Students who join our Doctor of Chiropractic program quickly learn that hands-on skill is at the heart of this profession. From the first term onward, you build confidence by practicing real chiropractic techniques that shape your future as a clinician.
These techniques help you support mobility, improve function, and contribute to overall wellness — and mastering them prepares you for a rewarding career in patient care. At Life Chiropractic College West, we introduce these methods early so students feel ready for clinic work and life after graduation.
Below, we explore key chiropractic techniques you’ll encounter as a student and later apply in practice.
Diversified Technique
Diversified remains one of the most widely used chiropractic techniques and forms a foundation for students in our program. It focuses on restoring motion to joints through a short, precise thrust. Students value learning Diversified early because it develops hand speed, accurate contact points, and strong biomechanical understanding.
With time in our labs and Health Center, you gain confidence in adapting this method for different body types and clinical scenarios.
Gonstead Technique
Gonstead is highly detailed and requires careful analysis, including palpation, X-ray study, and observation of posture. Students who enjoy precision often gravitate toward Gonstead because the system gives them a clear framework for locating and adjusting specific spinal segments.
At Life Chiropractic College West, our focus on on-site imaging helps you learn this method with clarity. This will give you real-time visual context for the adjustments you perform.
Activator Method
Some patients prefer low-force adjustments, which makes the Activator Method ideal. This approach uses a handheld spring-loaded instrument to deliver a quick and gentle impulse. It allows chiropractors to target specific joints with precision, minimizing discomfort while still achieving effective alignment.
Students gain early experience with the Activator in technique classes and refine it further during clinical training. It is particularly useful for patients who may feel uncomfortable with manual thrusts, including seniors, those recovering from injuries, or anyone with heightened sensitivity.
Practicing this method helps build confidence in applying controlled, precise forces in clinical scenarios.
Thompson Drop Technique
Thompson Drop employs specialized chiropractic tables with segmented pieces that lift and then drop during an adjustment. This drop motion assists the thrust and reduces the manual force required, making adjustments smoother and more comfortable for patients.
Students enjoy Thompson Drop because table feedback clarifies spinal movement and enhances understanding of joint mechanics. It also prepares them to address a wider range of patient needs in the Health Center, from those with musculoskeletal stiffness to patients requiring gentle, supported adjustments. The technique builds awareness of timing, rhythm, and patient positioning, crucial for effective care.
Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT)
SOT combines gentle pressure, pelvic blocks, and careful analysis to support balance between the sacrum and the occiput. Small structural adjustments can influence neurological function and overall comfort, while attention to subtle cues improves patient response.
Practicing this technique helps develop a refined, subtle touch that becomes valuable across every other adjustment style you encounter. It also teaches students to recognize how minor spinal changes affect posture, balance, and nervous system activity, giving insight into individualized care.
Flexion-Distraction Technique
Flexion-Distraction employs a specialized table that moves in a rhythmic motion to stretch and decompress the spine. Often used for disc-related concerns and lower-back discomfort, this method allows students to observe spinal mechanics in motion rather than only in static positions. Learning this approach enhances understanding of dynamic spinal function and patient response.
Upper Cervical Techniques
Upper cervical methods — including NUCCA, Blair, and Knee-Chest — concentrate on the top two vertebrae. These techniques rely on detailed analysis, precise angles, and a deep understanding of structural balance.
Students who are drawn to biomechanics and neurological pathways often develop a strong interest in upper cervical adjusting as they explore more advanced coursework.
Soft-Tissue Therapies Integrated with Chiropractic Care
Although adjustments are central to the profession, students also learn soft-tissue approaches that support functional improvement. Myofascial work, instrument-assisted techniques, and targeted stretching help reduce tension and improve mobility. These skills help future chiropractors create a well-rounded care plan once they enter practice.
Why These Techniques Matter for Your Chiropractic Journey
Learning a range of chiropractic techniques helps you grow as a future clinician. Each method gives you tools to respond to different patient needs and develop your own style as a chiropractor. At Life Chiropractic College West, our approach emphasizes hands-on learning from the beginning so you can build confidence through repetition, feedback, and real clinical experience. You also gain access to on-site X-ray, world-class instructors, and a campus culture that supports continuous improvement.
Each new skill expands your ability to help others and shapes the chiropractor you will become.
