Services

Our Techniques

Our Doctor’s use a number of highly-effective adjusting approaches to help improve spinal biomechanics and reduce nervous system interference. The approach we use is based on our judgment and years of experience.

The primary adjusting techniques we use include:

If you’ve been to a chiropractor before and prefer to be adjusted in a particular way, let our us know. We want you to relax, enjoy and fully benefit from your chiropractic care.
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Diversified

At Tessendorf Family Chiropractic, we use an adjusting style commonly referred to as “Diversified.”

First, an analysis of your spine is performed. This can initially involve a case history and X-ray pictures of your spine.

Subsequent visits may include motion palpation, with the chiropractor feeling the spinal joints move as you turn and bend. Or, a leg check may be performed, to uncover an imbalance in the neck or lower spine.

With the malposition of one or more spinal bones identified, a specific manual thrust is administered. 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 thrust 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.

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Activator Methods®

We use one of the most popular “low force” chiropractic techniques in the world.

First the Evaluation

We begin by analyzing how well your spine moves. We test how well you turn and bend. While you’re lying face down, we’ll evaluate the length of your legs. This simple procedure can reveal significant differences in leg lengths. Click here to try a simple leg-length home test.

This time-tested protocol tells us if subluxations exist and their location. It also helps us know when to adjust and when not to adjust.

The Adjusting Instrument

The Activator Methods® Adjusting Instrument is a handheld spring-loaded tool that delivers a consistent low-force, high-speed thrust. Because it’s many times faster than adjustments delivered by hand, the body rarely tightens to resist, making adjustments comfortable and effective. It’s also helpful for adjusting elbows, wrists, knees and other joints of the body.

The Follow Up

After your adjustment, we retest to make sure changes have been produced. Testing afterwards helps us deliver high-quality care and high levels of patient satisfaction.

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Thompson

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 subluxations would produce the appearance of a short, or contracted leg. Using a protocol of comparing leg lengths while the patient turned their head, helped determine whether the subluxation was in the upper, middle or lower back.

Terminal Point Table

What patients often notice first is our segmental “drop” table. After stepping onto the platform, the table gently lowers you into a horizontal position. This helps preserve any leg length inequality.

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.

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Gonstead Technique

Named after its developer, Dr. Clarence Gonstead, this approach came from his engineering background. His “foundation principle” explains how a subluxation pattern in one area of the spine can produce compensatory changes in another.

A Thorough Evaluation

After studying your health history, we conduct a complete examination. This generally includes full spine X-rays and precise analysis. Using a small heat-sensing instrument, subluxation patterns are revealed by slight differences in temperature. Finally, we use our fingertips to “palpate” or feel the location of individual bones and how they may differ from their normal position.

Full Spine Correction

With a complete picture of your spine it’s time to make the needed corrections.

To adjust your lower spine and pelvis, we’ll have you lie on your side. Subluxations in the middle back are corrected as you assume a comfortable kneeling position. When you are seated, we can restore the integrity of your spine without twisting or rotating your neck.

Sometimes you’ll hear a slight “popping” sound that we call cavitation. Sometimes you won’t. Either way, better health is on the way!

Safe and Effective

The Gonstead Technique is acknowledged as one of the safest systems of evaluating and caring for the spine.

Did You Know

We donated over 300 lbs. of food to Community Action Partnership.​