Our Chiropractic Techniques

Our Chiropractic Technique

We use a number of highly-effective adjusting approaches to help improve spinal biomechanics and reduce nervous system interference. The approach we use is based on our clinical judgment and close to two decades of experience. 

The primary adjusting techniques we use include:

Think of an adjustment as “tuning” a piano, adjusting each string so it produces the perfect tone.

Diversified

After identifying which vertebrae have lost their normal motion or position, a specific manual thrust is applied to free up “stuck” spinal joints. At the Budapest Chiropractic Center, we use an adjusting style commonly referred to as “Diversified.” Initially a case history is taken and discussed, then, an analysis of your spine is performed. If you bring x-rays, or advanced imaging we go thru these together or recommend what needs to be taken before care can begin.

Subsequent visits may include motion palpation, with the chiropractor feeling the spinal joints move as you turn and bend. Or, a leg check may be performed, to uncover an imbalance in the neck or lower spine.

With the malposition of one or more spinal bones identified, a specific manual thrust is administered. The direction, speed, depth and angle that are used is the result of years of experience, practice and a thorough understanding of spinal mechanics.

The energy delivered during the thrust may produce a slight “popping” sound from the shifting of gas and fluids in the joint. This sound may be interesting, but is not a guide as to the value or effectiveness of the adjustment.

While improving spinal biomechanics can reduce nervous system interferences, virtually all joints of the body can be adjusted to help restore proper range of motion.

Gonstead

This full spine approach relies on X-rays and a heat-sensing instrument for a thorough evaluation and documented results. Named after its developer, Dr. Clarence Gonstead, this approach came from his engineering background. His “foundation principle” explains how a subluxation pattern in one area of the spine can produce compensatory changes in another.

The two probes detect minute differences in temperature up and down your spine.

A Thorough Evaluation

After studying your health history, we conduct a complete examination. Using a small heat-sensing instrument, subluxation patterns are revealed by slight differences in temperature. Finally, we use our fingertips to “palpate” or feel the location of individual bones and how they may differ from their normal position.

Full Spine Correction

With a complete picture of your spine it’s time to make the needed corrections.

To adjust your lower spine and pelvis, we’ll have you lie on your side. Subluxations in the middle back are corrected on a specific table for best comfort. When you are seated, we can restore the integrity of your spine without twisting or rotating your neck.

Sometimes you’ll hear a slight “popping” sound that we call cavitation. Sometimes you won’t. Either way, better health is on the way!

Safe and Effective

The Gonstead Technique is acknowledged as one of the safest systems of evaluating and caring for the spine.

Activator Methods®

The Activator Method is one of the most widely-researched chiropractic techniques and the only instrument adjusting technique with 23 clinical trials to support its efficacy. Activator Methods has published hundreds of clinical and scientific peer-reviewed papers, worked with major academic research institutions, and received grants from recognized entities like the National Institutes of Health. We use one of the most popular “low force” chiropractic techniques in the world.

First the Evaluation

We begin by analyzing how well your spine moves. We test how well you turn and bend. While you’re lying face down, we’ll evaluate the length of your legs. This simple procedure can reveal significant differences in leg lengths.

This time-tested protocol tells us if subluxations exist and their location. It also helps us know when to adjust and when not to adjust.

Activator Instrument: the hand-held instrument delivers a precise, repeatable force at just the right angle.

The Adjusting Instrument

The Activator Methods® Adjusting Instrument is a handheld spring-loaded tool that delivers a consistent low-force, high-speed thrust.

Because it’s many times faster than adjustments delivered by hand, the body rarely tightens to resist, making adjustments comfortable and effective. It’s also helpful for adjusting elbows, wrists, knees and other joints of the body.

The Follow Up

After your adjustment, we retest to make sure changes have been produced. Testing afterwards helps us deliver high-quality care and high levels of patient satisfaction.

Thompson

Thompson Terminal Point technique is a system of analysis and a special table that reduces the amount of energy needed to adjust your spine.

The Thompson Technique, developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson, has evolved into a system of analysis and a way of adjusting the full spine. The combination produces precise adjustments and high levels of patient comfort.

A System of Analysis

Early chiropractors noticed that subluxations would produce the appearance of a short, or contracted leg. Using a protocol of comparing leg lengths while the patient turned their head, helped determine whether the subluxation was in the upper, middle or lower back.

Terminal Point Table

What patients often notice first are our four segmental “drop” tables.

Individual cushions or “drop pieces” located along our table surface support each area of your spine until the thrust is delivered. Then, each drop piece gently gives way, reducing the amount of energy needed to move a specific spinal segment.

Popular and Patented

So unique is this approach, Dr. Thompson was granted a patent in 1955. Since then, because of its precision and patient results, it is a technique used around the world.

Webster Technique

Subluxations where the sacrum joins the pelvis (hip) can be quite common during the course of pregnancy. Besides potentially interfering with the baby assuming the normal head-down position in preparation for delivery, it can produce a variety of symptoms in mothers preparing for the culmination of their pregnancy.

The Sacral Subluxation

Developed by the late Larry Webster, D.C., the chiropractic technique he developed and taught chiropractors around the world, helps release stress on the pelvis, relaxing surrounding ligaments and reducing the sacral subluxation to help restore more normal function.

Sacral subluxations may cause the tightening and twisting of pelvic muscles and ligaments, constraining the uterus. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of subluxation and the associated dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint. The result? Neurobiomechanical function in the sacral/pelvic region is improved, benefiting pregnant mothers or others with sacral subluxations.

High Success Rate

The July/August 2002 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reports that 82% of chiropractors using the Webster Technique reported success in reducing the sacral subluxation.

Sometimes when using the Webster Technique, the associated dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint can be reduced with just one adjustment. But usually it takes between three to 10 visits over a several week period.

Because the Webster Technique relies on the inborn intelligence of the mother and baby, there is little risk. The Webster Technique is based on the positive experiences of pregnant patients, the clinical experience of its many practitioners, academic studies on the subject of sacral subluxation and its consequences to proper pelvic function.

KST – Koren Specific Technique

KST is a healing protocol used to locate and correct/release areas of blockage, distortion, subluxation, interference, stagnation and other stresses in the body and body/mind that are often missed by most healthcare professionals. 

KST is used to improve body function, promote natural healing, release physical and emotional stresses. 

KST may be used to locate and address areas that need attention such as meridians, acupuncture points, trigger points, energy “cysts”, emotional issues, allergies, phobias, addictions, bad habits, toxicity, structural imbalances, visceral stresses, disc problems and much more. Such issues can often be corrected easily and quickly to improve body function. 

With KST we are able to do all this:

• Quickly and easily analyze and address the body and body/mind for subluxations, distortions, blockages, interferences, imbalances, deep hidden physical and emotional stress that may have been carried around since birth or old trauma.
• Soft tissues including discs can be addressed.
• Immediately know if the blockage or interference etc. was corrected.
• KST is gentle and low force. No “cracking” or “twisting” patients. Save your hands, arms, shoulders, etc. You don’t need to hurt yourself while helping others.
• Address the patient in the posture they need correcting in: standing, sitting, lying and in position of injury.
• Locate and release anxiety or panic (fight/flight) patterns among others.
• See results in your most difficult patients.
• See dramatic retracing – old symptoms releasing – a true measure of healing.
• Gentle enough to use on everyone – infants to the very elderly.
• Yes, you can specifically work on yourself. 

While working with the KST technique we utilze a handheld instrument called ArthroStim® to give light single or repetitive impulses where your body needs it the most..

Additional Services:

Massage

Home exercises

PostureShop