Flip Class 1 – Year 2

by myerschiropractic, posted in Reflections

The following presents a collection of links and my brief thoughts on a variety of technique systems used by chiropractors:

Diversified

http://chiro-online.com/lc/principles/module6/diversified.html

Diversified technique is the equivalent of being spiritual without belonging to a specific denomination. It takes ideas from many narrowly scoped named techniques, without any defined rules for what and how it envelopes and modifies specific adjustments, ultimately resulting in the practitioner aiming to provide the best treatment for each individual patient without the restrictions a specific technique system may dictate.

 

Activator

“Subluxations” often result in leg length differences, diagnosed by leg length challenges and observation. Activator method avoids the “cracking” that many fear may occur during a traditional chiropractic adjustment. The activator method uses multiple rapid, small impulses to help free a “subluxated” or restricted joint.

  

Gonstead

Gonstead technique is based largely on specificity. Diagnostic tools such as skin temperature assessment and full spine radiography are considered essential to Gonstead diagnosis technique, along with motion palpation. Intervertebral misalignments, motion imbalances and nerve dysfunction are the essential considerations in treatment planning.

 

COX: 

The Cox technique, or Flexion-Distraction, is a smooth, Doctor controlled technique that utilizes, as the name implies, flexion and distraction of specific segments to reduce pain and restore motion. Cox technique uses patented tables to provide specific motion to the patient body, directed by the practitioner’s touch and guidance, which is an essential element of Cox technique.

 

Thompson: 

Thompson technique utilizes the leg length check similar to Gonstead. Unlike gonstead and other traditional chiropractic adjustment techniques, Thompson heavily uses drop pieces and low impact from the Doctor with the goal of delivering “gentle” chiropractic care.  Thompson appears to use multiple drops in rapid succession versus one impact used most commonly in diversified or Gonstead technique.

 

ART

Texture, tension, movement and function of tissues. Unlike usual care, ART is specific to the tissues, with specific treatment and not general treatments broadly applied. Much like many chiropractic techniques, ART is quite simply, but not easy. In its most simplistic form ART shortens a tissue, applies tension, assesses the issue, lengthens the tissue.

 

Post class reflection

Each individual technique presented certainly has merits and the success of each treatment may be difficult to measure, as is often the case with manual therapy. I found it difficult at times to “buy-in” to the treatments as I have not received much if any formal training or read any quality literature on any of the techniques presented barring diversified. The further I get into my chiropractic studies, the more I understand the vast variety of styles, opinions and scientific bases that direct the language and treatment used by chiropractors across North America.

The one concept, or word, that causes me the most difficulties with buying in to certain technique systems is the term “subluxation”. CMCC seems to very deliberately avoid the term in most situations, yet it pops up here and there, often in a very laissez faire fashion. Given the attitude towards the term around CMCC I find it very difficult to take anyone seriously who uses the term, other than in historical context. Perhaps there is a gap in my understanding of the acceptability of the term, whether it be within the CMCC environment or out.

That being said, I have no doubt that all of the technique systems presented have produced clinical successes, dependant largely on the ability of the practitioner and on the receptiveness of the patient. While I recognize the bias of belonging to an institution that teaches diversified technique, after this brief introduction to a variety of techniques it appears that diversified is unquestionably the superior technique system, if it can be called as such, as it tends towards being evidence informed and using the best specific techniques from a variety of systems rather than being restricted by the beliefs or rules of one particular system.

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