An opening in the front section such that the face may look downward through it and straighten the cervical and upper dorsal spine for palpation and adjustment has been proven a disadvantage instead of a help and will be entirely unnecessary to one who follows the technic laid down in this book.
The Roll
A desirable addition to this table is an upholstered roll of quite solid material and about eight inches in diameter. This can be placed under the patient’s thighs on the rear section, thus elevating the thighs and straightening the Lumbar region so as to separate the spinous processes. The roll is especially useful for the adjustment of posterior Lumbar subluxations, being inadvisable with rotation.
With a patient lying on the bifid bench in the ordinary adjusting position the Lumbar spinous processes are crowded together and the bodies separated. In rotation, since the adjustment works by using a short power arm against a long weight arm (distance from contact point to center of rotation against distance from center of rotation to anterior margin of body), and since the heaviest portion of the vertebra—the body—is to be moved most, this position of suspension secures the easiest adjustment. But if the vertebra be posterior and a spinous process contact is used the best adjustment can be secured over the roll or with a table adjustable to an angle equal to that which would be secured with the roll.
Cleanliness
Everything in the office should be kept scrupulously clean. A lavatory with towel racks well filled with clean towels is an absolute necessity. If no lavatory is inbuilt in the office a portable one may be secured which will answer every purpose. It will be well if the patient observes that you carefully cleanse your hands before giving an adjustment.
The office should contain a towel cabinet with a stack of clean towels and a compartment for used towels. Or tissue towels may be used to save laundry bills. Before each adjustment a clean towel should be unfolded and placed upon the front section of the bench so that the patient rests head and face upon a perfectly clean surface. When the adjustment is completed toss the towel into the used-towel compartment. This use of towels minimizes the risk of contagion or infection from a germ-infested upholstery, suggests care and cleanliness to your patient, and gives the patient greater trust in you.