Services
Chiropractic
X-Ray
Dry-Needling
Myotherapy
Chiropractic Techniques
At Colac Chiropractic, we predominantly use the two traditional chiropractic adjusting styles referred to as "Diversified" and “Gonstead” techniques. Our Chiropractors are also trained in the myriad of modern and gentle approaches to spinal and musculoskeletal care.
In deciding what type of care or treatment approach you require, first a postural and biomechanical analysis of your spine is performed. This can include a case history and an X-ray picture of your spine. Then, motion palpation, where the chiropractor feels the spinal joints move as you turn and bend, or other orthopaedic tests will be performed, to uncover if any loss of function or imbalance in the spine exists.
With the malposition or loss of mobility of one or more spinal bones identified, treatment options will be discussed, usually some muscle work and a specific impulse into the jammed or malpositioned joint is required. The direction, speed, depth and angle that are used is the result of years of experience, practice and a thorough understanding of spinal mechanics.
The energy delivered during the impulse 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.
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 high levels of patient comfort.
A System of Analysis - Early chiropractors noticed that vertebral subluxation complexes would produce the appearance of a short, or contracted leg. Using a protocol of comparing leg lengths while the patient turned their head and limbs in variable positions, helped determine the location of the spinal injury.
Terminal Point Table - What patients often notice first is our segmental "drop" table. Individual cushions or "drop pieces" located along our table surface, support each area of your spine until the thrust is delivered. Then, each drop-piece gently gives way, reducing the amount of energy needed to move a specific spinal segment.
Popular and Patented - So unique is this approach, Dr. Thompson was granted a patent in 1955. Since then, because of its precision and patient results, it is a technique used around the world.
Sacro Occipital Technique
Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT), is a chiropractic technique designed to help normalise the postural relationship between the pelvis and the head.
Proper control of every cell and tissue of your body is affected by bones of the skull and tension on your spinal cord. Think of your spinal cord as a string on a harp. Is it flexible and healthy? Or stretched and drawn tight?
Blocking the Spine - We use wedge-shaped devices known as "blocks" to help correct your spine and properly "tune" your nervous system. By knowing exactly where to position these blocks, we use the weight of your body to make corrections, naturally. Safe and Comfortable - By using gravity and your own body to effect correction, new healthier patterns of spinal function can result. Along with safe, consistent results, SOT is known for emphasising patient comfort.
The Activator Method Chiropractic Technique
is a chiropractic treatment method and device created by Arlan Fuhr as an alternative to manual manipulation of the spine or extremity joints. The device is categorized as a mechanical force manual assisted (MFMA) instrument which is generally regarded as a softer chiropractic treatment technique.
The activator is a small handheld spring- loaded instrument which delivers a small impulse to the spine. It was found to give off no more than 0.3 J of kinetic energy in a 3-millisecond pulse. The aim is to produce enough force to move the vertebrae but not enough to cause injury. The activator method chiropractic technique (AMCT) involves having the patient lie in a prone position and comparing the functional leg lengths. Often one leg will seem to be slightly shorter than the other. The chiropractor then carries out a series of muscle tests such as having the patient move their arms in a certain position in order to activate the muscles attached to specific vertebrae. If the leg lengths change, that is taken as a sign that the problem is located at that vertebra. The chiropractor treats problems found in this way moving progressively along the spine in the direction from the feet towards the head.
Myofascial Dry Needling
Dry needling is the use of solid filiform needles for therapy of muscle pain, sometimes also known as intramuscular stimulation. Acupuncture and dry needling techniques are similar. Although the needles used have been called "acupuncture needles" and were described as such in the Huang Di Nei Jing in the Han dynasty and at one time were manufactured for use by acupuncturists they are now more properly referred to as solid filiform needles and are used in both procedures. Dry needling contrasts with the use of a hollow hypodermic needle to inject substances such as saline solution, botox or corticosteroids to the same point. Such use of a solid needle has been found to be as effective as injection of substances in such cases as relief of pain in muscles and connective tissue. Analgesia produced by needling a pain spot has been called the needle effect.
[2] Dry needling for the treatment of myofascial (muscular) trigger points is based on theories similar, but not exclusive, to traditional acupuncture; however, dry needling targets the trigger points, which is the direct and palpable source of patient pain, rather than the traditional “meridians”, accessed via acupuncture.
Paediatric Chiropractic
Our Chiropractors use a wide range of different methods adapted to suit people of all ages and body types, from newborns to the elderly.
A child’s spine is subject to a range of stresses from birth. All births, particularly assisted deliveries, are stressful for a child’s body and can affect the baby’s developing spine and nervous system.
Children's bodies also grow and develop at a rapid rate. As parents themselves, our chiropractors deliver suitable care to children based not just on knowledge, but on the experience which has seen their children excel.
