What's in a Technique? Breaking Down the Many Chiropractic Techniques 

Written By Megan Peterson

In chiropractic school (and beyond), chiropractors are able to learn and discover many different techniques. After chiropractic college, many chiropractors continue their education to receive diplomates, and certifications in topics such as Functional Medicine, Sports (CCSP/ACBSP), Neurology, and more! At Elevated Chiropractic, we focus on using diversified chiropractic technique and emphasize in sports medicine type of treatment modalities. We have noticed a significant difference in patient’s outcomes and quicker recovery times compared to just using chiropractic adjustments along. Within this blog post, we are breaking down the mainstream types of chiropractic techniques. We will also break down the difference between a general chiropractor and a sports chiropractor.


Common Chiropractic Techniques (According to ACA data)

  • Diversified Technique: The classic "crack with precision" high‑velocity, low‑amplitude thrust. Interchanges multiple techniques. Think of Diversified as a chiropractor’s Swiss Army knife (without the blades of coures). Hits about 95.9% of chiro toolboxes. atlas.chiro.orgWikipedia

  • Extremity Adjusting: Joints beyond the spine: wrists, knees, shoulders. Can use methods such as activator, mobilization and HVLA adjustments. Used by 95.5% of chiropractors. atlas.chiro.orgWikipedia

  • Activator Method: Spring‑loaded tool for those who prefer/need gentler adjustments. About 62.8% usage. atlas.chiro.orgWikipedia+1

  • Gonstead Technique: Precision over rotation. X-ray, palpation, even temperature maps guide hand‑only adjustments. Used by ~58.5%. atlas.chiro.orgSpecific Care Chiropractic

  • Cox Flexion/Distraction: Think traction table that can flex, great for disc herniation or spinal mobility work (~58%). atlas.chiro.orgWikipedia

  • Thompson Technique: Drop‑table assisted adjustments. Less force, more drop. ~56%. atlas.chiro.orgWikipedia

  • Webster Technique: Specific adjustment technique for antepartum and post-partum women.

Those are just a few chiropractic techniques, the list goes on to include Sacro‑Occipital, Applied Kinesiology, Cranial work, and more. But hey, we are sticking with the headliners today. atlas.chiro.orgWikipedia




Sports Chiropractor vs. General Chiropractor: The Athletic Advantage

General Chiropractor (aka “Jack-of‑All‑Spines”)

  • Trained to soothe everyday aches, office-induced misalignments, chronic low back pain, headaches, and basic spinal funk using chiropractic adjustment techniques. Verywell Health+1

  • Focus: Restore function, reduce pain, offer lifestyle advice. Verywell Health

Sports Chiropractor (aka “Atlas… but athletically tuned”)

  • Same foundational DC degree but with extra training in sports medicine techniques, athletic performance, and strength & conditioning. Often, they have an ICCSP certification recognized by FICS (think Olympic chiropractic squad). Kinetic Sports Medicine and RehabWikipedia

  • Treats sprains, strains, joint dysfunctions, and even helps athletes (and normal folk) bounce back faster and perform harder. Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehabveevaclinics.com

  • Specialty toolkit includes:

    • Active Release Technique (ART)

    • Myofascial Release Technique (mRT)

    • Corrective Exercises

    • Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)

    • Kinesiology taping

    • Cupping

    • Dry needling, Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) - (Not used at Elevated Chiropractic)

    • Normatech compression, Torque Release Technique (TRT)—all designed for athletic recovery, performance gain, and injury prevention. Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehabapexchiroco.comveevaclinics.com (also not used at Elevated Chiropractic)

Wrap-Up: Why This Is Peer-Review Friendly

Megan Peterson
Next

Pop, Lock, & Drop It: The Truth Behind Chiropractic Crack