Unlike other forms of chiropractic, McTimoney uses faster speed as the basis for effectiveness rather than increased tension around the joint. It, therefore, does not create the "crack" or popping sound some patients say they dread. McTimoney is considered to be one of the gentlest forms of chiropractic care.
Because the body functions bio-mechanically as a “kinematic chain” rather than individual pieces within a whole, McTimoney chiropractors assess and treat regional areas of your entire body rather than solely focusing on symptomatic areas.
The McTimoney method of chiropractic was developed by chiropractor John McTimoney. Like any form of chiropractic, the primary goal is to ensure joint mobility, function and alignment remain at optimum levels.
First, you will be examined to see how easily your joint moves and determine the underlying cause of your problem. Then you will rest in a comfortable position on your side, your belly or your back. McTimoney is considered a "short-lever" technique because the adjustment is performed as close to the joint as possible without utilising your body weight to create additional tension.
McTimoney is recognised for being a precise, gentle and whole-body approach to chiropractic care, making it especially appropriate for people of all ages. According to the McTimoney Chiropractic Association, approximately 150,000 new patients will visit a McTimoney Chiropractor each year and 8,000 patients receive McTimoney Chiropractic each working day (2015).
Diversified chiropractic uses specific manipulation to free joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are not moving properly. First, you will be examined to see how easily your joint moves – this helps pinpoint the location and severity of dysfunction.
You will then be positioned so a very quick, specific and gentle adjustment can be delivered. This may be on your side, your belly or your back. Diversified is considered a “long-lever” technique because your own body weight is often utilised to help create gentle tension around the joint.
You may hear a “crack” or “popping” sound with the adjustment – this is simply the sound of gas bubbles popping within the joint’s fluid as pressure is released. It does not cause you any harm; nor does a lack of sound indicate the adjustment was unsuccessful or ineffective. The aim of the technique is to improve the way a joint interacts in order to increase mobility, encourage muscle relaxation and improve overall function.
Graston Technique® is grounded in the works of Dr. James Cyriax, an English orthopaedic surgeon. He noticed although his patients were considered fully healed post-surgery, they often experienced a decrease in their freedom of movement or continued muscular pain. He discovered surgery or trauma led to the development of scar tissue, chemical depositions and adhesions – all of which kept the muscle tissue from moving normally. He developed massage “tools” to remove the restrictions and help regain normal soft tissue.
To receive the Graston Technique, you will then rest in a comfortable position and a hand-held tool will be used in a form of cross-friction massage to help release the restrictions. The tools are individually designed and always use a wide base of contact – this means the massage is comfortable to receive.
Treatment is often followed by stretching exercises to promote re-alignment of the tissue fibres so that they behave more like normal, healthy tissue. You may also be given exercises to complete at home.
At each treatment, you will be re-examined to determine your progress and identify specific movements or positions for that particular treatment’s focus. Historically, the Graston Technique® has had positive outcomes in 75-90% of all conditions it is recognised to treat.
