Flip Class Reflection #1

During todays class discussion, there were many chiropractic

techniques discussed and explained. Many personal experiences on a type
of technique were discussed and differentiated. We discussed the difference
between a core chiropractic procedure and a complementary procedure. A
core procedure is more commonly used, consistent with the model of care,
supported by theoretical foundations/mechanisms and focuses on manually
applied procedures with or without mechanical assistance. A complementary
procedure includes alternative approaches involving mind-body foundations,
and mechanisms yet undefined or outsides the model of care.
The common techniques the class discussed included Diversified,
Activator, FAKTR, Cox, Thompson, Gonstead, and ART.
Diversified Technique encompasses the best parts of all the other
techniques. Characteristics include postural assessment, adjustments,
mobilizations, soft tissue, motion palpation, evidence based, most common
technique used, utilizes high velocity/low amplitude, at times can be seen
too broad, adaptable, treatments based on individual needs, only method
taught in Canada, constantly evolving, and is not standardized. The
Diversified technique system allows the doctor to have all the skills required
to provide the patient with the best possible care. Using this technique
system, a chiropractor can plan their treatment in many different ways and
adapt if it is not working.
Activator technique system is trying to restore leg length and spinal
alignment, target subluxations, aim for physiological comfort, and try to
reduce doctor effort. COX technique system tries to relieve pain, includes
traction, decompress spine, stretch tight muscles, gentle oscillation, and was
influenced by osteopathy. Thompson technique involves observing leg
length discrepancy, uses drop tables, requires less force, and distract joint
with adjustments. Gonstead technique aims to remove subluxations, use xrays, kneeling table, use of temperature gradients, high/low tables, and
believe in the motion of thrust and hold. ART technique system aims to
restore fascial interactions, break adhesions within fascia, strengthen
muscles actively and passively, and increase mobility. Lastly, FAKTR aims to
restore muscle activation, works within the painful range, brush and tap on
muscles to activate during exercise, re-activate inflammation process, and
uses metal tools.
Personally, I have only ever experienced diversified technique being
practiced from my chiropractor back home and at Canadian Memorial
Chiropractic College. This is one of the main reasons why I chose CMCC
when looking at chiropractic schools, because I believe diversified technique
encompasses the best parts of all the other techniques and give

chiropractors that practice this technique the best plan of management to

help patients. When receiving diversified treatment, I like how the doctor
explains everything to you including why they are doing what they are doing.
Also, how the treatment makes sense in the patients mind. If the patient
doesnt believe in you or the treatment you are doing will make them feel
better then they will look elsewhere for another chiropractor.

The above for mentioned technique systems have many things in

common/uncommon. These technique systems have in common that they
are patient centred, deal with the spine, involved in pain relief,
musculoskeletal interventions, drug free, aim to restore motion and function,
all have their own evaluation protocols, hands on procedures, hope for
doctor/patient comfort, believe methods improve patient symptoms, and
they work through mechanotransduction. These technique systems differ in
cavitations, theories, evidence based, specific vs. global, tools vs. hands,
amount of force, patient management care, exposure to radiation, and
duration of treatment.
How could it be possible that people with back pain get better
seeing different chiropractors that use different techniques?
It is possible that people with back pain get better seeing different
chiropractors that use different techniques because all these technique
systems focus on pain relief. No matter what type of technique is used or
how they implement their treatment plan, all technique systems try to get
their patient better. The methods they use to get their patients better may
be different but the aim of every technique system is to relieve pain.
Cook vs. Chef
If we say that a cook follows a recipe and a chef creates recipes, how could
this statement relate to chiropractic techniques? If using this statement one
would believe that the diversified technique system is the chef and the other
types of technique systems are the cooks. Diversified technique allows
adaptation to what a patient present with, and give the doctors all the tools
and skills they need to provide the treatment that will benefit heir patient the
most. Much like a chef creating their own recipes, a diversified technique
doctor can take elements of other technique systems they like and apply it to
their treatment. The other types of technique systems must follow the
guidelines presented in their specific technique systems like a cook following
a recipe. This does not allow for these technique systems to use treatments
from other technique systems that might benefit their patient.

Flip class #1 was interesting and influential to learn about all types of
technique systems. At CMCC, we are so diversified heavy that you do not
get to experience other technique systems. The videos posted to watch
before the class were of great help watching the adaptations to the types of
treatments that we do. This flip class also allowed for people to share their
experiences of these different technique systems that allowed for a firsthand experience.