A Closer Look at the Chiropractic Techniques I Use in My Practice

One of the questions I hear most often from new patients is some version of: “What exactly are you going to do to me?” It’s a fair question. Chiropractic care isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the technique used for a given adjustment should depend on the patient, their condition, their comfort level, and what their body actually needs in that moment.

In my practice, I draw from a blend of four core techniques — Gonstead, Thompson, Diversified, and Activator — much of which I refined through the “Palmer Package” curriculum at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Here’s a breakdown of what each of these techniques involves and why I rely on this particular combination.

Gonstead Technique

The Gonstead technique is known for its highly detailed, analytical approach to diagnosis. Rather than treating the spine generally, Gonstead-trained practitioners use a combination of visualization, static and motion palpation, instrumentation (to detect temperature differentials along the spine that can indicate inflammation), and X-ray analysis to pinpoint the exact spinal segment causing a problem. The idea is precision — identifying the specific vertebra that’s misaligned and adjusting only what needs to be adjusted, rather than working broadly across the spine.

Thompson Technique

The Thompson technique (sometimes called the “Thompson Terminal Point” technique) uses a specialized segmented drop table. Sections of the table are slightly raised and drop a fraction of an inch the moment adjustment pressure is applied. This drop assists the adjustment, allowing for a lighter, faster thrust rather than a prolonged, heavier push into the joint. The subtle motion of the table does part of the work, which allows the adjustment itself to be quicker and gentler.

Diversified Technique

Diversified is often considered the foundational, most broadly taught technique in chiropractic education, and it’s highly adaptable across different regions of the spine and different patient needs. It involves a specific, targeted thrust intended to restore proper motion and alignment to a joint that isn’t moving the way it should. Because it’s so adaptable, I often use it in combination with the other techniques listed here, tailoring the specific approach to what each patient’s spine is telling me.

Activator Technique

The Activator Method uses a small, handheld, spring-loaded instrument to deliver a quick, low-force, precisely targeted impulse to a specific spinal segment. Because the force is controlled and specific, this technique tends to be especially well-suited to patients who prefer a gentler approach, or who may not be ideal candidates for more manual, hands-on thrusts.

Why I Use a Blend of These Techniques

Every patient’s spine is different, and so is every patient’s comfort level, condition, and history. That’s why I don’t rely on a single technique for every person who comes through my door. Instead, I draw from this combination — refined through the Palmer Package curriculum I trained in at Palmer College of Chiropractic — to tailor each adjustment to the individual.

One of the things I value most about this particular blend of techniques, especially when performed on specialized drop tables, is that it allows for adjustments that don’t rely as heavily on the long-lever, higher-force thrusts that are common in more general chiropractic approaches. Techniques like Thompson and Activator are specifically designed to use precision, table mechanics, or targeted instrumentation to reduce the amount of manual force needed to achieve an effective adjustment. For many patients, this translates into a more comfortable experience without sacrificing the effectiveness of the care.

What This Means for You as a Patient

When you come into my office, you’re not getting a generic, one-size-fits-all adjustment. You’re getting a treatment plan built around a detailed assessment of your spine, your symptoms, and what will actually help your body function and heal. Whether that means the precision-focused analysis of Gonstead, the gentle mechanical assist of a Thompson drop table, the adaptability of Diversified, or the low-force precision of the Activator instrument, my goal is always the same: an effective adjustment delivered in the way that’s right for you.

If you’re curious about which of these techniques might be right for your specific condition, I’d be glad to walk you through it during a consultation.

Have questions about chiropractic techniques or which approach might work best for you? Learn more about our services or schedule a visit — I’d love to help you find the right path to feeling better.