Techniques
Neuro Emotional Technique
Neuro Emotional Technique, or NET is a Mind/Body technique that has generated an extraordinary amount of excitement in both patients and practitioners since 1988. Neuro Emotional Technique is a methodology used to normalize unresolved physical and/or behavioral patterns in the body. NET practitioners are trained to assist the body's healing process by identifying and balancing unresolved emotional influences.
Emotions are traditionally thought of as being normal functions of human beings and normally pose no neurophysiological problem. Occasionally however, emotional trauma in the presence of a neurological or meridian deficit can cause a physiopathological-related pattern in the body that does not resolve by itself. NET seeks to normalize this pattern through physiological change - a result of a physical intervention.
NET is used to help re-establish balance in the body using a physical correction. NET makes use of the neuro-mechanisms of speech, general semantics, emotions, acupuncture and chiropractic principles, laws of the meridian system, cutaneous reflex points, principles of traditional psychology, and more.
When there is a stuck emotional component, NET does not target the emotions, but rather attempts to treat the complete mind-body. Stuck emotions are referred to as Neuro Emotional Complexes (NECs). NECs can be vulnerable to retriggering when specific conditions relating to the original formation of the NEC are present . NET addresses these "fixations of emotions" held within the body. The end-product is a more neurologically integrated and healthier person. Patients report that this quick and easy process is pleasant and often life changing. NET is the most highly researched technique in chiropractic with studies showing it effective in treating many conditions, including low back pain and infertility.
_____________________________________________
Applied Kinesiology
Applied Kinesiology is an interdisciplinary approach to health care which draws together core elements of complementary therapies, creating a more unified approach to the diagnosis and treatment of functional illness.
The origin of contemporary Applied Kinesiology is traced to 1964 when George G. Goodheart, Jr., D.C., first observed that in the absence of congenital or pathologic anomaly, postural distortion is often associated with muscles that fail to meet the demands of muscle tests designed to maximally isolate specific muscles. He observed that tender nodules were frequently palpable within the origin and/or insertion of the tested muscle. Digital manipulation of these areas of apparent muscle dysfunction improved both postural balance and the outcome of manual muscle tests. Goodheart and others have since observed that many conservative treatment methods improve neuromuscular function as perceived by manual muscle testing.
These treatment methods have become the fundamental Applied Kinesiology approach to therapy. Included in the AK approach are specific joint manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial techniques, cranial techniques, meridian therapy, clinical nutrition, dietary management, and various reflex procedures. With expanding investigation, there has been continued amplification and modification of the treatment procedures. Although many treatment techniques incorporated into AK were pre-existing, many new methods have been developed within the discipline itself.
AK uses muscle testing to examine how the body is functioning and to make a diagnosis. A patient's health history is required, along with examination and laboratory findings, to determine the treatment required. AK uses functional assessment measures such as posture and gait analysis; manual muscle testing as functional neurologic evaluation; range of motion; static palpatation; and motion analysis. These assessments are used in conjunction with standard methods of diagnosis such as clinical history, physical examination findings, laboratory tests, and instrumentation to develop a clinical impression of the unique physiologic condition of each patient.
When appropriate, this clinical impression is used as a guide to the application of conservative physiologic therapeutics. The practice of AK requires that it be used in conjunction with other standard diagnostic methods by professionals trained in clinical diagnosis. As such, the use of AK or it's component assessment procedures is appropriate only to individuals licensed to perform these procedures.
AK exam is designed to enhance standard diagnosis procedures, not replace them. The Applied Kinesiologist finds a muscle that tests weak and then attempts to determine why that muscle is not functioning properly. The practitioner will then evaluate and apply the therapy that will best eliminate the muscle weakness and help the patient.
_____________________________________________
Total Body Modification
T.B.M. (Total Body Modification therapy) is a technique that is used to find the organ or area of the body that is stressed, determine why it is stressed and then correct the problem by restoring balance to the nervous system and thereby one's health and well being. In other words, while basic Chiropractic is used to correct the structure and influence the function, T.B.M. corrects the Functional Physiology (how the body works) which may, in turn, influence structure. Both are essential to optimum health.
The nervous system is composed of the Central Nervous System, which runs the voluntary functions or movements and the Autonomic Nervous System, which runs the involuntary functions such as heart beat, digestion, etc. Each of these systems are further divided into Sensory and Motor Fibers. The brain is the primary control for both branches of the nervous system. Sensory fibers carry messages to the brain where they are processed like a computer. The brain in turn, tells the body what to do.
