The diversified chiropractic technique is one of the most commonly practiced techniques among chiropractic professionals worldwide. This technique relies on the objective findings that are found by your doctor during an initial and ongoing examinations.
Each individual has unique spinal curvature, functional movement, and bio mechanics – which makes diversified techniques the best choice for providing personalized treatment. Many other chiropractic techniques rely on preconceived patterns of treatment, ignoring the unique and evolving needs of the patient.
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners reports that chiropractors use up to six different adjustment techniques, and 96% of respondents report using diversified techniques. Of those who utilize this technique, it is used in treatment of 71.5% of their patients.
Who Invented Diversified Chiropractic?
It is an undisputed fact that D.D. Palmer founded the chiropractic profession in 1895, but the origins of the diversified chiropractic technique are still hazy.
Many professionals in the field believe that the first one to truly refine upon Palmers original teachings into what is now known as “diversified”, was Otto Reinert DC. Reinert wrote a book titled Chiropractic Procedure and Practice, which was referred to as a textbook of diversified technique.
Another notable individual Joe Janse DC wrote an acclaimed book in 1947 titled Chiropractic Principles and Techni, which covered vast scope of clinical chiropractic procedures. Janse’s work is held highly as solidifying the view that chiropractic is not an alternative to medical science, but a complimentary science.
Janse may have been one of the early promoters of the term “diversified”, with his introduction to the 1968 illustrated chiropractic technique manual:
"[...]studies reveal that no two spines, and there relating lumbosacral and sacroiliac mechanisms, are totally alike. There are variances in the composite and mechanical dispositions, as well as in the symmetry and architecture, of the articular motor beds. These factors alone make diversification of adjusting procedures imperative.”
Regardless of which chiropractic pioneer deserves the most credit for refining the technique, it is highly effective at treating a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders.
What Does The Diversified Technique Consist Of?
This technique utilizes a variety of manipulation and mobilization methods taken from other popular techniques such as Gonstead, Thompson, and Toggle Recoil. The key element here is that only the most effective and proven aspects of other techniques are utilized.
Another common characteristic of diversified is a high-velocity, low-amplitude adjustment, also known as HVLA. Even though HVLA chiropractic adjustment style may be common, it is not necessary. Depending on the patient, if manipulations are part of the treatment program, low-velocity, low-amplitude (LVLA) and high-velocity, high-amplitude (HVHA) adjustments may also be utilized.
A diversified chiropractor will consider the patients’ goals and medical history during an initial examination to determine what type of treatment style may be best.
Contrary to popular belief, spinal manipulation is only a single tool in a diversified chiropractor’s tool bag. Some of the other techniques used to produce results include mobilizations, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, massage therapy, dry needling, exercise instruction, and patient education.
The best results are achieved by truly understanding each patient needs and tailoring a treatment program to reach their functional movement goals with as little visits as possible.
Diversified Chiropractic Technique Benefits
The wide variety of methodologies that are used allow diversified chiropractors to treat many different kinds of musculoskeletal pain symptoms.
Some of the most common benefits include:
- Neck Pain
- Headaches
- Back Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Degenerative Disc & Joint Disease
- Automobile Accident Related Injuries
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Ligament Sprains & Strains
One of the main reasons patients with pain symptoms seek out chiropractic care is because it does not rely on the usage of over the counter medications or surgical procedures.
The focus on adjustments, correct functional movement, and patient education is capable of treating the root cause of pain symptoms for lasting relief.
Is Diversified Technique Safe?
Yes!
Patients who are new to chiropractic care are often concerned about the safety of an adjustment, most commonly concerned about the possibility of broken bones.
This belief is incorrectly perpetuated by misinformation about the chiropractic profession.
Looking purely at malpractice insurance rates, chiropractic rates are significantly lower than OBGYN’s, Surgeons, and Internal Medicine Doctors. These insurance rates are based on the risk that is involved for patients, with chiropractic being the safest out of the categories of care that you can receive for musculoskeletal pain symptoms.
Compared to other chiropractic methods, diversified techniques are evidenced based practices and are tailored to fit the individuals needs, not using a cookie cutter approach based on preconceived notions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is the most common chiropractic technique?
Diversified technique is a widely used methodology of chiropractic manipulation / adjustment. This will be the most familiar technique to patients, which includes many different ideologies taught at chiropractic schools.
It is reported that 96% of all practicing chiropractors utilize this methodology.
What kind of techniques do chiropractors use?
The top 5 most utilized chiropractic techniques include; Diversified, 95.9%; Extremity Manipulating / Adjusting, 95.5%; Activator Methods, 62.8%; Gonstead, 58.5%; Cox Flexion / Distraction, 58%.
At South Pointe Chiropractic all of our providers utilize diversified techniques.
Does chiropractic activator really work?
Studies have shown that for certain patients the activator technique may be as effective as diversified technique. Activator is a specific device that is designed to mimic the effects of a spinal adjustment, with precision to a small area, such as a single vertebra.
At South Pointe Chiropractic, our patients have the most success with diversified techniques.
What are the techniques for an adjustment?
- Direct Thrust Technique, also known as diversified involves the chiropractor making a hands on adjustment, and is the most commonly used technique.
- Gonstead Adjustment is also a hands on technique that relies on principles of proper spinal alignment to reduce inflammation in affected areas.
- Activator Method Chiropractic Technique (AMCT) uses a small handheld device to deliver a quick, small, and precise pulse.
- Flexion – Distraction, also known as Cox Technique, is an uncommon technique tht involves adjusting the cranium and gentle back stretching to obtain spinal alignment. This is often used to treat facet joint pain.
- Drop Technique, also known as Thompson Technique utilizes a special drop table that facilitates joint movement.
Did D.D. Palmer invent the diversified technique?
While most of todays effective chiropractic techniques stem from Palmer’s early studies, he did not invent this technique.
Most professionals in the field either credit Josph Janse, DC or Otto Reinert DC. Both of these individuals wrote prolific books that encompasses the fundamentals of diversification in chiropractic care.
