There are many reasons to see a chiropractor. Whether you’re experiencing back pain that lasts for days or suffering from a joint injury, chiropractic care provides numerous benefits to improve your spinal health and mobility.
Read on to learn how chiropractors treat your muscle pain and the different chiropractic techniques for spinal misalignment and other joint disorders.
What Are the Different Types of Chiropractic Techniques?
Professional chiropractors evaluate their patient’s condition to identify where the problem lies. The procedure involves several tests to ensure that the treatment is performed in the right place.
Here are 10 types of chiropractic techniques for musculoskeletal disorders:
Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation is an effective treatment for correcting a misaligned spine. It helps ease muscle soreness and inflammation in the soft tissues. The procedure relies on mobilization techniques to realign the spine.
By gently moving the joints, the chiropractor adjusts the joints to improve your range of motion and mobility. Those suffering from mild or severe joint inflammation can seek chiropractic adjustments to relieve muscle soreness and stiffness.
Flexion Distraction
The flexion-distraction technique uses a special table with a gentle, rhythmic motion to distract and flex the spine in a mild, rhythmic motion. This method relieves pain and discomfort in people with lumbar-spine conditions such as lower back pain, sciatica, and disc injuries.
This chiropractic technique is performed on a segmented table that gently drops or moves to change the body’s position. When the body drops slightly, gravity amplifies the treatment’s effectiveness to help realign the spine and stretch the leg, back, or neck. This technique also rehydrates the discs to help them heal.
Activator Technique
The activator technique relies on a small, spring-loaded “Activator ” device that administers quick, low-force pulses on specific body parts. It can treat various conditions, from lower back pain to headaches, and make precise adjustments.
The pulsating motion eases tight joints and muscles so the affected areas can quickly recover and restore mobility in no time.
Thompson or Drop-Table Technique
The Thompson or Drop method utilizes a special segmented table with padded platforms programmed with drop mechanisms. The table drops the patient a fraction of an inch down as the chiropractor performs quick thrust adjustments.
During the procedure, the patient lays on the specialized table with their head supported to allow the chiropractor to apply gentle but high-speed thrusts. Besides treating spinal misalignment, the Thompson technique helps improve posture, flexibility, and performance.
Direct Thrust Technique
The direct thrust technique is among the oldest and most commonly used types of chiropractic techniques that involve applying a rapid thrust on the spine and moving it to one side to align it.
It’s also called the diversified technique because it has multiple purposes: to increase the range of motion and ensure proper movement of joints, repair joint dysfunction, and realign the spine.
Articulatory Adjustment
Chiropractors perform the articulatory adjustment technique to target injured joint fixations beyond the spine and restore their full range of motion.
This method involves a chiropractor flexing, rotating, and moving the patient’s arms and legs while applying low-velocity force. They also gently circle the ankles, shoulders, and wrists.
Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
Those experiencing tight or weak muscles can undergo the Muscle Energy Technique (MET). This manual adjustment involves using the muscle’s energy to relieve pain and promote relaxation.
A chiropractor will resist the target muscle while the patient pushes against them. They will hold the muscle fibers in a state of contraction for a few seconds and then release them. This technique is used to strengthen, lengthen, and improve the movement of muscles.
Functional Technique
Functional chiropractic focuses on the root cause of the health issues rather than just addressing the symptoms. This holistic approach considers the function of the entire body and its organs.
Besides chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors will work with the patient to develop a treatment plan. This plan includes corrective exercises, chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, lifestyle advice, and soft tissue rehabilitation.
Resolve Joint Issues With Chiropractic Treatment Techniques
Recurring back and muscle pain can impair mobility. These issues may worsen if you don’t seek help, leading to further complications.
Consult LifeClinic now and find out what chiropractic technique works best for you. You may also visit our website to check out our services and locations.
