractic adjustments include:
Diversified Adjustments
Diversified adjustments are what comes to mind whenever we hear the word “chiropractor.” Here, you’ll probably hear a popping sound with each movement. While you’re lying on your back or side, the doctor manipulates your spine to provide immediate relief. However, it usually takes multiple sessions to receive full relief and maintain proper spinal alignment.
Seated Diversified Adjustments
This method is similar to diversified adjustments, but instead, you have to sit up. Your chiropractor may administer this treatment if you suffer from neck pain or misalignment of the cervical spine.
The Activator Method
The force of a diversified adjustment can be too intense for some patients, so they tend to opt for a gentler approach. If you fall into this category, the activator method may be right for you. Your doctor will use a small tool that will exert high-velocity, low-amplitude force, giving them focused and full control of the manipulation.
The Thompson Drop-Table Technique
This unique table is split into seven segments, allowing the doctor to apply a particular amount of force in one area without affecting the others too much, if at all. It also helps you stay in place throughout the session.
Toggle Recoil
Similar to the activator method, toggle recoil is another gentle approach to chiropractic adjustments. The chiropractor will use a small instrument to produce quick, small thrusts to realign the spine.
Knee-Chest Adjustments
Your chiropractor will have you kneel with your chest against the exam table to realign the cervical spine.
Lumbar Side Posture Adjustments
If you have a herniated or bulged disc (or just lower back pain), your chiropractor may perform a lumbar side posture adjustment. Here, you will lie on your side with one leg bent in front of you while they manipulate your spine.
Your doctor may incorporate one, some, or all of these treatments into your regimen. Keep in mind that nothing is set in stone, though. If something doesn’t feel right or you’re not comfortable with one of the techniques, communicate that with them. We want you to feel at ease throughout your treatment.
Your Chiropractor May Include Physical Therapy in Your Regimen
Chiropractic adjustments are great for alleviating pain and promoting mobility. However, there are other techniques your doctor may administer to make the most out of your recovery. For example, they might recommend you undergo physical therapy, such as:
- Massage therapy: A massage therapist will apply pressure to your muscles to decrease tension and stiffness, alleviate nerve compression, heal scar tissue, create space between joints, improve blood circulation, and relieve headaches.
- Strengthening or stretching exercises: Your doctor can teach you stretches and exercises to improve flexibility and build muscle mass.
- Ultrasound therapy: A machine will send sound waves into the damaged muscle tissue, encouraging better circulation and healing.
- Electrical muscle stimulation: Your doctor will place electrodes that deliver small, electric pulses to the affected area, repairing and stimulating muscles.
- Rehabilitation: Come to our Rehab Room to learn how to maintain and improve your balance. You can also relearn certain skills and movements.
All of these methods could help you avoid re-injury.
How We Choose the Best Chiropractic Adjustments for You
We want to hear your whole story so that we can help you overcome this condition and start living a pain-free lifestyle. In doing so, we’ll ask you a series of questions regarding:
- Your age
- When you were injured or started feeling pain
- What hurts
- How frequent is the pain is
- The pain levels, if they stay the same or fluctuate
- What triggers do you have (e.g., if any activities or movements aggravate the pain)
- If you’ve ever gone on medication to alleviate the pain
- Other treatments you’ve received
- Your lifestyle, if it’s more sedentary or active
- If anything provides you with relief
We might order some X-rays or other imaging scans to get a clearer understanding of your injuries. However, if you have any related documentation, we ask you to bring it in for our review.
Find Out More About Chiropractic Treatments With Us Today
At Specific Care Chiropractic, the most common chiropractic treatments are irrelevant to us. As such, we are only interested in figuring out the chiropractic treatments that work for you. What provides relief for 99 other people might not provide relief for you. We aim to create a customized treatment plan that prioritizes your health and wellness. Call us today at (239) 369-9109 to book a session with us.
