Technic and Practice of Chiropractic

by Joy Maxwell Loban

A movement for posterior or postero-rotary displacements from fourth to ninth Dorsal inclusive. It serves the same purpose as the Pisiform Double Transverse but is less painful and often easier of delivery. The palmar surface of the fingers, with the flesh of the patient’s back, make a compound cushion which acts as a shock-absorber.

Palpation—Contact

The usual downward gliding movement of left hand if standing on right or of right hand if standing on left will serve for the discovery of the vertebra listed for adjustment. The gliding hand stops with the second finger indicating the spinous process. The first finger reaches upward and outward to the assumed location of the transverse on the side nearest the adjuster; then the second finger reaches to a similar point on the other side, both fingers pointing toward patient’s head. Now the fingers are rolled a little to make sure that they are in contact with the ends of the transverse, the palmar surface of the tip of each finger being the proper contact point. The heel of the contact hand rests near, but not on, the surface of the body over the midspinal line.

Supporting Hand

The ulnar edge of the free hand is now placed across the tips of the two contact fingers so that it rests directly above the ends of the transverses but separated from them by the finger tips. The upper arm is then straightened and the elbow outrotated until it locks firmly so that the arm makes a straight line directly above the transverses. The body is drawn away from the shoulder girdle, pulling the head of the humerus out of its socket as far as possible to allow free play, for all force is to be given by this straight arm.

Movement

If the subluxation is a straight posterior the force is driven directly downward so as to be distributed equally to the two contact points. If it be a postero-rotary, most force is directed to the more prominent (posterior) transverse. Force should be delivered quickly, keeping in mind the principle of transmitted shock.

Contrary to the general belief, as much force can be developed with this move as is needful for any ordinary adjustment. The fact that it is often recommended for use with children or with sensitive or frail patients has led to the belief that it is a relatively ineffective move, whereas its value in such cases lies only in the fact that it inflicts less pain than some others.