The different types of chiropractic care

With the evolution of studies, treatment, and technology, the range of treatments and different types of chiropractic care have evolved. In this article, we aim to give you an idea of the main views, treatments, and options based on the different types of chiropractic care.

Learn about the different types of chiropractic care in Orlando

With the evolution of studies, treatment, and technology, the range of treatments and different types of chiropractic care have evolved. In this article, we aim to give you an idea of the main views, treatments, and options based on the different types of chiropractic care.

What are the two main types of chiropractors?

There are two main groups within chiropractic: Straights and Mixers. Although there is a wide range of ideas among chiropractors, they all center around the idea that spine and health are related in a fundamental way.

Straights

Those called ‘straights” are the minority these days. They emphasize vitalism, “innate intelligence” and consider vertebral subluxations as a cause of all disease. This is what chiropractic care was in its early stages as a philosophy. It relies on deductions from vitalistic principles instead of science. However, most practitioners today including our team, tend to incorporate scientific research into chiropractic care.

Mixers

“Mixers” are the majority these days. They are more open to different views and conventional medical techniques. Such techniques are exercise, massage, and hot and cold therapies. This type of chiropractic includes scientific research. It is also how we identify our practice. Our diagnostics approach from chiropractic and medical points of view. We believe subluxation is one more of the many causes of disease. This is why we often work hand in hand with medical doctors or can be referred by them. We use mainstream medical diagnostics. We also employ conventional treatments such as exercise, stretching, massage, ice packs, electrical muscle stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, and heat.

Different perspectives on chiropractic philosophy and common terms

When dealing with chiropractic care, there are different concepts you may hear of. Chiropractic is said to be a holistic form of health care. In other words, this concept of holism assumes that health is affected by everything in your environment. A reductionist philosophy reduces the cause and cure to the spine. When reading about chiropractic you may also see the term homeostasis. This refers to the body’s self-healing capabilities.

Understanding these terms and the philosophy of your chiropractic center will also help you understand what you can expect. At our center, we like to focus on scientifically proven methods and a mix of modern philosophies with proven results.

What are the different types of chiropractic techniques and treatments?

Spinal manipulation or adjustments are the most commonly known and used. This increases the joint’s range of motion by causing release through a thrust.

There are different schools of chiropractic techniques although most chiropractors will mix them to provide more customized service.

These are some of the most popular techniques:

• Diversified technique: full-spine manipulation using different techniques
• Extremity Adjusting: Focuses on the extremities and adjustment of joints in legal and arms
• Activator technique: Uses a tool to deliver precise adjustment to the spine
• Thompson technique: Uses a drop-table as a tool to generate relief on the spine and joints
• Gonstead: evaluates the spine along with different adjustments that avoid rotational vectors
• Cox/flexion-distraction: a gentle low-force adjusting procedure that mixes chiropractic and osteopathic principles in special tables with moving parts.
• Sacro-Occipital technique: models the spine as a torsion bar
• Nimmo Receptor-Tonus: a systematic approach that uses ischemic compression to remove myofascial trigger points.
• Kinesiology: Applying kinesiology tapes. Check out our post on kinesiology
• Cranial technique: works on the cranial bones.
• Biophysics technique: using inverse functions of rotations during spinal manipulation.

Types of Chiropractic adjustments

There are dozens of chiropractic adjustments but these are the most popular:

Direct thrust technique

It is the most popular technique also known as spinal manipulation and it is centered on the spine. The chiropractor uses a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust to create proper vertebral alignment. This technique is known for its cracking sound.

Spinal mobilization

This is perfect for people with conditions such as osteoporosis. They require a gentler approach. It is based on slow movements and gentle stretches or firm pressure instead of thrusts.

Articulatory

These are focused on injured joints and help to restore them to their full range of motion. It consists of moving the joint through the full range of motion to improve mobility.

Myofascial release

It targets myofascial tissue, which is a layer of membranes that cover, support, and connect the body’s muscles. It can also be done as a massage. The chiropractor finds stiff areas and applies pressure to loosen them up and reduce pain.

Muscle energy technique

This type of chiropractic adjustment requires patient participation. In this technique, the patient uses specific muscles and the chiropractor applies counter-pressure. It helps strengthen weak areas and promote mobility.

Indirect positional technique

This technique is for people who suffer pain from hypertonic muscles (overly toned muscles). It aims to correct the hypertonic muscles and help surrounding joints regain motion capacity.

Cervical spine manipulation

Problems in the cervical spine (a portion of the neck) may lead to headaches, upper back pain, and other conditions. When manipulating the cervical spine, chiropractors use the same techniques as with direct thrust or spinal mobilization.

Functional technique

The functional technique focuses on joints. The idea is to improve overall mobility. The chiropractor moves the joint through its natural range of motion. When he or she detects a restriction, the practitioner holds the joint at the point of restriction until it releases.

Contact us

Our specialists have education in different techniques and styles to ensure a customized service for your pain treatment. We are trained to provide a thorough examination of the spine, bones and nervous system. We will evaluate any possible injuries. Also, we provide a plan or potential solution depending on the case.

The Spine and Rehab Centers team thanks you for taking your time in sending us these questions. We want to make sure we continue to provide you with thoughtful and valuable information. So, please continue to send them our way and we will do our best to continue to respond.

If you have any additional questions about our services, you may contact us by clicking here. Our phone number is 407-802-4476 and our offices are in Lake Mary and Lee Vista. You may find directions on how to get there here. And for more information on our services, please don’t hesitate to visit our website.