Pregnancy Techniques- WEBSTER, BAGNELL aka GARDNER METHOD

About the Webster Technique….Chiropractic care benefits all aspects of your body’s ability to be healthy. This is accomplished by working with the nervous system–the communication system between your brain and body. Doctors of Chiropractic work to correct spinal, pelvic and cranial misalignments (subluxations). When misaligned, these structures create an imbalance in surrounding muscles and ligaments. Additionally, the resulting nerve system stress may affect the body’s ability to function optimally. The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.

Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association discovered this adjustment as a safe means to restore proper pelvic balance and function. This specific sacral analysis can be used on all weight bearing individuals to determine S/I joint dysfunction/ sacral subluxation and is therefore applicable for the entire population. The assessment includes heel flexion to buttocks, with restricted flexion indicating the affected SI joint. Correction is made with a diversified, sacral adjustment. It is used on all weight bearing individuals presenting with this biomechanical restriction. Common symptoms include (but are not limited to) low back pain, sciatic neuralgia, and symptoms associated with sacral subluxation and/ or S/I joint dysfunction. The ICPA recognizes that in a theoretical and clinical framework of the Webster Technique in the care of pregnant women, sacral subluxation may contribute to difficult labor for the mother (i.e., dystocia). Dystocia is caused by inadequate uterine function, pelvic contraction, and baby mal-presentation. The correction of sacral subluxation may have a positive effect on all of these causes of dystocia. In this clinical and theoretical framework, it is proposed that sacral misalignment may contribute to these three primary causes of dystocia via uterine nerve interference, pelvic misalignment and the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. The resulting tense muscles and ligaments and their aberrant effect on the uterus may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth.In regards to pregnant mothers, Dr. Webster reported that when a mother sought care and her baby was in a breech position, the restoration of pelvic neuro-biomechanics with this adjustment also frequently facilitated optimal fetal positioning.

There are cases published in the chiropractic literature that support this theory. More research is needed and is currently underway by the ICPA. The obstetric literature has determined that correct positioning of the baby in-utero affect birth outcome and decrease the potential for undue stress to the baby’s developing spine and nerve system. Obstetric literature has determined the importance of normal pelvic neuro-biomechanics including uterine function and pelvic alignment for the prevention of dystocia (difficult birth). It has also determined that correct positioning of the baby in-utero affects birth outcome and decreases the potential for undue stress to the baby’s developing spine and nerve system. Chiropractic literature has determined the significance of sacral adjustments in normalizing pelvic neuro-biomenchanics. It is therefore considered prudent that this specific sacral analysis and adjustment be used throughout pregnancy to detect and alleviate sacral imbalance and optimize pelvic neuro-biomechanics in the mother. Because of the particular female adaptations from the increase of hormones, weight gain and postural adaptations, pregnant mothers have a greater chance of sacral subluxation and neuro-biomechanical imbalance than the general population. Additionally, because of the effect the chiropractic adjustment has on all body functions by reducing nerve system stress, pregnant mothers may have significant benefit by having their spines checked regularly throughout pregnancy, optimizing health benefits for both the mother and baby

The Bagnell Technique aka Gardner Method is another chiropractic technique used to analyze for in-utero constraint. It involves a more in-depth analysis of the pelvis, sacrum, and attaching muscles and ligaments. Dr. Candice uses both the Webster and Gardner Method to analyze for constraint on the fetus. It has been strongly recommended by doctors trained in these techniques that the specific analysis and adjustment of the sacrum, pelvis, muscles and ligaments be used throughout pregnancy to detect subluxations and prevent in-utero constraint. If referring for a mal-presentation when chiropractic care has not been received throughout the pregnancy, the Webster Technique and The Gardner Method work best when performed prior to 36 weeks gestation. We have had babies turn after 36 weeks, but the success rate goes down as the baby gets bigger and has less room to move. Because of the effect the chiropractic adjustment has on all body functions, all pregnant mothers should have their spines checked regularly throughout pregnancy, optimizing health potential for themselves and their developing baby. Chiropractic care from conception and continued after birth for both mother and child has given many families an opportunity for greater health.

