40 Chiropractic Manipulation Techniques

 

40 chiropractic manipulation techniques, categorized by their primary application and methodology:

1. Spinal Manipulative Techniques

1. Diversified Technique– High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrusts to restore joint function.  

2. Gonstead Adjustment – Precise HVLA thrusts using specific contact points.  

3. Toggle Drop – Quick thrust with a recoil, often for upper cervical adjustments.  

4. Thompson Drop Technique – Uses a segmented table to enhance gravity-assisted adjustments.  

5. Activator Method – Gentle, instrument-assisted adjustments (e.g., Activator Adjusting Instrument).  

6. Flexion-Distraction – Slow, rhythmic pumping for disc-related issues (e.g., herniations).  

7. Cox Flexion-Distraction – Specific for lumbar spine decompression.  

8. Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) – Uses blocks to balance pelvic and cranial dysfunction.  

9. Logan Basic– Light pressure on sacrum to normalize spinal tension.  

10. Torsion Adjustment – Rotational thrust for thoracic/lumbar vertebrae.  

2. Extremity Adjustments

11. Mulligan Mobilization – Combines passive joint positioning with active movement.  

12. ArthroStim – Instrument-assisted adjustments for extremities.  

13. Graston Technique – Soft-tissue tool-assisted mobilization.  

14. Active Release Technique (ART) – Movement-based myofascial release.  

15. Peripheral Joint Manipulation – HVLA for shoulders, knees, etc.  

3. Low-Force Techniques  

16. Webster Technique– Gentle pelvic adjustment for pregnant women.  

17. Cranial Sacral Therapy– Light touches to balance cerebrospinal fluid flow.  

18. Network Spinal Analysis (NSA)– Gentle touches to stimulate self-correction.  

19. Koren Specific Technique (KST) – Uses a handheld tool for subtle adjustments.  

20. Torque Release Technique– Focuses on reducing neurological tension.  

4. Soft-Tissue & Adjunctive Methods 

21. Myofascial Release – Stretches restricted fascia.  

22. Trigger Point Therapy – Pressure on hyperirritable muscle knots.  

23. Dry Needling – Thin needles to release tight muscles.  

24. Cupping Therapy – Suction cups to improve circulation.  

25. Kinesio Taping – Elastic tape to support muscles/joints.  

5. Specialized Approaches

26. Applied Kinesiology– Muscle testing to guide adjustments.  

27. Directional Non-Force Technique (DNFT) – Gentle pressure in specific vectors.  

28. Pettibon System – Weighted head harness for postural correction.  

29. Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP)– Focuses on ideal spinal alignment.  

30. Advanced Biostructural Correction (ABC) – Addresses structural distortions.  

6. Pediatric & Geriatric Techniques

31. Toggle Recoil (Pediatric) – Ultra-gentle for infants.  

32. Activator Pediatric Protocol– Light instrument taps.  

33. Cox Technic for Seniors – Low-force disc decompression.  

34. Drop-Table Adjustments (Elderly) – Reduced impact for fragile spines.  

7. Modern/Instrument-Assisted 

35. Impulse Adjusting – Computer-assisted adjusting device.  

36. ProAdjuster – Computerized analysis + robotic adjustments.  

37. PulStar FRAS– Uses multiple rapid impulses.  

38. Sound-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (SASTM) – Tool-assisted fascial release.  

8. Integrative Techniques 

39. Functional Medicine Integration– Combines adjustments with nutrition/lifestyle.  

40. Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET)– Addresses stress-related subluxations.