Gerald B Vanden Hoek, DC

Types of Chiropractic Adjustments & Therapy

While many different types of therapy are available, Dr. Gerry often combines/uses only those techniques he feels are safe and most likely to speed your recovery.  So let’s looks at the techniques available.

DIVERSIFIED TECHNIQUE

The standard in chiropractic manipulation, diversified is the standard approach of pressing, twisting, and "cracking" joints through the use of the Doctor's hands.  This is the universally taught method of adjusting that virtually all Chiropractors learn.

While many patients love this method due to its almost immediate sense of relief, many patients find it too aggressive or have conditions that make it unsafe to use.  For these patients, we offer several other styles of adjustments.

COX FLEXION / DISTRACTION TECHNIQUE

Disc injuries, spastic lower back muscles, and scoliosis respond well to this style of care.  Developed by an Osteopathic Doctor (Dr. Cox), the Cox Flexion / Distraction method has become the gold standard in traction therapy for patients with disc injuries, herniations, and ruptures.  By gently flexion, and distracting the lower back, we are able to create a pumping mechanism which slowly takes pressure off the disc, associated nerves, and surrounding tissue.  This pumping motion helps re-hydrate the disc and improve blood flow to the region, thus enhancing recovery.  While not used on every patient, those with lower back pain find this a gift sent from heaven.

DROP TABLE TECHNIQUE

While this treatment is loud (as pieces of the table are slightly lifted about 2" and then pushed down - thus making a booming noise), it is rather gentle - and effective.  The quick dropping of the table piece creates a very mild sheering effect on the joint being treated.  This maneuver is similar to a carpenter tapping in a nail with a hammer.  As each move is slight, it often takes 2-4 table drops to get proper movement in the joint, while preventing muscle strain and pushing which is often too painful during acute situations. This mild action allows for maximal movement, with minimal strain to the surrounding soft tissue.  Sometimes a series of drops are made to ensure full movement of the joint. 

ACTIVATOR / IMPULSE ADJUSTER TECHNIQUE

An activator is a handheld mechanical adjusting tool designed to place a very controlled and focused thrust to a very small area. The Doctor has complete control of the amount of pressure and location of the instrument, thus providing a very specific desired result.  This method, like the Logan Basic Technique, is usually very gentle, but it requires more visits to achieve the desired results due to the reduced force applied to the area of the problem. This technique is great for those scared of other techniques, or who have health conditions that require a lighter touch.

The Impulse Adjuster is an electric hand version of the mechanical adjusting tool with three different levels of force, three different tips for varying joint types, and between 1-7 rapid movements. The Impulse Adjuster is a fantastic tool when the more traditional methods just don't seem to work.

LOGAN BASIC TECHNIQUE

Hands down, one of Dr. Gerry’s favorite methods of treating patients.  Logan Basic is a style created by Dr. Hugh B. Logan, founder of Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO. Through the use of leverage and low force torque, the Doctor is able to relax the muscles in the spine, thus allowing for movement of the vertebrae with only slight pressure.  

This style is fantastic for those in spasm, severe pain, surgical fusions, infants, those with stroke risk, or osteoporotic bones.  Both Dr. Steve and Dr. Gerald have incorporated this method since the day they opened their clinic with tremendous results. 

The only downside is ~ time.  While this is a fantastic approach, due to the finesse it requires, and the mild movement achieved, many patients find it may take several additional visits to achieve their desired relief.  That being said, we almost always incorporate this treatment with our other techniques as it tends to have a much more lasting effect than many other methods.