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What’s the difference: gentle chiropractic and traditional chiropractic?
What’s the difference between gentle chiropractic and traditional chiropractic? It’s all in the technique used.
Overall, both approaches seek to relieve musculoskeletal pain and promote optimal health. However, they differ in their methods of achieving these goals. At Advanced Wellness Solutions, we provide patients with options tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
There are over 150 different techniques chiropractors use to treat musculoskeletal pain and injuries. These techniques generally fall into one of two categories:
- High Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA), also known as “Traditional” chiropractic care
- Low Velocity Low Amplitude (LVLA), also known as “Gentle” chiropractic care
Technological Advancements in Chiropractic Care
Advancements in technology have revolutionized the field of chiropractic care. This allows practitioners to integrate a variety of tools and techniques into their treatment methods.
One significant development is the rise of gentle chiropractic, a modern approach that utilizes cutting-edge instruments and techniques to provide more precise adjustments.
Unlike traditional chiropractic, which primarily relies on manual manipulation, gentle chiropractic incorporates state-of-the-art devices designed to deliver precise and targeted adjustments. These tools ensure a gentler experience for patients while still achieving optimal results. Additionally, modern equipment allows for greater customization of treatments based on individual patient needs, making the entire process more tailored and effective.
By combining traditional hands-on techniques with technological advancements, gentle chiropractic offers a comprehensive approach to addressing pain and discomfort.
Modern tools and devices have elevated the quality of care provided by chiropractors. Gentle Chiropractic care offers patients a more comfortable and personalized treatment experience with improved outcomes.
Traditional Chiropractic Care
The High Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA) or traditional chiropractic adjustments, rely on rapid movements. The goal of HVLA is to restore normal joint mobility and reduce pain by breaking up adhesions or restrictions in the joint.
This technique involves applying a quick, precise thrust to the affected joint at the end of its range of motion. Some patients enjoy the satisfying “pop” or “cracking” sound, which is caused by the release of gas bubbles from within the joint fluid.
During an HVLA treatment, the practitioner will carefully assess the patient’s condition and determine the appropriate direction and force for the adjustment.
Despite its effectiveness, HVLA is not suitable for every patient since it involves twisting, snapping and popping to manually manipulate the spine and other joints.
Patients considering HVLA should consult with a qualified healthcare professional to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their specific needs.
At Advanced Wellness Solutions, the treatment technique our chiropractic physicians choose depends upon what is best for the patient. While some are disappointed to learn they no longer “qualify” for a traditional HVLA chiropractic treatment, most are delighted with the results of gentle chiropractic care.
Gentle Chiropractic Care
Gentle chiropractic care techniques have many advantages over traditional HVLA chiropractic adjustments. There’s no twisting, snapping, or wrestling involved. Gentle chiropractic is a modern approach that utilizes cutting-edge instruments and techniques to provide more precise adjustments.
Gentle chiropractic care causes less post-treatment soreness while providing excellent results.
Several of the more common gentle spinal mobilization methods include:
Activator method
The Activator is a hand-held chiropractic tool, allowing the chiropractor to deliver a precise low-force impulse. Using this tool means there is no bending or twisting of the patient. One key advantage of this technique is that the joint is never placed in a compromised position.
Cox Flexion-distraction
This technique requires a special table which is able to deliver a series of repetitive, slow movements similar to a rocking motion. This applies gentle stretching or traction to the lower spine.
Toggle Drop
This gentle chiropractic technique requires a specialized table. The patient lays face down and the chiropractor presses down firmly. This causes a section of the drop table to fall, which takes advantage of gravity to apply the adjustment.
Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT)
This method involves placing wedges or blocks under the pelvis, allowing gravity—with some additional low-force assistance by the chiropractor—to realign the pelvis.
Other gentle chiropractic treatments include heat therapy, cold therapy and muscle work.
At Advanced Wellness Solutions, the treatment technique our chiropractic physicians choose depends upon what is best for the patient.