Common Chiropractic Techniques For Back And Neck Pain
At Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection clinic in Tacoma, our licensed chiropractors understand the importance of finding effective and efficient techniques for relieving your back or neck pain. That’s why our Tacoma chiropractic care relies on five popular practices to help you feel better than ever, an approach that has enabled us to bring relief from any injury.
Gonstead Technique
The Gonstead Technique is a specific method of chiropractic care that was developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead in the early 20th century. It is based on the belief that the body is a self-healing organism, and that the nervous system is the key to maintaining health.
The Gonstead Technique is characterized by its focus on detailed, specific analysis of the spine and pelvis, with a particular emphasis on locating and correcting any misalignments or subluxations (partial dislocation) in the spine. This is done using a variety of diagnostic tools, such as x-rays and a heat-sensing instrument called a Nervoscope.
Once the misalignments have been identified, the Gonstead chiropractor will use a variety of techniques to correct them, including gentle, specific adjustments to the spine. The adjustments are customized for each patient and are designed to address the specific misalignments and imbalances that are causing pain or dysfunction. The technique also uses a “full spine approach” which means the chiropractor will check and adjust the entire spine and not only the area where the pain is located.
The Gonstead technique is considered a “specific” technique, meaning that the adjustments are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and are not a “one size fits all” approach.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Soft tissue therapy is a type of treatment that is often used by chiropractors to help alleviate pain and discomfort in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Soft tissue therapy can help to reduce inflammation, improve the range of motion, and increase blood flow to the affected area.
There are several different techniques that chiropractors may use as part of soft tissue therapy like Myofascial release, Graston technique, Active release technique and Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization
All these techniques are used to help increase the range of motion, improve flexibility and reduce pain in the affected area. It is important to note that soft tissue therapy may not be suitable for everyone, so it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.
Graston Technique
The Graston Technique is a form of manual therapy that uses stainless steel instruments to break down scar tissue and adhesions in the muscles and tendons. The instruments have unique edges and angles that allow the practitioner to target specific areas of the body.
The Graston Technique is typically used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, muscle strains, tendonitis, and ligament sprains. The practitioner uses the instruments to apply pressure to the affected area, breaking down scar tissue and adhesions. This can help to improve the range of motion, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing.
The treatment sessions typically last between 15 and 30 minutes. It’s important to note that the Graston Technique can be uncomfortable, but it should not cause excessive pain.
It is important to note that the Graston Technique may not be suitable for everyone, so it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment, especially if you have any skin condition or sensitivity to metal.
Flexion Distraction
Flexion-Distraction is a type of chiropractic technique that is used to help alleviate pain and discomfort in the lower back, neck, and legs. It is a gentle, non-invasive technique that uses a table with a moveable section to flex, distract and decompress the spine.
The technique involves the patient lying face down on the table, while the practitioner uses a manual or motorized pump to create a gentle flexion in the lower back. This distraction of the spine creates a negative pressure within the disc space, promoting the retraction of bulging or herniated disc material back into the disc space, and also helping to increase circulation and decrease inflammation of the disc, joints, and surrounding soft tissue.
Flexion-Distraction is typically used to treat conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. The treatment sessions typically last between 15 and 30 minutes.
Flexion-Distraction is considered a low-force technique, and it is generally considered safe for patients of all ages. However, as with any healthcare technique, it may not be suitable for everyone, so it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.
Thompson Technique
A Thompson Technique chiropractor is a chiropractor who has been trained in the use of the Thompson Technique, a specific form of chiropractic treatment that was developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson in the 1950s. The Thompson Technique uses a specialized table that has small, rounded drops that are positioned under specific areas of the spine. The drops are then activated, gently and gradually coaxing the spine into proper alignment.
The Thompson Technique is based on the idea that the spine should be able to move freely in all directions and that misalignments, called subluxations, can cause pain and other health problems. A Thompson Technique chiropractic will use the table to adjust the spine and other joints in the body, to reduce pain and improve the range of motion. They may also use other techniques such as soft tissue therapy and rehabilitation exercises in addition to the drop table.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of the Thompson Technique may vary from person to person, and it’s recommended to consult with your primary care physician before seeking treatment.
How Your Chiropractor Decides Which Technique To Use
After a complete examination, your chiropractor will articulate his findings to you and devise the most suitable treatment plan for your needs. These customary techniques aid in relieving any back or neck pain that you might be experiencing. You are just five steps away from finding relief!
