Our Chiropractic Techniques

Diversified Technique

This is a very common style of manual adjusting for many chiropractors. Manual adjusting indicates that it is done by the chiropractors’ hands, as opposed to using some kind of tool to assist the adjustment. First, an analysis of your spine is performed. This can initially involve a case history and X-ray pictures of your 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 are 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.

The patient typically lies face up on the table for cervical/neck adjusting with this technique.

Thompson Technique

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 a high level of patient comfort.

The most well-known signature of this technique is the falling away of segments of the specialized table, called “drop pieces.” While this may sound a bit scary to those who have not experienced it, it actually allows the doctor to use considerably less force while performing the adjustment.

This dropping mechanism frequently eliminates the “popping” sound heard with other adjusting styles, and is therefore ideal for patients who are wary of the “popping.” It is also ideal for those with sensitive spines or differing degrees of osteoporosis.

Gonstead Technique

Dr. Clarence Gonstead was a very well -known chiropractor and developer of this technique, which is among the most popular in chiropractic.

While we do incorporate some line drawing analysis on X-rays for our patients, we do not use the heat sensing instrument that is common with this technique, therefore patients are not asked to remove their shirts or put on gowns for typical visits.

The most applicable portion of this technique used at Boise Sports Chiropractic is a form of adjusting the lumbar spine and pelvis (low back) while the patient is lying on their side.

We do not typically utilize the seated style of cervical (neck) adjusting that is common with this technique.

Feet/Ankles

Our unique approach to treating the feet generates frequent referrals from other chiropractors, and patients traveling long distances to receive our care. We begin with a very thorough foot exam that includes and explanation of how your feet work to absorb shock in the body. Each foot has 26 bones in it, and may have a tendency to lock up when they are unable to support the forces we put on them. Our adjustments quickly normalize motion in the joints of the foot and ankle. We frequently scan, cast, or mold orthotics to the newly properly functioning feet (not the pathological painful feet) to support them long term.

Sprained ankles are among the most common injuries in all weight bearing sports. Timely adjusting after these injuries along with proper rehab protocols can speed healing and reduce the likelihood of future recurrences of the same injury.

Normalizing foot function via adjustments and stabilizing footwear can help reduce foot pains, ankle pains, shin splints, knee pains, hip pains, and even low back pain!!

Knees

Knees are a common source of pain in the body, and it may come about with or without an injury. Our doctors will help determine if there is any significant structural damage that may require a referral. They will then help to identify the source of the pain. Perhaps the cause of the pain is coming from the low back or the feet. It may be due to standing long hours at work on a hard floor, or perhaps a knee got twisted awkwardly when playing a sport. Sometimes a gentle adjustment into the knee will solve the problem very quickly. We frequently will prescribe exercises for the patient to do at home to help stabilize their knee.

Hips

The most frequent complaints about hips involve pain and lack of mobility. There are many possible causes for this, but sometimes the solution is a quick adjustment to help restore a more normal range of motion. Other areas may be evaluated such as the low back, muscular patterns in the area, or the function of the feet.

Shoulders

The shoulder is a very complex joint that has many structures that can cause pain or other symptoms when damaged. The shoulder can refer to (or from) the neck, or lower in the arm. Adjusting in these areas may restore strength and range of motion to the area, while helping reduce pain. We get many positive results adjusting this commonly injured joint complex.

Ribs

The ribs form a protective cage around our internal organs. There are many joints in the rib cage to provide mobility required from breathing and motion of the torso. These joints may become damaged and out of place, occasionally causing significant sharp pains. Rib issues can come from sleeping awkwardly, twisting unexpectedly, or with trauma. These may cause difficulty breathing, and can even be mistaken for more sinister issues like heart conditions or cancers. We have many techniques to adjust varying rib issues. It is a quick and cost effective treatment to rule out a cause of chest pains. However, if you are having acute onset difficulty breathing, severe chest pains, dizziness, or other significant symptoms that came on abruptly, please seek EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE.

TMJ

TMJ is the Temporal-mandibular joint, aka the jaw. The jaw is a unique joint in the body that has an incredible amount of neurology in and around the area. Symptoms indicating a problem may include pain, clicking, inability to open or close the mouth fully, teeth grinding, headaches or ringing in the ears. These symptoms may arise from chewing certain foods, trauma, awkward sleeping positions, or even dental work! Jaw issues are frequently evaluated with the neck, and may be adjusted to help correct or reduce these symptoms.

Elbows

The most common elbow maladies come from overuse or repetitive motions that cause pain on the inside of the elbow, aka golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) or on the outside of the elbow, aka tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). Elbow issues generally result in a very identifiable weakness in the surrounding muscle groups. Gentle adjusting can help restore normal strength and align the tissues for proper healing. We may also utilize therapy or taping to further speed healing for these common irritations.

Wrist/Hand

Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually due to compression of the median nerve as it passes through the band of ligaments in your wrist. In many cases, the underlying cause is a misalignment of one or more joints of your neck, shoulder, elbow or wrist. Identifying the involved joint(s) and a program of chiropractic care can often avoid surgery.

Strains/sprains and other minor trauma to the wrist and hand may also benefit from chiropractic adjustments.

Graston/SASTM (Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)

Graston and SASTM are similar techniques utilizing tools to break up scar tissues and adhesions. Graston is done with stainless steel tools. SASTM is done with a ceramic tool set that is meant to vibrate sound (vibration) back into the practitioner’s hand as it moves over rough tissue (adhesions), helping to identify areas that need more work.
Both techniques are meant to induce mild inflammation and allow tissue to heal in a more normalized orientation. Typically a few sessions will decrease pain and relax areas with tight muscles.

Myofascial Release

This technique is a similar concept to the tool assisted techniques, but it is done by hand. The doctor will work to find your stiff areas or muscles, and use hand pressure along with specific motions of the areas being worked on. This typically will help relax spasm areas in muscles.