PATIENT EDUCATION

Q: WHAT TECHNIQUE DOES DR. HECKMANN UTILIZE? 

A: He actually works with four different methods and combines them to provide whole-body care to his patients: the Diversified Full Spine Method, Activator Method, the Thompson Drop Method, and Upper Cervical Adjustments. All four methods are minimal force techniques. Dr. Heckmann is known as a gentle chiropractor who gets results, but who doesn’t have to ‘force’ alignments. He cares about his patients and their well-being, wanting to make sure that they are always safe and comfortable.

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What are each of these methods and what can they do for you?

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Diversified:

The diversified method is considered the most effective chiropractic technique and is differentiated from other techniques in that its objective is to restore proper movement and alignment of the spine. It utilizes a specific high-velocity, low-amplitude adjustment to correct misalignments and remove interference to the central nervous system. This method is a ‘minimal-force’ technique that provides just the right amount of pressure to move the trouble areas, but not too much to cause harm.

The diversified full spine technique is safe for all ages of children, from infants to teenagers. The method is very gentle, yet extremely effective.

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Activator:

The activator method employs the use of a small device that aids in adjustments called an activator. The activator method has been around since 1967. The device releases gentle impulse forces directly to the spine to restore mobility to the targeted area. This method is used as the alternative to the conventional technique referred to as high-velocity low-amplitude thrust (HVLA). The activator adjusting instrument is the second most common device that is used in chiropractic care.

The activator method is incredibly gentle and is a wonderful tool that Dr. Heckmann utilizes when an area may be a little too tender to manually adjust with the diversified method. However, in combination, the two techniques work together in perfect harmony, helping the patient to gain the most benefit with the least amount of discomfort.

Thompson:

Another minimal force technique is using the Thompson drop table. Gentle chiropractic treatment, such as drop table techniques, involves less powerful spinal maneuvering and slower, low-velocity movements that allow the affected joint to stay within its passive range of motion.

How does a drop table work? When a chiropractor applies a gentle thrust to the area needing adjustment, the table releases and drops down, causing that segment of the body to fall too. The drop table comes to a rest, but the patient’s body momentum continues for a short period.

The drop allows gravity to assist and work in combination with the manual adjustment, and all of this provides a lighter adjustment than that which comes with some other chiropractic techniques.

Upper Cervical:

The upper cervical chiropractic adjustment is a specialized chiropractic technique that deals mostly with two areas at the base of the skull, known as the "Atlas" and the "Axis." The theory behind upper cervical chiropractic is that since these areas are so neurologically dense, any issues stemming from them may lead to misalignment in the rest of the spine as well as whole body nervous system dysfunction.

Upper cervical adjustment is highly-targeted, gentle, and safe.