Applied Kinesiology-AK

Applied Kinesiology (AK), developed by Dr. George Goodheart in 1964, uses bioenergetic feedback through testing the strength of various muscles in the body. This highly individualized, in-depth sytem of analysis, allows the doctor to assess various aspects of a patient’s state of health by evaluating and treating postural and muscular imbalances, neurovascular and neurolymphatic points, subluxation, cranial-sacral movement, acupuncture meridians and nutritional status. This is a highly effective treatment system which focuses on whole body care.AK allows the skilled health practitioner to evaluate functional illness, which typically precedes disease. This highly individualized, in-depth system of analysis, allows the doctor to assess various aspects of a patient’s state of health by evaluating and treating postural and muscular imbalances, neurovascular and neurolymphatic points, subluxation, cranial-sacral movement, acupuncture meridians and nutritional status. This is a highly effective treatment system which focuses on whole body care. AK enables health investigation without intrusion. AK gives insight into the underlying causes and solutions to many functional health problems.

Activator

The Activator Method Chiropractic Technique is a chiropractic treatment method and device created by Arlan Fuhr as an alternative to manual manipulation of the spine or extremity joints. The device is categorized as a mechanical force manual assisted (MFMA) instrument which is generally regarded as a softer chiropractic treatment technique. The activator is a small handheld spring-loaded instrument which delivers a small impulse to the spine. It was found to give off no more than 0.3 J of kinetic energy in a 3-millisecond pulse. The aim is to produce enough force to move the vertebrae but not enough to cause injury. The activator method chiropractic technique (AMCT) involves having the patient lie in a prone position and comparing the functional leg lengths. Often one leg will seem to be slightly shorter than the other. The chiropractor then carries out a series of muscle tests such as having the patient move their arms in a certain position in order to activate the muscles attached to specific vertebrae. If the leg lengths change, that is taken as a sign that the problem is located at that vertebra. The chiropractor treats problems found in this way moving progressively along the spine in the direction from the feet towards the head.

Percussor

Tight muscles can prevent the vertebrae from moving while doing an adjustment. The Percussor is a small, powerful massager tool that vibrates on a certain frequency that releases stiffness of the Fascia, the band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating, or binding together muscles, organs, and other soft structures of the body.You will experience remarkable results with the Percussor in many problem areas including: shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, lungs and congestion.

CranioSacral

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. It was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger after years of clinical testing and research at Michigan State University where he served as professor of biomechanics.Using a soft touch which is generally no greater than 5 grams – about the weight of a nickel – practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it’s effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. How does CranioSacral Therapy Work?Few structures have as much influence over the body’s ability to function properly as the brain and spinal cord that make up the central nervous system. And, the central nervous system is heavily influenced by the craniosacral system – the membranes and fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord.Every day your body endures stresses and strains that it must work to compensate for. Unfortunately, these changes often cause body tissues to tighten and distort the craniosacral system. These distortions can then cause tension to form around the brain and spinal cord resulting in restrictions. This can create a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system, and potentially every other system it interacts with. Fortunately, such restrictions can be detected and corrected using simple methods of touch. With a light touch, the CST practitioner uses his or her hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by gently feeling various locations of the body to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the craniosacral system.By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body’s ability to self-correct, CranioSacral Therapy is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment.

What conditions does CranioSacral Therapy address?

