Thompson Technique Chiropractic Care in Elyria, Ohio

Drop-Table Chiropractic Adjustments at Xcell Medical Group

At Xcell Medical Group in Elyria, Ohio, our chiropractors use different adjusting techniques based on each patient’s condition, comfort, and individual treatment needs.

One of these approaches is the Thompson Technique, a chiropractic method that uses a specialized segmented drop table to assist with controlled adjustments of the spine and other joints.

The technique allows the chiropractor to use the movement of the table during an adjustment, potentially requiring less manual force than some traditional chiropractic adjusting methods.

Xcell Medical Group provides individualized chiropractic care for patients from Elyria and communities throughout Lorain County, Ohio.

What Is the Thompson Chiropractic Technique?

The Thompson Technique, sometimes called the Thompson Drop-Table Technique, was developed by chiropractor Dr. J. Clay Thompson.

It combines patient assessment with a specialized chiropractic table containing individual sections known as drop pieces.

During an adjustment, the chiropractor applies a controlled thrust while the appropriate section of the table moves downward a short distance.

The movement of the drop piece assists the adjustment and allows the chiropractor to use a different amount and type of force than may be used with a traditional adjustment performed on a stationary table.

What Is a Chiropractic Drop Table?

A chiropractic drop table is a specialized treatment table with sections that can be raised slightly and then release, or “drop,” during an adjustment.

Different sections of the table correspond with different areas of the body.

When performing an adjustment, the chiropractor positions the patient appropriately and activates the drop mechanism. As controlled force is applied, the selected portion of the table drops a short distance.

The drop is quick and controlled.

For some patients, the Thompson Technique can provide an alternative way of delivering a chiropractic adjustment when a drop-table approach is appropriate for their condition.

What Happens During a Thompson Technique Adjustment?

Before recommending the Thompson Technique, your chiropractor will evaluate your condition and determine whether chiropractic manipulation is appropriate.

Your evaluation may include:

• Your current symptoms
• Medical and injury history
• Range of motion
• Joint mobility
• Posture and functional movement
• Areas of pain or tenderness
• Orthopedic or neurological testing when appropriate
• Other findings relevant to your condition

The Thompson Technique traditionally incorporates observations involving leg position and apparent leg-length differences as part of its assessment process.

These observations are only one component of a chiropractic evaluation. At Xcell Medical Group, treatment decisions are based on the patient’s overall history, examination findings, symptoms, and individual clinical needs.

Is Thompson Technique a Low-Force Chiropractic Technique?

The Thompson Technique uses a drop-assisted adjustment, meaning movement of the table assists the chiropractor as controlled force is applied.

Because the table contributes to the movement during the adjustment, less manual force may be required than with some other chiropractic techniques.

That can make the Thompson Technique an option for patients who prefer a different adjusting experience or for situations in which the chiropractor determines that a drop-table adjustment is appropriate.

However, no single chiropractic technique is best for every patient.

Your chiropractor will determine which approach is appropriate for you.

What Conditions May Be Treated With Thompson Technique?

The Thompson Technique may be incorporated into chiropractic care for appropriate musculoskeletal conditions involving the spine, pelvis, or other joints.

Depending on your diagnosis, chiropractic care may be considered for symptoms or conditions such as:

• Lower back pain
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Mid-back pain
• Joint stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Sciatica and related symptoms
• Hip or pelvic-area discomfort
• Certain musculoskeletal injuries
• Car accident injuries
• Work-related injuries
• Sports and activity-related injuries

Having one of these symptoms does not automatically mean the Thompson Technique is appropriate.

Your chiropractor will first evaluate your condition and determine what type of treatment, if any, is recommended.

Thompson Technique for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek chiropractic care.

Because back pain can originate from muscles, joints, discs, nerves, injuries, or other conditions, treatment begins with determining the likely cause of your symptoms.

For appropriate patients, Thompson drop-table adjustments may be incorporated into a treatment plan for lower back pain.

Depending on your condition, chiropractic treatment may also be combined with physical rehabilitation, orthopedic care, or other services available at Xcell Medical Group.

Thompson Technique for Neck Pain

The Thompson Technique may also be used as part of chiropractic treatment for certain musculoskeletal conditions affecting the neck.

Your chiropractor will evaluate your symptoms, range of motion, medical history, and examination findings before deciding whether chiropractic manipulation is appropriate.

Some conditions require a different treatment approach or additional medical evaluation.

Do Thompson Technique Adjustments Make a Popping Sound?

Not necessarily.

