What Are Thrust Techniques?

Some common thrust techniques include the Gonstead adjustment, diversified adjustment, and Thompson terminal point. Chiropractors use high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust techniques to increase joint mobility, realign the spinal column, ease muscle discomfort, and extend connective tissue in the joints.

If you suffer from joint discomfort, spinal misalignment, or another chiropractic issue, the Naples Community Injury Center team can create a treatment plan to address your needs. Reach out to us today at (239) 631-5445 to learn more about our chiropractic services and schedule an appointment.

What Are Thrust Techniques?

The Types of Thrust Techniques We May Employ During Your Appointment

At Naples Community Injury Center, we treat patients with a wide range of injuries. Whether you’re dealing with symptoms of a chronic condition or suffered injuries in a car accident or slip and fall, we’re here to provide solutions. Depending on your condition, we may use thrust techniques as part of your treatment.

As StatPearls highlights, some of the types of HVLA techniques include:

Thomson Terminal Point

We practice this technique using a Thompson Drop-Table combined with a high-velocity low-amplitude thrust. We will gently thrust your spine into the optimal position as you lay on a segmented table to encourage joint movement. Though you may hear a cracking sound as your spine readjusts, we apply gentle pressure to ensure you do not feel pain during treatment.

Palmer Gonestead Adjustment

A Palmer Gonestad adjustment, or simply Gonestad adjustment, involves using cervix chairs and chest-knee tables to position your body to identify the exact area of concern. Once we’ve located where your pain is coming from, we apply an HVLA thrust to gently force your body into proper alignment.

Diversified Technique

The diversified technique is a form of manual chiropractic adjustment. We apply an HVLA thrust to each affected joint to help you return to your normal range of motion.

Our team can combine these techniques with physiotherapy services to reduce discomfort and encourage healing.

What Kinds of Injuries Can We Address With HVLA Techniques?

The medical care team at Naples Community Injury Center is equipped to address a range of chronic and acute conditions. If you suffer from any of the following injuries or conditions, we may use HVLA thrusts in your treatment plan:

  • Asthma: A chronic condition that makes inhaling and exhaling difficult. Chiropractic thrust techniques can’t cure asthma but can reduce symptoms.
  • Neck pain: If you’re experiencing nerve irritation or neck pain caused by an acute injury, we might suggest thrust techniques to relieve pain.
  • Back pain: Back pain has a range of causes, including arthritis, muscle strains, spinal misalignment, traumatic injuries, and nerve compression. While we can’t treat every condition with HVLA thrusts, we will assess your medical issue to determine if thrust techniques are right for you. Generally, HVLA thrusts work best for lower back pain, according to StatPearls.
  • Joint stiffness: If you are dealing with a limited range of motion because of joint stiffness, HVLA thrusts can help loosen tense areas of your body.

We can explain more about our chiropractic and physical therapy techniques when you come in for your first appointment.

Physiotherapy Services We May Recommend Along With Thrust Techniques

Our team believes in providing well-rounded care. This means that while thrust techniques may help treat your condition, there might also be other services that can promote healing and alleviate your pain.

We prescribe specific physical therapy techniques depending on the patient’s condition. In addition to spinal manipulations, you could benefit from:

Massage Therapy

Massages are not only relaxing, but they also contribute to pain relief. We might suggest massage therapy to patients who are still struggling with range of motion, muscle tension, flexibility, and nerve compression after HVLA thrusts.

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation, or ES, is usually used to treat injuries. We place electrodes near the site of your injury to send healing electrical pulses through your skin.

Muscle Energy Techniques

Muscle energy techniques (MET) help loosen tight muscles and mobilize your joints. While we generally recommend MET for patients recovering from an injury or joint disease, we can assess your condition and determine if this therapy is helpful for you.

During MET, we ask you to contract your muscles and resist gentle pulls to stimulate injured areas. We repeat this process several times, allowing you to rest as needed.

What to Expect During Your First Appointment at Naples Community Injury Center

We aim to make you feel as comfortable and worry-free as possible when you visit one of our offices. During your first appointment, we will:

  • Ask you about your medical history so we understand how your injury or condition developed
  • Evaluate your condition to determine the types of treatments we think will help you feel better
  • Listen to any concerns you have and address all your questions
  • Run any necessary medical tests such as X-rays

To prepare for your appointment, note anything you wish to discuss with our physical therapists and chiropractors. Let us know if you have noticed any worsening or recurring symptoms, as this may affect your treatment plan.

We also recommend you wear comfortable clothing, as you may be asked to sit, stand, or lay in different positions as we employ HVLA thrusts.

Call Us Today to Learn If Thrust Techniques Can Help With Your Medical Condition

If you are dealing with neck pain, back pain, or the effects of an acute injury, our team can create a care plan tailored to your needs. When you visit Naples Community Injury Center, we will provide compassionate support while you recover.

You can reach us at (239) 631-5445 to schedule your first appointment. We’ll work with you to find the most convenient appointment time.