Chiropractic Adjusting Techniques
Dr. Noonan's technique of choice is Full Spine (Diversified), commonly referred to as a "hands on adjustment." In many instances, when using this technique, the Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar spinal regions will all be addressed within the same Chiropractic adjustment. Other techniques that Dr. Noonan may utilize include Thompson, Activator and Toggle Recoil.
Diversified
This technique is the most commonly used of all Chiropractic techniques and is the one probably most familiar to patients. The Diversified adjustment entails a high velocity, low-amplitude thrust delivered by hand and with possible assistance from a table or block.
Thompson
This is a variation of the Diversified technique that uses a special table with several segments called drop pieces. These drop pieces assist the thrust, while minimizing the force required for the adjustments.
Activator Method
This involves a hand held spring loaded instrument. Instead of the adjustment being delivered by hand, force is generated with this small device that delivers a quick and light thrust. Activator can be used for patients who may not desire a manual adjustment or when a manual adjustment may be contraindicated.
Toggle Recoil
Toggle recoil is a chiropractic technique popular with patients who prefer or need a more gentle approach. The practitioner places their hands lightly on the area of joint restriction and then performs an extremely fast though very light thrust, quickly removing their hands from the contact point.
Modalities
Electric Muscle Stimulation
Often referred to as E. Stim. At our office, the primary use of this modality is for muscle relaxation and pain relief and is used in combination with moist heat.
Therapeutic UltraSound
This modality is used in our office for conditions such as tendonitis, joint swelling, muscle spasms and scar tissue.
Flexion Distraction Table
This is an effective method used to treat many low back conditions. It is aimed at increasing spinal motion and treating lumbar disc bulges.
Spinal Decompression Table
This is a type of therapy that involves stretching the spine, with the goal of relieving back and/or leg pain. It is also proven to be very effective toward treating patients suffering from sciatica.
Chair Massage
Enjoy a 20 minute, fully automatic chair massage with optional heat. This chair features Body Scan Technology which measures your back to give you a customized massage. Other features include arm/hand and calf/foot massage and a built in MP3 player to enjoy relaxing music during your massage.
Segmental EMG
The surface EMG machine measures muscle tonicity of the spine and displays the information in an easy to read graph generated on a computer screen.
The graphs are used to depict muscle symmetry and the amount of muscle tension on each side of the spine. Normal is marked by white spikes or no spikes at all, meaning the muscle tension is even on both sides of that particular area of the spine. Colors like green, blue and red mark gradients in muscle tension, (green for mild, blue for moderate, red for severe). The percentage readings indicate the increased proportion of muscle pull one side has over the other. For example, if you see a 60% reading on the left side, then that means the muscle on the left side is pulling 60% more than the muscle on your right.
This tool is a great way to give the patient a visual on where the problems lie as well as gives the Doctor insight on the origin of a particular condition. Knowing where the root of the problem lies often helps target the injury, allowing patients to heal much quicker.