Chiropractic Techniques
Dr. Arianne uses techniques taught at Palmer College of Chiropractic, including Thompson Drop Table, Diversified Adjustments, Activator, Flexion Distraction, Toggle Recoil, and Soft Tissue Therapies.
THOMPSON DROP TABLE
Thompson Drop Table is used throughout the spine from the neck to the pelvis. When pressure is applied to areas of the spine, the cushion underneath the patient drops down about an inch. This allows the momentum of the table to activate small postural muscles in the spine rather than "pushing" the spine back into place. To the patient, this means less pressure because the muscles are less likely to go against gravity.
DIVERSIFIED ADJUSTMENTS
Diversified Adjustments are performed throughout the spine in conjunction with the Thompson Drop Table. Adjustments allow the spine to move more freely, which prevents muscle guarding and inflammtion. It also mobilizes muscles around nerves allowing better communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
ACTIVATOR
Activator is an instrument used in low force adjustments and muscle work. It makes a small clicking noise, but the pressure is low impact. This type of adjustment is ideal for patients with conditions requiring gentle adjustments, such as those with osteoporosis or osteopenia. An Activator can be used exclusively to adjust, or it can be used in conjunction with other techniques.
FLEXION DISTRACTION
Flexion Distraction is performed using a chiropractic table that moves the legs and pelvis gently up and down. This provides a stretching motion in the low back and throughout the spine allowing muscles to relax and pulling nutrients back into the discs of the spine. It is a relaxing decompression of the spine, which reduces pain and inflammation.
TOGGLE RECOIL
Toggle Recoil is a gentle neck adjustment performed while the patient is on his or her side. Slight pressure is applied to the neck below the ear and a piece on the table moves down with the momentum. Toggle does not require any twisting of the neck and does not create a cavitation (no "popping" noises). It improves nerve conduction to help with daily function and reduce pain without requiring torsion of the arteries. Toggle has helped many patients reduce neck pain, neck stiffness and headaches.
SOFT TISSUE THERAPIES
Soft tissue therapies are done based on patient need. Trigger point therapy releases localized muscle tension, or "knots". It can be done by hand or with an Activator to prevent the muscles from continuing to contract in a way that is causing pain. Ultrasound is used for breaking up deep scar tissue from old injuries or chronic overuse, such as golfing or typing in the same position all day at work. Electric muscle stimulation (EMS) is used to relax muscles and reduce inflammation in painful areas. These work best in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments to provide optimum healing.
FOOT SCANS
We offer free foot scans to determine the integrity of the arches of the feet and weight distribution patterns. These scans help the doctor determine if the pain in the back, hips, knees, ankles, or feet are related to the feet or the pelvis. Custom orthotic inserts and shoes are available to order based off these scans, as well.