Thompson Technique

Thompson technique is a popular form of Chiropractic care that utilises a drop table to assist the Chiropractor in providing thrusts to a person’s spine. The technique is based around leg length checks and another technique known as a derifield test. The derifield test allows the Chiropractor to know if the primary issue in the spine is coming from the pelvis or the neck. Thompson technique looks at the whole spine and utilises a very fast but also minimally forceful technique to deliver treatment.

This system of analysis and technique is very popular because Chiropractors are able to use their tables to adjust people instead of having to place all the force through their hands and bodies. Patients often find this technique more comfortable than fully hands-on traditional Chiropractic.
To be more specific about the technique the Chiropractor will assess you while you are lying face down to see if one of your legs appears short. A difference in leg length can be functional or structural, meaning you can physically have a shorter leg or you have tight muscles that are making your leg look shorter in certain positions. The Thompson technique assumes that the side of the short leg is the side of the problem that needs to be adjusted. The Chiropractor will then get you to turn your head side to side and this will help them decide is the problem in your upper or lower back.
After determining where the issue is in your spine the Chiropractor make the table to ‘pop up’ from underneath you, and then push down on an area of your spine or pelvis, which makes the table dropdown. The drop table it’s very loud when the thrust is delivered, however the force feels minimal and precision is the way that it gets results. It is used all around the world and the Chiropractor must have a special table with up to four different drop piece parts to it. Generally, people will not feel any cracking or popping of the joint and most of the technique is done with you lying face down.

Here at The Innate Connection we use Thompson technique or drop technique for a variety of conditions. Most times we use it for our older population or people who don’t like the full spine adjustment.
What happens during a Thompson Technique adjustment?
The Chiropractors start by checking leg length to find a short leg. Let’s say for this example, your leg appears short on the right. Anytime we see a discrepancy it usually indicates or some kind of issue going on, on the right hand side. Then we would do a test to see which way to adjust the area of fixation or stiffness. We do a challenge test, by pushing on the upper part of the pelvis (on the right side) and checking to see if that made any change to the leg length. If that stress test balanced your leg length, then that will be the area the Chiropractor will adjust. Then they adjust! The Chiropractor would push down on your pelvis so the table fell underneath you. The table does all the work and it is a little push with fast speed and less force making it more comfortable for you and less impact on the Chiropractor. The Chiropractor would push 2-3 times on the segment and then do another check to see what kind of change has occurred. Thompson Technique is a different technique we can use at The Innate Connection that some people prefer, as opposed to being put on your side. We have a variety of ways to treat people based on whatever is comfortable for the patient.
Typically someone who is in pain and needs to be adjusted using the Thompson Technique would have 2-3 adjustments per week until they start to get results, otherwise our Chiropractors will tell you that something else needs to change to get on top of your symptoms.

More about Thompson Technique

Thompson Chiropractic technique is a Chiropractic treatment technique developed by J. Clay Thompson. The technique is based on a specific method of adjusting the spine that is lower force than traditional Chiropractic technique. It focuses on the alignment of the vertebrae in the spine, using a drop table to deliver a light thrust. The technique involves a rolling and rocking motion to mobilise the spine, creating a more balanced body and improving function. This technique is used to treat a variety of conditions, such as neck pain, lower back pain and muscular tension. It is a popular method of treatment for many Chiropractors, as it is non-invasive and can be used on a wide range of patients.