What Techniques do we Implement?

At Calder Chiropractic Centre we use a range of techniques ranging from Diversified, Gonstead, Chiropractic Functional Neurology, NOT (Neural Organisational Technique), Applied Kinesiology, SOT (Sacral Occipital Technique), NET (Neuro Emotional Technique), Hale Technique, TBM (Total Body Modification), ART (Active Release Technique), RNR (Retain Neo-natal Reflexes), Activator Technique, Flexion/Distraction Technique, Cranial Therapy, and Extremity adjusting. Our Chiropractors are highly skilled and regularly attend seminars to keep up to date with new developments in the health field.

This technique is the most commonly used out of all the chiropractic techniques. The Diversified adjustment is a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust that usually results in a cavitation of a joint (quick, shallow thrusts that causes the popping noise often associated with a chiropractic adjustment).

This is a specific chiropractic technique and is a variation of the Diversified technique. The Gonstead adjustment like the Diversified adjustment usually results in joint cavitation.

Dr. Carl Ferreri, a chiropractor from Brooklyn New York, developed N.O.T. It is based on the theory that the body is an integrated whole – self-healing, self-regulating, self-perpetuating. He realized that no matter what the circumstances, how big or small, it must always involve one or more of our survival systems – Feeding – Fight or flight –Reproduction – and the Limbic/Immune system of the human body. These innate systems are in place to ensure our ability to survive and the survival of the species.

It is a very gentle technique that most patients find relaxing, enjoyable and extremely successful.

Neural Organization Therapy (N.O.T.), a non-invasive, chiropractic/kinesiology based treatment protocol, is designed to recognize any of these disorganizations that may be found within the neural programs of these primal survival systems if damaged or otherwise compromised. The treatment protocols are then designed to specifically organize or reorganize a disorganized central nervous system.

N.O.T. is a very complete and powerful holistic medicine treatment and based on principles drawn from Applied Kinesiology, Touch for Health, CranioSacral Therapy, Chiropractic, Chapman Neurolymphatic Reflexes, Bennett Neurovascular reflexes, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Neuro-linguistic Programming and observations by Dr. Ferreri over 45 years of research.

A frequent question asked is “how long does it last?” If the corrections are made properly and completely they usually last until the patient re-injures themselves has a high fever or serious stress in their lives, which may be many years later. Recovery of your health and wellbeing is dependent on how long you have had the problem for and your ability to resolve stresses in your lifeOne thing the patients appreciate is that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, leave it alone” philosophy of NOT.

Conditions seen by practitioners of the Neural Organisation Therapy protocols include the usual spinal and pelvic problems such as sacroiliac and/or sacro-lumbar (low back pains), cervical (neck) and thoracic (trunk), spinal problems, vertebral disc, sciatica (pain in the nerve in the leg), idiopathic scoliosis and other similar structural conditions. These conditions are treated by other systems as well. Neural Organization Therapy is better known for some of its specialty treatment protocols such as the closed head injury syndromes.

The original N.O.T. protocols were first designed to deal with the neurological, physiological and cognitive deficits associated with cranial injury complexes. The term ‘complex’ is used because all of these injuries manifest in multiple deficits. These injury complexes include whiplash, concussion, birth trauma and related problems and headaches (specified and unspecified including migraines) and multiple Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ – part of the defence system in the body) deficits. However, as research has continued we now deal with every survival system in the body and as a result, N.O.T. is now a complete modality practised by chiropractors and kinesiologists around the world.

For further information go to http://www.neuralorg.com/ or www.chiropractic-homeopathy.com.au/neural-organization-technique/

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a form of diagnosis through muscle testing to examine how a person’s body is functioning. In Applied Kinesiology the practitioner uses muscle testing as part of the diagnostic procedure as an indicator tool to assess the body’s structural, chemical or emotional aspects of health and identifies how well a person’s body is functioning.

Most commonly the practitioner will find a muscle which tests “weak” and thus attempts to investigate what is causing the muscle to function ineffectively. The practitioner can then determine what therapy will cause the muscle to test “strong” and therefore help the patient most effectively.

AK utilises the triad of health to explain health problems that arise. The triad of health is represented by an equilateral triangle which evaluates the structural, chemical and mental aspects of health. Treatments may involve specific joint manipulation or mobilisation, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition, dietary management, counselling skills, evaluating environmental irritants and various reflex procedures.

SOT is a specific chiropractic technique that uses triangular-shaped blocks usually placed under the pelvis of a patient who is laying on their back and is used to treat problems of the lower back.  The adjustments involve low force and slow pressure may also be used to address joint problems identified in the skull.

