As chiropractic providers, we know that there are a multitude of chiropractic techniques that can be utilized to help patients, but which one is best? How do we decide which technique is right for our us? The diversified technique, much like its name, is interpreted by chiropractors across the globe in a couple of different ways. According the American Chiropractic Association, 95.9% chiropractors use diversified technique, and its origins and definition remain a topic of debate in the chiropractic community.
What is Diversified Technique?
Diversified technique, also called full spine technique, is one among several forms of a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation. HVLA is defined by the Academy of Osteopathy as “an osteopathic technique employing a rapid, therapeutic force of a brief duration that travels a short distance within the anatomic range of motion of a joint and that engages a restrictive barrier in one or more planes of motion to elicit release of restriction”. For this technique, the chiropractor applies a short, quick thrust over restricted joints to restore normal range of motion in the joint. The goal of a chiropractor is to sustain and improve health and function of the central nervous system. Using diversified technique, the adjustment corrects misalignments and removes any interference with the central nervous system creating an effective, faster relief.
The Diversified Technique:
- Allows for the nervous system to better function and communicate throughout the spinal cord & brain.
- Allows for the patient to feel realignment of their spinal subluxations.
- Strengthens the body by removing spinal interference to allow the body to self-heal for long term relief and health.
- Reduces blockage in the spinal system allowing the nervous system to regenerate, and increase the body’s performance.
- It involves no invasive procedures
The diversified technique is safe for all ages, and will, from the HVLA thrust, usually create the audible popping noise often associated with a chiropractic adjustment. Essentially, it uses the biomechanics of the spine and extremities to create motion in the joints, restoring function.
Diversified technique is done manually without any tools except their weight on occasion, and the technique also helps various parts of the body.
Conditions helped using the diversified technique:
- Migraines – using the diversified technique for headaches help to reduce frequency, disability, and duration of migraines as well as reducing the need for medications.
- Pregnancy-related problems – women can have a variety of problems that they deal with during pregnancy such as back pain, lack of sleep, and headaches. Diversified technique is the most widely used technique for these issues.
- Neck pain – the quick thrust and shift of the diversified technique allows the affected area of the neck to be pushed back into a normal range of motion, and patients will often experience quick relief and better range of motion.
- Musculoskeletal issues – as we mentioned above, diversified technique involves helping the patient regain a better range of motion in the joint which is the main issue when it comes to musculoskeletal disorders.
- Back pain – while this seems like a given using any type of chiropractic technique, the diversified technique provides quick, long-term relief for those suffering with any kind of back pain.
These are only a handful of conditions that the diversified technique treats, but this is how diversified technique addresses these main issues that we frequently see patients for.
Diversified vs. Other HVLA Techniques
As we said, diversified technique is the most widely used variation of high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA), but there are various others that you may put into practice, and differ slightly from diversified.
Additional HVLA Modalities:
- Drop Technique – also known as the Thompson technique, and is done by creating space and momentum. It involves a table with padded platforms that drop slightly or release when a chiropractor performs a quick thrust to make an adjustment. Doing this allows these areas on the patient to drop as they’re being worked on enabling the adjustment.
- Gonstead Technique – characterized as a hybrid HVLA technique, Gonstead technique uses supports to trigger joint movement during an adjustment. Much like the diversified technique, it is hands-on, and involves adjusting the lower back or pelvis while the patient lies on his/her side. While drop table creates a void such as in drop technique, Gonstead technique instead creates resistance to facilitate motion. The way that the patient is positioned is very similar to diversified technique.
Though these techniques share similar characteristics with diversified technique, the specific way they are administered makes them each unique. Which one you choose to implement in your chiropractic practice is truly dependent on your expertise, and which modality would best suit your patients’ conditions. It is important before implementing the diversified, or any HVLA technique, that you understand proper protocol so as not to make any mistakes.
Clinical Protocol for Diversified Technique:
- Complete a thorough consultation screening for any contraindications.
- Gain control over the patients’ body by repositioning yourself, and adjusting the table height.
- Don’t hold at the barrier, reach it and move through it.