The following is a list of the various chiropractic “NAME” techniques used today:
- Diversified Technique – This technique is considered to be an eclectic group of diagnostic and therapeutic methods adopted from other “NAME” techniques.
- Sacro-occipital Technique – This technique deals with the relationship of cranial stress patterns, dural dysfunction, and sutural fixation to the spine. Chiropractors use padded blocks placed under the patient’s pelvic area to allow the body to adjust itself. This is because muscle tension of the neck has an effect on the pelvis.
- Thompson Technique – This is a full spine technique using a special drop table. The special table is designed to assist the chiropractor with adjustments.
- Gonstead Technique – In this technique, chiropractors use the unique analysis of full spine x-rays, and measure at specific angles in order to treat fixations.
- Activator Technique – Once joint dysfunctions are found in the spinal column or extremities, the Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI) is used to give consistent, low force, high speed chiropractic adjustment.
- Motion Palpation Technique – In this technique joints are felt as they move in order to determine fixations.
- Logan Basic Technique – In this technique a gentle sustained pressure is exerted at the base of the spine. The belief is that correcting the sacrum will correct the rest of the spine.
- Palmer HIO – The theory behind this technique is that only the C1 (atlas) or C2 (axis) can be subluxated, thereby impinging on the nerves and causing disease.
- Active Release Technique (ART®) – This technique is essentially a hands on therapy used on soft tissues (muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue), to decrease adhesions in order to restore motion, release entrapped nerves and vasculature lymphatics, and reestablish optimal tissue texture and function.
- Graston Technique – This is a soft tissue stripping technique. The chiropractor uses specially designed stainless steel tools.
- Network Spinal Analysis ™ - This technique uses a gentle, precise touch to the spine to cue the brain to create new wellness promoting strategies. Two unique healing waves develop and are associated with spontaneous release of spinal and life tensions, and the use of existing tension as fuel for spinal reorganization and enhanced wellness.
Practitioners may be attracted to certain techniques due to belief systems. For example, some practitioners try to avoid rotary adjustments because they believe they put undue strain on the joints.
Other techniques are chosen due to vitalistic or mechanistic beliefs (see article on history of chiropractic). |
