Many of the treatments that a chiropractor performs takes place on a special table that featur
es sections that drop down to let gravity assist the doctor. Invented in 1957 by Dr. Clay Thompson, the table is now an integral part of a chiropractic office.
Accidental Discovery Of The Drop Table
Ironically, Dr. Thompson discovered the effectiveness of this type of table when he inadvertently bought a used table that had a broken head piece. He saw that the table dropped when he pressed on the spine with both handles and made a thrusting motion to adjust the spine. After replacing the table, his patients complained, saying that they felt better after treatments on the broken table.
Once he realized that he could provide a lighter adjustment without the twisting positions that can accompany the manual adjustment, he used this information to create the drop headpiece, now a standard feature on all chiropractic tables. Modern tables have several sections that drop.
The Leg Test And Beyond
When you come to Raintree Medical and Chiropractic Center, after you give the doctor a history, he or she will conduct a leg test on a table like this. You lie on table with your shoes on and flex your feet. The doctor will observe if both feet are the same length when extended. This test often shows that one leg is shorter than the other because muscles are contracted around the pelvis or sacroiliac. Applying pressure on the spine allows gravity to do its magic as the table drops, and the leg elongates. The same principle works for cramped muscles in the hands, feet, arms, and legs.
While on the table, your chiropractor may use several adjustment techniques to assure that your vertebrae are correctly positioned for proper movement.
- Toggle Drop.The doctor places crossed hands on your spine and makes a quick, precise thrust to adjust the spine and improve vertebral joint mobility.
- Lumbar Roll. As you lie on your side on the table the doctor applies a thrust to out-of-place vertebrae to get them back in line.
- Motion Palpation. Using his hands, the doctor checks to see if your vertebrae are moving freely in their normal planes of motion.
- Release Work. Using her fingertips, the doctor separates the vertebrae.
- Table adjustments. By applying the proper thrust to the affected area of the spine as the table drops, the vertebrae return to the proper positon.
- Instrument adjustments. As you lie on the table the doctor uses a string-loaded activator instrument to perform a gentle spinal adjustment.
Long Term Drop In Symptoms
As a result of your time on the drop table, you can experience a drop in symptoms, all without drugs. For example, you might feel better immediately and enjoy many long-term benefits, such as improved posture, flexibility, and strength. Many people report fewer aches and pains, more restful sleep, and more tolerance to stress.
For more information about our services, contact Raintree Medical and Chiropractic Center today at 816-623-3020 or request an appointment online.