Migraines and Headaches
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Autism
Stress and Tension-Related Disorders
Motor-Coordination Impairments
Infant and Childhood Disorders
Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
Chronic Fatigue Fibromyalgia
TMJ Syndrome
Scoliosis
Central Nervous System Disorders
Learning DisabilitiesADD/ADHD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Orthopedic Problems

Sacro Occipital Technique- SOT

Sacro Occipital Technique is a system of chiropractic based upon the provable fact that every human who is sick or in pain has a distortion and a subluxation responsible for that sickness or pain. When you make the right adjustment, at the right spot and the right time, and in the right direction, you release enough nerve energy to cure most anything. The sacro-occipital technique entails an elaborate method of analyzing the body’s structures in the vertical, prone, and supine positions. By following this system, one can determine the existence of bony distortions and displacements, and, by so doing, make an analysis for “restoring proper nerve force through a balancing of the respiratory and cerebrospinal fluid systems and pressures,” which, in turn, “removes nerve pressure from within by restoring the vital fluid that produces nerve function and this fluid is none other than the cerebrospinal fluid.” The variation of pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid (a clear fluid originating in ventricles inside the brain and circulating around the brain and spinal cord) is responsible for “nerve pressure,” and offers a treatment for the control of this fluid!

Gonstead

The Gonstead Concept of chiropractic begins with a basic bio-mechanical principle of physics. Every engineer, architect, builder and carpenter knows the importance of a proper foundation in constructing a building, for this insures durability and long life. Any slight change or shift in the foundation can cause a great amount of deviation in the top part of the structure and, perhaps, ultimately, its collapse. The body’s foundation is formed by the pelvic girdle. When this bony structure consisting of hip bones and the lower bones of the back is level, there will be maximum balance and stability in the spinal column. When the pelvic girdle or any of the vertebrae (bones making up the spinal column) become tilted or rotated out of their proper position, dramatic changes may occur in the body. These misalignments can cause pressure on the discs that separate the vertebrae. (The condition of the disc is the key to the patient’s health problem in many cases.) Vertebra can become misaligned either from the cumulative effects of several minor episodes or from a single accident. Nature frequently is able to cope with these jolts to the spinal column without assistance. Sometimes, though, vertebrae tilted or rotated out of their normal position can be too much for nature to deal with effectively. In order to more fully understand what occurs, we should know that the discs are really pads between the vertebrae and consist of a spongy substance surrounded by fibers of cartilage. When there is misalignment of a vertebra, there is uneven pressure on the disc causing it to swell and protrude (One often hears this referred to as a slipped, herniated or ruptured disc.) Chiropractors call this condition a SUBLUXATION when it results in the pinching or compressing of the nerves that run through that particular area. These compressed nerves often become inflamed and impede the proper transmission of impulses to the section of the body controlled by these nerves. A seemingly endless list of ailments and pain may be brought about by these subluxations.

Generally, misaligned vertebrae in the spine are easily recognized, particularly those in the upper portion of the vertebral column. However, less easily found and often overlooked are misalignments in the foundation or lower portions of the spine. The ability to recognize and correct these misalignments forms an integral part of the Gonstead Concept. For example: When the lower portion of thespinal column has misaligned vertebra, the body tries to keep itself and its skeleton upright and straight. Often it compensates by causing a vertebra above to become misaligned. This is the body’s way of attempting to re-establish the normal perpendicular position of the body.If just the top misaligned vertebra was adjusted, in cases where additional vertebrae are misaligned, only limited relief could result. This would not be getting to the source of the trouble. For complete and lasting results, all of the misaligned vertebrae must be identified and then a program can be initiated to restore them to their normal position. Every chiropractic case presents a different combination of misaligned vertebrae.

Diversified

This is a widely used type of chiropractic manipulation/adjustment that includes most of the procedures taught in chiropractic institutions. This technique is the most commonly used of all chiropractic techniques and is the one probably most familiar to patients. The diversified manipulation/adjustment entails a high velocity, low-amplitude thrust delivered by hand and possibly with assistance from a table or block. This usually results in a cavitation of a joint (quick, shallow thrusts that cause the popping noise often associated with a chiropractic manipulation/adjustment). As the name implies, the Diversified Technique can be used to treat many of the joints in the body and is the primary technique used by the doctors in our office.