Common Techniques

Activator Technique
Activator technique is a gentle, low-force program of chiropractic care that was developed in the late 1960s. The Activator technique uses a unique system of administering spinal adjustments using Activator analysis and an Activator instrument to initiate the correct movement of the vertebra in a predetermined direction.

Drop Techniques
A specific technique for adjustment of the full spine on a special table. The adjusting table with a segmented drop system quickly lowers the section of the patient’s body corresponding with the spinal region being adjusted.

The chiropractor's thrusts (using minimal force) initiates movement, and the fast drop of the table carries the joint through the remainder of its range of motion.

Diversified
This is the most common non-specific technique used by most general practice chiropractors. It is a technique which may utilise more than one method. It will involve spinal adjustment, and generally results in a popping sound.

Massage
Technique description being updated.

Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is a massage technique that involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. It may also be called myofascial (myo meaning muscle, fascial meaning connective tissue) trigger point therapy.

Acupuncture/Dry Needling
This technique combines modern western Trigger Point theories with traditional Chinese Acupuncture. Fine needles are inserted to stimulate acupuncture points, creating a small inflammatory reaction and stimulating the body's own pain relieving and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Acupuncture/Dry Needling works in this instance by inhibiting some of the body's responses to the problem, particularly muscle spasm and so relieving some of the pain and thus allowing the Chiropractic Adjustments to work unopposed.

Blocking Techniques
Whilst the patient is lying down, wooden wedges are skillfully placed in certain positions under the pelvis. The pelvis is thus balanced gently and naturally, using the patient's own bodyweight. This aims to restore natural alignment and balance of the spine and pelvis and thus normalise flow of CSF, an essential nutrient-carrying fluid which bathes the brain and spinal cord.

SOT
SOT is an acronym for Sacro Occipital Technique. It is a method of chiropractic based primarily on the identification and treatment of three bodily systems: the cranial sacral respiratory system, the weight-bearing system and the function of the lumbar spine.

A SOT chiropractor analyzes your body, concentrating on these three areas. They integrate large amounts of information, and then use several different techniques and approaches simultaneously, including the use of blocks, joint adjustment, organ/soft tissue reflex manipulation and cranial corrections.

SOT patients are also routinely given guidance regarding home care, diet, and nutrition.