Chiropractic treatment usually consists of joint and/or soft tissue manipulation. Joint therapy techniques include adjustment methods, mobilization and traction-distraction (stretching) maneuvers. Soft tissue involves massage, trigger point pressure, myofascial release, and muscle stretches.

Adjustment and Manipulation
There are several specific adjustments used to realign the spine. Adjustments can be categorized as either short or long lever techniques. With the short lever method, the practitioner gently stretches a joint past its normal range of motion so that a “popping” sound is heard the “pop” signifies the release of gas within the joint. Another method requires only touching, or palpation, of the neck, spine and pelvis to correct the vertebrae. The longer level mode engages the doctor in direct contact with areas on the body some distance from the target area of impairment. The doctor stabilizes a wide area surrounding the impaired area and delivers a controlled, precise thrust to adjust the joint, and restore normal function.

The use of applied kinesiology, the study of movement, seeks to restore perfect function to the body’s muscles. Since muscles support bone structure, practitioners of applied kinesiology believe that restoring proper muscle function will support alignment. Additionally, a hand-held mechanism can also be used to move the spine. The “activator” delivers very accurate impulses to manipulate the spine, bones or muscles. Equipment that helps the doctor elicit improved and more effective adjustment responses include a hydraulic chiropractic table and flexion-distraction chiropractic table.

Sacro-Occipital Technique and CranioSacral Technique are gentle non-force techniques that realign the spine and help restore connective tissue and nervous system function. Patients report feeling deeply relaxed and rejuvinated following chiropractic care.

Soft Tissue Manipulation
The summation of this classification of chiropractic therapies can be assumed under massage therapy as techniques focus on direct hand-to-body contact to deliver precise treatment. Such techniques serve to relieve muscle tightness and inflammation, and improve circulation. Soft tissue maneuvers can be used singularly or coupled with adjustment and manipulation methods to provide a full-range of chiropractic treatments.

Trigger point pressure utilizes the fingers to place pressure on the problematic tissues and muscles. Pressure can be steady and focused on one area or can be increased progressively. Ayurvedic massage, myofascial release, reflexology, Swedish massage, sports massage and acupressure are other techniques which facilitate soft tissue healing.

Massage methods are perhaps the most expansive of all soft tissue therapies. Massage can be delivered in a variety of ways to effect the same healing responses, such as improving blood flow and muscle soreness.

Chiropractors are sometimes purists and concentrate only on correcting subluxations while others combine different techniques in their practice.

Content last modified on Mar 19, 2003