Technic and Practice of Chiropractic

by Joy Maxwell Loban

The close contact of the hand, which remains passive, renders the adjustment much less painful to the patient than it would otherwise be, and one of the prime objects in the mind of the adjuster should be the minimizing of pain inflicted, by any means which does not lessen the resulting benefit. Also any drawing back of the hand before the movement warns the patient and tends to induce involuntary muscular contraction which interferes with adjustment.

Relaxation

In an adjustment it is necessary to overcome two kinds of resistance—the passive resistance of inertia, of ligaments, or of superincumbent weight, and the active resistance of muscular contraction. It is important that both forms be minimized.

The first may be lessened through the position of the patient’s body; he is placed so that the vertebra to be adjusted is in the freest possible position. The second is reduced to the least possible quantity, amounting to no more than muscle tonus, by using two methods: (a) Oral Suggestion, and (b) Muscular Suggestion.

Oral Suggestion

Explain to the patient the need for relaxation. Make it clear to him that less force will be required if his muscles are passive. Remind him frequently of this and assume that he desires to relax. A word immediately before the adjustment often induces a temporary relaxation during which the adjustment is given. Anything which detracts the attention from the coming shock is an aid. Sometimes asking the patient to inhale and exhale slowly and deeply will sufficiently take his attention from the adjustment. Experience will teach him that he suffers less pain when relaxed and presently relaxation becomes a habit. Instructing patients to think of sleep, turning the eyeballs upward, has been effective with some.

Muscular Suggestion

This can only be given by maintaining a state of relaxation in one’s own muscles, which in itself is desirable in most cases, for reasons to be presently explained. In handling Cervical vertebrae move the head gently from side to side with your own hands relaxed as much as possible. The lazy motion suggests relaxation. Then when it is felt that the neck is thoroughly relaxed, vary the motion with a quick adjusting movement.

In Dorsal and Lumbar regions after the hands are in correct position the adjuster should pause a moment both to be sure that the direction of movement and his purpose to move are clearly fixed in his mind and to be certain that both himself and the patient are relaxed. The adjustment is given instantly and from a perfectly lax muscle, as a boxer strikes.