Chiropractic was first founded in Davonport, Iowa in 1895. A Chiropractor’s primary treatment method is the Chiropractic adjustment which is more specific than a spinal manipulation. A Chiropractic adjustment is a highly skilled and specific movement designed to improve function in the spine and nervous system.
Chiropractic adjustments are a natural, drug-free approach to helping alleviate pain, gain more mobility and much, much more.
There are over 200 different techniques within the Chiropractic profession with a significant amount of overlap between them. Many are a blend of different techniques or slight modifications of other techniques. Some Chiropractors use their hands only to perform a Chiropractic adjustment, while others use various instruments and tools. Additionally, some techniques require a quick but firm adjustment, while others have a lighter touch.
There are over forty Chiropractic schools around the world and 100,000 qualified Chiropractors, with new schools opening and the profession growing year on year.
While there are some Chiropractic techniques that are more commonly used and taught all over the world, there are other lesser-known techniques.
The ultimate goal of a Chiropractic adjustment is to realign the spine, freeing up any interference to the nervous system and allowing your body to function optimally.
The most frequently used techniques by Chiropractors are:
- Activator Methods or Activator Method Chiropractic Technique (AMCT)
- Applied Kinesiology
- Cox Flexion-Distraction
- Cranial
- Diversified (This is what is taught at the Universities in South Africa – UJ & DUT)
- Extremity Manipulation/Adjusting
- Gonstead Technique
- Logan Basic
- Meric
- NIMMO/Receptor Tonus
- Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT)
- Thompson Technique also known as The Drop Technique or Drop Table
- Upper Cervical
Some other techniques that your Chiropractor may know:
- Advanced BioStructural Correction (ABC)™
- Advanced Orthogonal Technique
- Atlas Orthogonal Technique
- Atlas Specific
- Augmentation Manipulative Therapy (AMT)™
- Blair Technique
- Bio-Energetic Synchronisation Technique (B.E.S.T.)
- Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP)
- Cranial-Sacral Technique (CST)
- EndoNasal Cranial Correction
- Koren Specific Technique (KST)
- Manual and Manipulative Therapy
- McTimony Technique
- Network Chiropractic
- Neuro Emotional Technique (NET)
- Neuro Orginasational Technique (NOT)
- Syntropy Chiropractic
- Torque Release Technique (TRT)
- Toggle Recoil Technique
The above are lists of some of the techniques used within Chiropractic but please know that Chiropractors are not limited to these techniques only.
Your Chiropractor may also be trained in and offer various different modalities based on their specialised knowledge.
There are a few Chiropractic modalities that are common to many Chiropractors around the world:
- Cold Laser
- Cryotherapy
- Diathermy
- Dry Needling
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
- Graston Technique (GT)
- Heat/Ice Therapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Interferential Current (IFC)
- Kinesio Taping
- Massage Therapy
- Myofascial Release Therapy
- Soft tissue therapy
- Spinal Decompression
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Therapeutic Ultrasound
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators (TENS)
Most Chiropractors are experienced in a range of techniques and will modify their technique to the needs of the individual.
During their education and experience both in South Africa and overseas, our Chiropractors at Peak Chiropractic Centre in Cape Town have learned a variety of techniques and modalities. While their preferred technique of choice is Advanced BioStructural Correction™, they will use other techniques and modalities where indicated.
