Types of Chiropractic Adjustments

At Precise Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, Dr. Hands offers different types of chiropractic adjustments to patients in Crofton, MD. We provide chiropractic and massage therapy to those in need, including health-conscious individuals, athletes recovering from sports injuries, and more. Whether you require a chiropractic neck adjustment for pain relief or spinal realignment or want to boost your overall health, we are here to help. With years of experience and a commitment to patient care, Dr. Hands and our dedicated team strive to provide effective and compassionate treatment that enhances your quality of life.

What is Chiropractic Treatment?

Chiropractic treatment is a healthcare approach performed by trained specialists known as chiropractors. This therapy focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily focusing on spinal health.

During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor applies controlled, sudden force to a patient’s joints, typically the spinal joints. These adjustments aim to enhance joint mobility and improve overall physical function.

Chiropractic treatment aims to alleviate pain, improve movement, and support the body’s natural healing processes by realigning the spine and other joints. This approach can benefit various conditions, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

The Different Types of Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments come in various forms, more than you might expect. Here, we outline 11 different types of chiropractic adjustments and explain how each works. Knowing these methods can help you pick the best one for your needs and goals.

Direct Thrust Technique

The direct thrust technique, also known as the high velocity, low amplitude method, is a traditional and widely used chiropractic adjustment. In this approach, the chiropractor engages the restrictive barrier—essentially pulling—rather than pushing against the body.

This technique is adequate; the chiropractor ensures that all barrier parts are engaged simultaneously, creating a solid feeling before applying the thrust. This technique is commonly used for:

• Spinal realignment
• Producing the “cracking” or “popping” sound in the back
• Alleviating pain
• Reducing inflammation
• Enhancing the range of motion

Applying a quick and controlled force aims to restore proper alignment and improve overall function, all safely and securely.

Spinal Mobilization

Spinal mobilization involves gentle, passive movements applied to a specific spine section. This technique aims to provide therapeutic benefits by enhancing movement and easing discomfort.

During spinal mobilization, the chiropractor uses soft, controlled movements to help restore proper joint function and alleviate pain. Unlike more forceful adjustments, this method is gentle and gradually increases the spine’s flexibility.

Spinal mobilization is commonly used for:

• Reducing pain in the spine
• Enhancing the range of motion
• Realigning spinal segments

This technique can benefit those seeking a more gradual approach to spinal health and function. It requires patience, but it’s worth it for the overall well-being and comfort it can promote.

Articulatory Technique

The Articulatory Technique, a chiropractic adjustment method, is a precise and effective treatment for specific joint issues. It involves the application of moderate-to-high force with controlled speed to target the joint’s full range of motion. The chiropractor carefully guides the joint through its natural range, repeatedly pushing against the restriction area and easing off to allow it to move more freely. This meticulous process is repeated several times to restore proper joint function.

This technique is particularly effective for:

• Enhancing joint flexibility and movement
• It is easing pain and discomfort in the problem area.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is a hands-on chiropractic technique to ease tension in the body’s fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles. This method is especially helpful in sports medicine. The chiropractor uses gentle, steady pressure with their hands to relieve stiffness and pain in the body.

This technique benefits the fascia, muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and other soft tissues like ligaments and skin. It can be helpful in the following ways:

• Relaxing muscles
• Reducing stress effects
• Increasing joint flexibility
• Supporting muscle growth and repair
• Easing muscle tightness
• Enhancing muscle function
• Regulating the body’s inflammatory response
• Reducing scar tissue and adhesions
• Promoting faster tissue recovery and reducing soreness
• Lessening trigger point pain and sensitivity

Muscle Energy Technique

The Muscle Energy Technique is a chiropractic method that involves controlled muscle contractions to alleviate back pain and enhance musculoskeletal function. This technique, which gently stretches the muscles, is particularly effective for patients with acute somatic dysfunctions, such as those caused by a whiplash injury from a car accident. The chiropractor’s role in guiding the patient through specific movements is crucial, providing reassurance and support and helping to release tension and improve mobility.

This technique can be beneficial for:

• Increasing flexibility and movement
• Promoting the body’s natural healing process
• Reducing muscle spasms and cramps
• Relieving pain in soft tissues
• Stretching and strengthening tight or weak muscles

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal Manipulation is a chiropractic method that uses different hands-on methods to relieve back pain. Chiropractors use this approach to help correct issues in the body by applying gentle pressure to the affected joints. This technique helps restore proper function and alignment to the spine.

Spinal Manipulation is commonly used to:

• Stop muscle spasms
• Reduce localized inflammation
• Realign spinal segments for better posture and movement

Functional Technique

The Functional Technique is a chiropractic method that frees restricted joints and restores their movement. The chiropractor gently presses on the affected areas to help them move more freely. This method is used when necessary and can help:

• Relieve pain
• Reduce inflammation
• Restore joint function

Flexion-Distraction

Flexion distraction is a chiropractic technique that avoids using force on the spine. Instead, it involves gently stretching the spine using a particular pumping motion by the chiropractor. This method is designed to provide relief and improve spinal function.

It is commonly used for:

• Easing sciatica pain
• Increasing movement in discs and joints
• Treating herniated discs
• Relieving pinched nerves

Gonstead Method

The Gonstead Method, a hands-on chiropractic technique, relieves long-term back pain and realigns the spine. Its patient-centric approach sets it apart, ensuring the best results for each individual.

The Gonstead Method can help with:

• Reducing inflammation
• Alleviating back pain
• Easing neck pain
• Managing chronic pain
• Correcting hip or pelvic misalignments

Activator Method

The Activator Method is a chiropractic treatment technique using a unique activator tool. This spring-loaded device delivers quick, low-force pulses to specific joints in the spine. The fast, gentle action helps prevent the body from tensing up, making the treatment more effective. The activator allows for precise adjustments and helps keep the spine and other joints in proper positions.

The Activator Method is commonly used to treat:

• Headaches
• Back pain
• Neck pain

Thompson Drop-Table Technique

The Thompson Drop-Table Technique is a chiropractic adjustment method that uses a unique table equipped with dropping platforms. As the chiropractor applies gentle, quick force to the spine, the table’s platforms move to assist in the adjustment. This technique is often used to:

• Relieve chronic back pain
• Correct neck curvature
• Provide chiropractic care during pregnancy
• Offer chiropractic adjustments for children

The Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments provide many health benefits, whether short-term relief or long-term care. These adjustments can help with various conditions, including back and neck pain, arm and wrist pain, sleep issues, arthritis, stress, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and bursitis. Here are some of the key benefits of chiropractic adjustments:

• Relief from pain and discomfort
• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Better regulation of mood swings
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Improved joint function and mobility
• Overall boost in health and wellness
• Better sleep and increased energy
• Improved function of the body’s systems
• Decreased inflammation, pressure, and tension
• Enhanced cognitive abilities and functions
• Lower risk of joint degeneration and illness

Contact Us Today at Precise Chiropractic & Rehabilitation

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a neck, back, spinal, or any other chiropractic adjustment. At Precise Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, Dr. Hands and our experienced team have provided top-notch chiropractic care in Crofton for years. We’re committed to helping you reach your best health and well-being.

Call us at (410) 370-0600 to learn more about our chiropractic services or to book a consultation appointment. We look forward to addressing your chiropractic needs and helping you feel your best.