Drop Piece Chiropractic Adjustments in Holland Park, Brisbane
If you are exploring chiropractic care options in the Holland Park area of Brisbane, you may be seeking information about specific techniques such as Drop Piece Adjustments. This technique is one of several approaches chiropractors may use as part of a care plan to manage musculoskeletal conditions. At Silky Oak Chiropractic, Drop Piece Adjustments are available and involve the use of a specially designed table. This table incorporates sections that can be set to drop a small distance when a chiropractor applies a thrust, utilising gravity and momentum to assist joint movement. This page provides information about this technique and its application within our practice.
Characteristics and Approach of Drop Piece Adjustments
Drop Piece adjustments, often associated with the Thompson Technique protocol, have distinct characteristics related to the specialised equipment used. Understanding these may help you discuss treatment options with your chiropractor.
1. Use of a Segmental Drop Table: The core feature is the chiropractic table, which is divided into movable sections (or ‘drops’) corresponding to different areas of the spine and pelvis. Before an adjustment, the chiropractor can tension a specific section. When a gentle, quick thrust is applied to the targeted joint, the table segment underneath drops a very short distance. This mechanism is designed to assist the movement of the joint, meaning the chiropractor may use less applied force compared to some other manual adjusting techniques.
2. Potential for Patient Comfort: Due to the mechanics involving the table’s drop mechanism assisting the adjustment, many patients perceive this method as comfortable. The force applied by the chiropractor is often lighter and faster than some traditional manual thrusts. This characteristic may make it a suitable option for individuals who prefer lower-force techniques or who may be apprehensive about other forms of manual therapy. However, comfort levels are subjective and vary between individuals.
3. Aim for Precision: The design of the drop table allows the chiropractor to target a specific joint or spinal level. By setting the tension on the appropriate drop section and applying a focused thrust, the aim is to influence the movement primarily at that targeted segment. This approach intends to deliver a specific corrective input to the joint identified during the assessment process.
4. Goal of Improving Joint Mobility: Like other chiropractic techniques involving mobilisation or manipulation, a primary goal of using Drop Piece adjustments is to improve or restore motion to joints that have become restricted or are not moving optimally. Adequate joint mobility is essential for normal function and can influence flexibility and overall movement patterns. Addressing joint restrictions is a fundamental aspect of chiropractic care for many musculoskeletal complaints.
5. Application in Managing Musculoskeletal Conditions: Restricted joint movement in the spine or extremities can be associated with common musculoskeletal symptoms such as back pain, neck pain, or stiffness. By aiming to improve joint mobility and function, Drop Piece adjustments may be used as part of a comprehensive chiropractic care plan to help manage these types of symptoms. Evidence supports the use of spinal manipulative therapy (which includes various techniques like this) for conditions such as non-specific low back pain and neck pain, often showing comparable effectiveness to other recommended conservative treatments (Reference 1, 2, 3). It is important to note that this technique is typically used alongside other interventions, such as exercise advice and lifestyle modifications.
6. Considerations Related to Nervous System Function: The spine protects the spinal cord and nerve roots, which transmit signals between the brain and the body. Chiropractic care operates on the principle that maintaining proper spinal function is important for overall health. Addressing spinal joint dysfunction through adjustments aims to reduce potential mechanical irritation or interference that might affect nerve function locally. Research continues to explore the complex neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation, including influences on pain perception, muscle activation, and sensorimotor control (Reference 4, 5).
7. Suitability Considerations: The characteristics of the Drop Piece technique (e.g., lower applied force) may make it a technique considered by the chiropractor for various individuals, potentially including older adults or those with specific conditions where lower force is desirable. Dr. Jones will always conduct a thorough assessment to determine suitability and the most appropriate approach based on your individual health status, examination findings, and care goals.
Our Process: Drop Piece Adjustments at Silky Oak Chiropractic
Receiving care at Silky Oak Chiropractic involves a structured approach to ensure your needs are properly assessed and addressed. If Drop Piece adjustments are considered part of your care, the process typically includes:
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment: Your first visit involves a comprehensive discussion about your health history, presenting symptoms, lifestyle factors, and what you hope to achieve through care. This is followed by a detailed physical examination relevant to your concerns. This may involve observing your posture and gait, testing your range of motion, performing orthopaedic and neurological tests, and using palpation to assess joint movement and muscle tone.
2. Analysis and Treatment Planning: Based on the findings from your history and examination, Dr. Jones will discuss the results with you and propose a tailored management plan. If Drop Piece adjustments are indicated, the specific joints or spinal levels to be addressed will be identified. Assessment protocols sometimes associated with the Thompson Technique, such as specific leg length comparisons, may be used as part of this analysis to guide the adjustment.
3. Performing the Adjustment: You will be positioned comfortably on the specialised drop table. The chiropractor will identify the segment to be adjusted, set the tension on that section of the table, and apply a quick, gentle thrust. You will likely feel the table section drop slightly beneath you and may hear a sound from the table mechanism. The applied force is typically minimal. This process may be repeated for other areas identified during the assessment.
4. Re-Assessment and Supportive Care: After the adjustments, Dr. Jones may re-assess certain movements or tests to evaluate any immediate changes. Importantly, adjustments are usually part of a broader strategy. You will likely receive advice on relevant exercises, stretches, postural improvements, or other lifestyle modifications to support your progress and help you manage your condition effectively.
5. Ongoing Care: Follow-up appointments will involve monitoring your progress, providing further treatment as needed, and adapting your management plan based on your response to care. The frequency and duration of care depend on your individual condition, goals, and response.
References:
(Note: These references point to higher-level evidence regarding spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for common conditions. Specific studies solely on the “Drop Piece” mechanism’s isolated effect are less common in high-level reviews.)
- Low Back Pain: Paige NM, Miake-Lye IM, Booth MS, et al. Association of Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Clinical Benefit and Harm for Acute Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2017;317(14):1451–1460. (Supports SMT as a treatment option for acute LBP).
- Chronic Low Back Pain: Rubinstein SM, de Zoete A, van Middelkoop M, et al. Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2019;364:l689. (Supports SMT for chronic LBP, often with moderate certainty evidence for small to moderate effects).
- Neck Pain: Corp N, Mansell G, Stynes S, et al. Evidence-based treatment recommendations for neck and low back pain across Europe: A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines. Eur J Pain. 2021;25(2):275-295. (Synthesizes guideline recommendations, often including SMT as an option).
- Neurophysiological Effects (Review): Pickar JG. Neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulation. Spine J. 2002;2(5):357-371. (Discusses potential mechanisms, acknowledging complexity).
- Sensorimotor Function (Review): Haavik H, Murphy B. The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2012;22(5):768-776. (Explores potential impacts on sensorimotor function).
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or chiropractic advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a registered chiropractor, for a thorough assessment, diagnosis, and discussion of appropriate treatment options based on your individual circumstances and health status. Do not disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Treatment outcomes can vary between individuals.
