If you've never been to a chiropractor before, the idea of a chiropractic adjustment can sound a little mysterious. Is it going to hurt? Is there just one way it's done? At Palmer Chiropractic in Richmond Hill, GA, Dr. Trace Palmer actually uses three different techniques, Diversified, Thompson, and Activator, and which one you get depends on your body, your comfort level, and what's actually going on with you. Here's what each one involves and how Dr. Palmer decides which is the right fit.
What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment, Really?
At its core, a chiropractic adjustment is a hands-on technique used to restore movement to a joint, most often in the spine, that has become restricted or isn't moving the way it should. That restriction can come from an old injury, poor posture, a physically demanding job, or just the wear and tear of everyday life. When a joint isn't moving well, the surrounding muscles and nerves often compensate, which is where a lot of the pain and stiffness people feel actually comes from.
The benefits of chiropractic care tend to show up in a few concrete ways: reduced pain in the affected area, improved range of motion, and fewer repeat flare-ups once the underlying restriction is addressed instead of just the symptom of the week.
Diversified: The Traditional Manual Adjustment
Diversified is the technique most people picture when they think of a chiropractic adjustment. It's a manual, hands-on adjustment where Dr. Palmer applies a controlled, precise force to a specific joint to restore its movement. It's a versatile technique that can be used almost anywhere along the spine, which is part of why it's one of the most commonly used approaches in chiropractic care generally.
Thompson: The Drop Table Technique
If you've ever been to a chiropractor and felt the table drop slightly beneath you during an adjustment, that's the Thompson technique. It uses a specialized table with sections that drop a short distance the moment Dr. Palmer applies pressure, which allows for a lower-force, gentler chiropractic neck adjustment or spinal adjustment compared to a traditional manual thrust. A lot of patients who are a little nervous about a "typical" adjustment find Thompson to be a more comfortable entry point.
Activator: The Low-Force Option
The Activator technique uses a small, handheld spring-loaded instrument rather than a manual thrust. It delivers a quick, precise, low-force impulse to a specific spot, which makes it a good option for patients who prefer a gentler approach, including many older adults and some patients who are simply more sensitive to manual adjustments. It's also a technique Dr. Palmer uses often with chiropractic care for kids, where a gentle, controlled approach matters even more.
So Which One Will You Get?
This is really the point of having more than one technique available: not every patient responds the same way to the same adjustment, and comfort matters as much as effectiveness. During your first visit, Dr. Palmer starts with a conversation and a hands-on assessment to understand what's actually going on, then chooses the technique that fits your body and what you're comfortable with. Some patients end up with a mix, Diversified for one area and Activator for a more sensitive spot, for example.
A Few Common Questions
Does it hurt? Most patients feel pressure or a quick release rather than pain, especially with lower-force techniques like Activator or Thompson.
Is chiropractic care covered by insurance? Palmer Chiropractic is in-network with several major providers, and yes, in many cases Medicare does cover chiropractic care for specific, medically necessary treatment. Give the office a call and the team can help you check your specific plan.
Do you treat kids and older adults? Yes. Dr. Palmer treats patients from their first days as newborns through every stage of life, adjusting the technique to fit the patient rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Ready to Find Out Which Technique Fits You?
Whether you're dealing with ongoing back or neck pain, general stiffness, or you're just curious what a chiropractic adjustment actually involves, Dr. Palmer can walk you through it during your first visit at Palmer Chiropractic. With more than 30 years of experience and three techniques to choose from, care here is built around what your body actually needs, not a single default approach. Schedule your appointment today.