Traditional chiropractic adjustments sometimes produce an audible popping or cracking sound associated with pressure changes within a joint.

Because the Thompson Technique uses a drop table to assist the adjustment, patients may experience the treatment differently from other manual chiropractic techniques.

A popping sound is not required for an adjustment to be effective, and the presence or absence of a sound does not determine the success of the treatment.

Do I Need X-Rays Before Thompson Technique Chiropractic Care?

Not every patient requires X-rays before receiving chiropractic treatment.

When imaging is medically appropriate, Xcell Medical Group offers digital X-rays on-site at our Elyria office.

X-rays may provide useful information about bones, joints, arthritis, alignment, and certain injuries. Your provider will determine whether diagnostic imaging is necessary based on your medical history, symptoms, and examination.

Thompson Technique vs. Diversified Technique

Both Thompson Technique and Diversified Technique are approaches chiropractors may use to perform adjustments, but they are performed differently.

The Thompson Technique uses a specialized segmented drop table that moves slightly during the adjustment.

Diversified Technique generally involves a controlled manual thrust delivered directly to a specific joint without relying on a drop mechanism.

Neither technique is automatically better than the other.

The appropriate chiropractic technique depends on the patient’s condition, examination findings, comfort, and individual treatment needs.

Chiropractic Care Designed Around the Patient

At Xcell Medical Group, we don’t believe every patient should receive the same adjustment or follow an identical treatment plan.

Your chiropractor may use the Thompson Technique, Diversified Technique, another chiropractic approach, or a combination of treatments based on your individual needs.

Because Xcell Medical Group is an integrated healthcare practice, chiropractic care can also be coordinated with services such as:

• Physical rehabilitation
• Orthopedic care
• Medical evaluation
• On-site digital X-rays
• Joint and musculoskeletal care
• Appropriate bracing and support

The goal is to determine which treatment approach makes sense for your condition rather than fitting every patient into the same type of care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thompson Technique

What is Thompson Technique in chiropractic care?

The Thompson Technique is a chiropractic adjusting method that uses a specialized drop table. Sections of the table move a short distance during an adjustment, assisting the chiropractor as controlled force is applied to a specific area.

What is a Thompson drop table?

A Thompson drop table is a chiropractic treatment table containing individual sections that can be raised slightly and released during an adjustment. The movement of the table assists with the chiropractic technique.

Is Thompson Technique gentler than traditional chiropractic adjustments?

Thompson Technique uses the movement of a drop table to assist the adjustment, which may allow the chiropractor to use less manual force than with certain other techniques. The amount of force needed depends on the patient and the area being treated.

Does Xcell Medical Group offer Thompson Technique in Elyria?

Yes. Xcell Medical Group in Elyria, Ohio, offers Thompson Technique chiropractic care when the technique is appropriate for the patient’s condition.

Can Thompson Technique help lower back pain?

Thompson Technique may be incorporated into treatment for certain musculoskeletal causes of lower back pain. An evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of your symptoms and whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate.

Can Thompson Technique be used for sciatica?

Chiropractic care, including drop-table techniques, may be considered for certain patients experiencing sciatica or related musculoskeletal symptoms. Treatment depends on what is causing the nerve irritation and the patient’s individual condition.

Is Thompson Technique the same as Diversified Technique?

No. Both are chiropractic adjusting methods, but Thompson Technique uses a segmented drop table, while Diversified Technique typically uses a direct manual adjustment. Xcell Medical Group offers different chiropractic approaches based on individual patient needs.

Does Thompson Technique require X-rays?

Not necessarily. X-rays should be used when clinically appropriate rather than automatically before chiropractic treatment. Xcell Medical Group has on-site digital X-rays in Elyria when imaging is needed.

Is Thompson Technique appropriate for everyone?

No single chiropractic technique is appropriate for everyone. Your chiropractor will consider your symptoms, medical history, examination findings, and individual needs before recommending Thompson Technique or another treatment approach.

Schedule a Chiropractic Evaluation in Elyria, Ohio

If you’re experiencing back pain, neck pain, sciatica, joint stiffness, reduced mobility, or another musculoskeletal problem, Xcell Medical Group can help determine which treatment options may be appropriate.

Our chiropractors offer the Thompson Drop-Table Technique, Diversified Technique, and individualized chiropractic care as part of Xcell’s integrated approach to musculoskeletal health.

We proudly serve patients from Elyria and communities throughout Lorain County, Ohio.

Call Xcell Medical Group at 440-328-8487 to schedule a chiropractic evaluation.