Chiropractic Procedure Topics

Procedures: A-G Procedures: H-O Procedures: P-Z

The following is a list of chiropractic procedure topics covered at ChiroACCESS. Please use the links (topic names) to continue on to the procedure topic's overview page. There you will find a list of current procedure reviews, articles, forms, media and other information relating to that topic.

Acupuncture Therapy OR Acupressure

The first unequivocal documentation of acupuncture dates from 100 BCE and locations of specific acupuncture points from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) (1). Acutherapy is the utilization of fine needles, pressure, laser or electrotherapy to stimulate specific acupuncture points in the treatment of disease or injury.

(1) White A, Ernst E. A brief history of acupuncture. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2004 May;43(5):662-3.

Cryotherapy

Cold application (cryotherapy) is the simplest and most commonly used method for treatment of acute musculoskeletal injury. Among chiropractic practitioners it is the most often utilized (94.5%) passive adjunctive therapy(1). The pathophysiological effects of cold have been well documented. Studies have shown that cold applications can reduce the metabolic rate of a tissue, decrease pain and swelling, and reduce muscle spasm(2). Most health care practitioners are taught to use ice therapy for treatment of bruises, strains, sprains, or muscle tears and most are familiar with the rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) principle following acute soft tissue injury, yet there is little agreement in the literature on the optimum application technique for such care.

(1) Christensen MG, Kollasch MW. Job analysis of chiropractic 2005, Greeley, CO: National Board of Chiropractic Examiners: 2005

(2) Knight KL. Cryotherapy in Sports Injury Management. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 1995

Diagnostic Imaging

Any visual display of structural or functional patterns of organs or tissues for diagnostic evaluation. It includes measuring physiologic and metabolic responses to physical and chemical stimuli, as well as ultramicroscopy.

Electric Stimulation Therapy

The first recorded application of the use of electricity to treat human aliments was in ancient Rome. Anthero, a freed slave, was walking in the surf when he stepped on an electrically charged torpedo fish, shocked himself and was allegedly cured of gout (1). Electric stimulation therapy is the use of electrical currents in the treatment of disease and injury. This category includes a variety of electrical currents to include high voltage galvanic, interferential, Russian stimulation, transcutaneous nerve stimulation and micro-current, etc.

(1) Cambridge NA. Electrical apparatus used in medicine before 1900. Proc R Soc Med 1977 Sep;70(9):635-41.

Electrodiagnosis

Diagnosis of disease states by recording the spontaneous electrical activity of tissues or organs or by the response to stimulation of electrically excitable tissue.

Exercise Therapy

In the early 20^th century R. Tait McKenzie began the process of using exercise as an active treatment for disease and injury rather than to merely maintain heath (1). Exercise therapy is a structured and repetitive physical activity that is utilized to improve function, improve fitness or provide rehabilitation. This category includes aerobic, anaerobic stretching and water exercise, etc.

(1) Moore GE. The role of exercise prescription in chronic disease. Br J Sports Med 2004 Feb;38(1):6-7.

Immunization

Background:

(a) Vaccination is not within the scope of chiropractic practice. However, Doctors of Chiropractic may be perceived by their patients as knowledgeable experts on matters having to do with health and health care choices. It is likely that patients may seek information or counsel from their chiropractor on the issue of vaccination.

(b) In circumstances where chiropractors or other healthcare providers are consulted about vaccination, they have a professional responsibility to provide current, accurate, unbiased (balanced) information based on sound scientific evidence. This information is necessary in supporting the patients' ability to make a truly informed choice.

(c) Chiropractors and patients may have difficulty in finding, acquiring, sorting, and "making sense of" the amount of complex information on this topic now available on the internet. Doctors and patients may both benefit from easy access to a compiled annotated listing of sources of the scientific literature of vaccination.

Laser Therapy, Low-Level

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is the use of a focused beam of non-heating light to treat human illness and injury. The suggested physiological effects of laser therapy include increased ATP synthesis, increased cell proliferation, microcirculation activation and analgesic effects just to name a few (1). LLLT includes instruments utilizing a variety of wavelengths and power outputs.

(1) Moshkovska T, Mayberry J. It is time to test low level laser therapy in Great Britain. Postgrad Med J 2005 Jul;81(957):436-41.

Magnetic Field Therapy

The magnetic stimulation of specific target tissues or areas of the body for therapeutic purposes via the application of magnetic fields generated by magnets or electromagnets.

Manipulation, Chiropractic

Chiropractic manipulation is the active mechanical or manual movement of a joint beyond its normal passive range of motion. Mobilization is active manual or mechanical movement of a joint within its normal passive range of motion.

Massage

Massage consists of soft tissue manipulation, usually applied with the hands, with the goal of improving health and function of the human body. Massage is utilized by 84.9% of chiropractors (1).

(1) Christensen M. Job Analysis of Chirpractic. Greeley, Co: National Board of Chiropractic Examiners; 2005.

Nutrition Therapy OR Diet Therapy

By adjusting the quantity and quality of food intake to improve health status of an individual. This term does not include the methods of food intake (NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT).

Orthotic Devices

A device applied to the human body to enhance, stop or control movement. Orthotic Devices include wrist supports, splints, shoe inserts, braces, etc.

Palpation

Application of fingers with light pressure to the surface of the body to determine consistence of parts beneath in physical diagnosis; includes palpation for determining the outlines of organs.

Phytotherapy OR Plants, Medicinal

Plants whose roots, leaves, seeds, bark, or other constituent possess therapeutic, tonic, purgative, or other pharmacologic activity when administered to higher animals.

Relaxation Therapy OR Yoga

A major orthodox system of Hindu philosophy based on Sankhya (metaphysical dualism) but differing from it in being theistic and characterized by the teaching of raja-yoga as a practical method of liberating the self. It includes a system of exercises for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being with liberation of the self and union with the universal spirit. (From Webster, 3d ed)

Traction

Traction is application of mechanical or manual force to separate joint surfaces. Traction I utilized by 80.6% of chiropractors (1).

(1) Christensen M. Job Analysis of Chirpractic. Greeley, Co: National Board of Chiropractic Examiners; 2005.

Ultrasonic Therapy

The development of technology in the 1920’s using piezoelectric materials and electronic devices fostered the era of high frequency sound in the treatment of human illness and disease. Primarily used in musculoskeletal conditions ultrasound therapy became mainstream in the 1970’s (1). Today 66% of chiropractors utilize ultrasound therapy in their offices (2).

(1) Nyborg WL. Biological effects of ultrasound: development of safety guidelines. Part II: general review. Ultrasound Med Biol 2001 Mar;27(3):301-33.
(2)Christensen M. Job Analysis of Chirpractic. Greeley, Co: National Board of Chiropractic Examiners; 2005.