Is a psychotherapeutic/chiropractic methodology used to normalize unresolved physical and behavioural patterns in the body. The technique, originally formulated by chiropractor Scott Walker in the early 1980s, combines applied kinesiology with emotions to test the “emotional reality” of the body. 80%-90% of chiropractors believe that emotions have a causal relation to physical pain in the body. NET is a methodology of locating and removing these Neuro Emotional Complexes.

For more information: NET

As a branch of AK developed by Dr Bryan Hale, D.C, this technique addresses the relationship between the mind, body and emotions to integrate them through the use of AK principles. Dr Angela is the only practitioner that uses the Hale Technique on the North Island.

TBM (Total Body Modification) is a technique that can find any organ or area of the body that is stressed or not functioning at 100%, determine and then correct the problem thereby restoring balance to the nervous system and energy systems. Once this has been achieved health and well-being are restored!

While some therapies are used to correct the body structure and influence the function, TBM aims to corrects the Functional Physiology (how the body works) reducing the need for ongoing structural work in its endeavour to restore optimum health.

One of the main philosophies of the people who developed TBM is that the power that made the body, heals the body.

TBM has taken that philosophy and explored the possibilities inherent in the human body of self-regeneration and has demonstrated that if the right thing is done to the body at the right time and the right way, wonders can happen.

ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based muscle massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART (ART website). These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.

Retained Neonatal Reflexes can play a part in the neurology of why children (and adults) can have trouble with learning and may express behavioural problems.  Neonatal Reflexes are an important part of the neurological development of the brain as they create the ‘movement’ required for the brain to develop. These reflexes play a crucial role in helping the body to grow and develop properly and help us to reach different developmental milestones.  As we grow these reflexes are no longer required and will inhibit allowing the higher brain to take control. If, however, these reflexes continue to express they can cause the nervous system to react inappropriately in certain situations which can lead to issues arising in behaviour, development and learning.  We assess the body to determine if these reflexes are expressing beyond the age required and work with the nervous system to inhibit them allowing for greater neurological integration in the body.

References / For more Information:

  • Melillo, R. (2009). Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders.
  • Melillo, R. (2011). Reconnected Kids: Help Your Child Achieve Physical, Mental, and Emotional Balance.
  • Melillo, R., & Leisman, G. (2004). Neurobehavioral Disorders of Childhood: An Evolutionary Perspective.
  • Melillo, R. (2012). Autism: The Scientific Truth About Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders–and What Parents Can Do Now.
  • Zafeiriou, D. I. (2004, July 1). Primitive reflexes and postural reactions in the neurodevelopmental examination. Pediatric Neurology, Vol. 31, pp. 1–8.

The chiropractic activator is a small handheld instrument which delivers a small impulse to the spine. The aim is to produce enough force to stimulate the joint mechanoreceptors at that segment without discomfort to the patient. Activator is often used in cases where the patient has sensitivity issues such as with fibromyalgia, in cases of severe injury/degeneration or by patient preference for this method.

Flexion/distraction is a technique that is a non-invasive method that can sometimes help with low back pain and more specifically disc herniations, bulges, and spinal stenosis, it also stretches the musculature.  Flexion/distraction uses a specialized table. The patient is placed face down, and then the table is moved into flexion to create negative pressure in the disc. This is necessary to allow for the disc bulge/herniation to regress so as to help restore proper joint function, reduce inflammation and pain, and allow for better movement patterns.

This is a specific chiropractic technique to restore function and movement of the structure of the skull. It is extremely gentle with only light pressure being used. (similar to the SOT technique).

According to Dr Craig Ross, the founder of this technique, Neuro Cranial Integration (NCI) is a revolutionary technique that aligns the cranial bones and brain hemispheres from the inside out and from the top down. The re-alignment takes tension off the nervous system, releases cranial, fascial and muscle tissue fixations, and returns proper cerebrospinal fluid flow throughout the spine and entire body.

The Neuro Cranial Integration procedure lasts only two to three minutes and does not include any of the normal chiropractic jerking, “popping” or “cracking.” Instead, it feels like a stretch at the back of the head, a most relaxing technique suitable for all ages.

For more information go to www.NeuroCranialIntegration.com

Chirodontics is a multi-disciplinary healthcare model created by Robert Walker D.C. whereby dentists and chiropractors work in tandem to help with their patient’s needs.

For more information go to www.chirodontics.com

This is the application of chiropractic manipulation or adjustment to joints other than those of the spine, i.e., shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand/finger, hip, knee, ankle/foot/toe.