Dramatically Readjusting Difficult Joints with Force Chiropractic Techniques
While many chiropractic techniques are both gentle and effective, they are not always the best solution for a patient. Dr. Stanmore G. Langford III is specially certified to use a number of force chiropractic techniques for more dramatic adjustment at his Chula Vista, CA, office. While much stronger than other options, these methods can often open particularly difficult joints for fast relief.
What are Force Techniques?
Of the many types of chiropractic methods Dr. Langford uses, force techniques are by far the most intense. This category of techniques encapsulates those methods that require greater force or speed. Even if the thrust of one of these techniques is not strong, the speed can be jarring, especially for new patients. Consequently, the doctor only uses these techniques after a patient has visited the office multiple times and undergone non-force or semi-force treatment.
Examples of Force Techniques
While force techniques include a number of different methods, Dr. Langford focuses on three in particular at his office.
Diversified Technique
Developed by the founder of chiropractic, D.D. Palmer, this method is considered the classic chiropractic technique and is the one with which patients are most familiar. Often supplemented with the aid of a table or blocks, it relies on high-velocity adjustments aided by long levers.
Overall, the diversified technique provides very quick readjustment and can be used for most joints in the body. However, the high velocity of the thrusts results in the stereotypical popping noises, which can make some patients nervous.
Gonstead Technique
More a grouping of techniques than a specific method, the Gonstead technique was developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead during the mid-twentieth century. Although the term encapsulates a broad range of methods that Dr. Gonstead developed through his career, it is most often used to describe a specific style of adjustments. This hallmark method realigns neck with a quick twist while patients sit upright, rather than laying on their front. While effective, it is one of the more intense techniques Dr. Langford uses at the office and is only recommended when necessary.
Where diversified techniques are used to address misalignments throughout the body, Gonstead techniques focus primarily on those in the spine that can potentially lead to systemic problems. Using short-levered thrusts, practitioners can provide shallow, precise adjustments. Consequently, while diversified techniques are taught as part of typical chiropractic education, Gonstead techniques require additional certification.
Dr. Langford performs force techniques to adjust particularly difficult or stiff misalignments with notable results.
Alphabiotic Technique
Also known as the cranial condyle technique, this chiropractic method was developed to balance the effects of the left and right sides of the brain. It is based on a theory of neural imbalance that in times of stress, the dominant side of a person’s brain may try to pick up slack for the non-dominant side, resulting in under-stimulation of the corresponding side of the body.
This shift can, in turn, lead to an imbalanced skeletal system and undermine the function of muscles and nerve systems of the body. The alphabiotic technique is intended to undo the effects of this overstimulation by “resetting” the nervous system by using a specific adjustment of the occipital bone of the head.
Ease Stiff Joints
While not appropriate for every patient, Dr. Langford performs force techniques to adjust particularly difficult or stiff misalignments with notable results. Reach out online to set up an appointment and discuss your case with the doctor to learn if they might be suited to your case.