Research has proven that under sufficient stress, from any source, the neurons in the brain centers that are controlling the stressed organ or body part essentially depolarize. This is like blowing a fuse on an electrical circuit. The message gets to the brain but fails to return. The result is that the brain (computer) loses effective control over the afflicted organ or body part. This leaves the organ or body part running out of control.
Using tried and proven reflex points and applied kinesiology ( muscle testing), the T.B.M. practitioner can find the problem. The practitioner will then stimulate a specific area or areas of the spine in a specific manner in an attempt to stimulate the neurons of the brain to repolarize (fix the fuse) and allow the brain to regain control of the body and guide it back to health.
Since a correctly functioning nervous system is a major requirement for health, it follows that T.B.M. may have a part to play in almost any problem: uncovering and correcting the roadblocks to recovery.
_____________________________________________
Activator Methods
Activator Methods is based on the postulate that understanding body mechanics and force is the key to understanding how to move bones. A leg test is utilized to tell the doctor if the subluxation exists, chiefly in the lumbo-sacral area or cervical region of the spine.
With further research into body mechanics, W.C. Lee D.C. and A.W. Fuhr D.C. were able to analyze the body and produce from the analysis consistent changes using a light non-force specific chiropractic adjustment. Lee and Fuhr understood that force was not necessary to correct subluxations in the body.
Two components are necessary for fast, effective reduction of nerve pressure caused by subluxations. They are speed and line of drive. Speed and line of drive are what make chiropractic the distinct and dynamic art and science that it is.
The activator instrument was designed to deliver this specific dynamic thrust. It is a small hand-held gun-type mechanism that delivers a sharp percussive thrust upon triggering. The activator instrument controls the force and speed of the adjustment exceptionally well and with the activator, the line of drive can be more specific.
_____________________________________________
Diversified
Diversified Technique is the classic chiropractic technique, developed by D.D. Palmer, DC. and taught in all chiropractic colleges. Diversified Technique was refined and developed by the late Otto Reinert, DC, to address biomechanical failure in each section of the spine, as it relates to specific subluxation. The focus is on restoration to normal biomechanical function, and correction of subluxation. In addition, Diversified methods have been developed to adjust extremity joints, allowing for beneficial applications in treating sports injuries and other injuries.
Diversified adjusting of the spine uses specific lines of drives for all manual thrusts, allowing for specificity in correcting mechanical distortions of the spine. X-rays and case histories are used in analysis and diagnosis. No instruments are used in the adjusting procedure. Motion palpatation and full spine, hands-on techniques are used to deliver a deeper thrust, which makes an osseous (popping) sound as the adjustment is given.
_____________________________________________
Homeopathy
Homeopathy, which was developed in Germany by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1834), uses extreme dilutions of elements which, when taken by a healthy person, cause similar symptoms to the ailment being treated. Such heavily diluted preparations are obviously very low in toxicity, with scarce side effects.
Modern homeopathy uses a combination of remedies to stimulate organ function, induce drainage and detoxification, and provide cellular support. Classical homeopathy is built upon three principles: the above-described law of similars, the single remedy, and the minimum dose.
An important part of prescribing a homeopathic medicine is a detailed patient interview to determine all symptoms being experienced. The physician then determines which medicine best matches those symptoms and prescribes a single medicine that covers all the symptoms, instead of a different one for each. This is the law of the single remedy. There are two parts to the principle of the minimum dose: first, the homeopathic physician prescribes only a very small number of doses and waits to see what effect it has; and second, the medicine is given only in infinitesimal doses.
_____________________________________________
Trigger Point Therapy
The technique and methods of Trigger Point Therapy were primarily defined and developed by Janet Travell, M.D. Trigger point therapy's primary focus is the elimination of myofascial pain syndrome caused by hyper irritable areas in muscles. Because these pain syndromes are often overlooked, Dr. Travel developed the techniques of trigger point therapy to help patients find relief.
Trigger point therapy is performed in several ways. The least invasive is through the application of direct pressure, or ischemic compression, to the effected muscle and the trigger point contained therein. Application of a vapocoolant spray in conjunction with stretching of the affected muscle, as well as therapeutic ultrasound may also be used.
More invasive methods are available if the myofascial trigger points are unresponsive to the above therapies. Trigger point involves direct pressure to and stretching of the affected musculature. The amount of force used is dependent on patient tolerance.
The technique affects the body by eliminating the accumulation of waste in the muscle. Additionally, trigger point therapy allows for restoration of normal muscle tone and flexibility. Trigger points are generally located through physical examination. Additional methods of detection such as thermal imaging are currently being investigated.