Our techniques are designed to achieve the best results in the shortest amount of time possible. We use a variety of highly-effective adjusting approaches designed to restore proper joint function, reduce pain and promote healing. The approach we take with our patients is determined by the history and physical exam findings. After our initial evaluation we shedule a Report of Findings where we answer four basic questions:
At New Beginnings Health Care, we use a variety of techniques. Dr Cynthia Westbrook is Advanced Proficiency Rated in the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique. Dr. Richard Westbrook primarily uses the Diversified Technique also known as the Palmer Method.
First, an analysis of your spine is performed. This involves a history and physical exam. The exam includes a Thermography and Electromyography scan that helps locate areas of nerve interference. In some cases, an X-ray or MRI will be recommended.
Subsequent visits usually include motion palpation, leg length analysis, soft-tissue analysis and other orthopedic tests.
After the spinal subluxation (misalignment) is identified, a highly-specific manual thrust is delivered. The direction, speed, depth and angle that are used is the result of years of experience, practice and a thorough understanding of spinal mechanics.
The energy delivered during the adjustment may produce a slight “popping” sound from the shifting of gas and fluids in the joint. This sound may be interesting, but has no relevance to the quality or effectiveness of the adjustment. Making a noise is simple, knowing where, when, what and why to adjust is why Chiropractors are the most qualified to adjust the spine.
While improving spinal biomechanics can reduce nervous system interference, virtually all joints of the body can be adjusted to maximize functon and decrease pain.
We use one of the most popular “low force” chiropractic techniques in the world—right here in Monterey, California. The Activator Method is the most widely-used technique for instrument adjusting by Chiropractors in the world. It is a gentle, low-force approach to Chiropractic care that has been around since the late 1960’s, bringing relief to people with a variety of health concerns.
The Activator Method technique utilizes specific protocols to detect spinal joint dysfunction, analyze leg length inequality, identify issues with body mechanics and test neurological reflexes. When the exact area of the body that needs to be adjusted is identified, the Chiropractor can start the process of restoring spinal balance, gently and effectively. This time-tested protocol tells us if vertebral subluxations exist and their location. It also helps us know when to adjust and when not to adjust.
The Activator Methods® Adjusting Instrument is a handheld spring-loaded tool that delivers a consistent low-force, high-speed thrust.
Because it’s many times faster than adjustments delivered by hand, the body rarely tightens to resist, making adjustments comfortable and effective. It’s also helpful for adjusting elbows, wrists, knees and other joints of the body.
After your adjustment, we retest to make sure corrections have been made. Testing afterwards helps us deliver high-quality care and high levels of patient satisfaction.
At New Beginnings Health Care we are experts at addressing the whole body. To properly address many of the conditions we see, it is important to work on the soft-tissue component of the problem. Along with expert spinal adjustments, we also work on the tissues that support the spine and joints of the body.
Fascia is the tough connective tissue in the body that holds everything together. It’s the “glue and duct-tape” of the body. Through wear and tear from injuries, overuse and neglect these tissues become tight and pain-sensitive. These tissues are commonly the source of chronic pain syndromes.
At New Beginnings Health Care, we use a variety of techniques to release these tight tissues. When this myofascitis is released the joints move freely and the nerve intereference is removed.
First, we’ll conduct a thorough evaluation, looking at your posture, your ability to turn, bend and move. We’ll identify specific movements that produce increased pain or discomfort.
Then, we’ll use our hands to locate the tender areas. Gently stretching the fascia and involved muscles causes them to release. This is not a massage! You’ll have some homework: drinking more water. By drinking more than your usual water intake, you’ll help flush out toxins that have built up and reduce soreness.
Progress is rarely a straight line. Expect some ups and downs as your body learns it can abandon its defensive posture. As your body heals, your brain will eventually recognize your new posture and muscle tone as normal. With time, expect better movement, more strength, flexibility, improved posture and greater vitality.
The Thompson Technique, developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson, has evolved into a system of analysis and a way of adjusting the full spine. The combination produces precise adjustments and high levels of patient comfort.
Early chiropractors noticed that vertebral subluxations would produce the appearance of a short, or contracted leg. Using a protocol of comparing leg lengths while the patient turned their head, helped determine whether the subluxation was in the upper, middle or lower back.
What patients often notice first is our segmental “drop” table.
Individual cushions or “drop pieces” located along our table surface, support each area of your spine until the thrust is delivered. Then, each drop-piece gently gives way, reducing the amount of energy needed to move a specific spinal segment.
So unique is this approach, Dr. Thompson was granted a patent in 1955. Since then, because of its precision and patient results, it is a technique used around the world.
SOT stands for Sacro Occipital Technique, a chiropractic technique designed to help normalize the relationship between the pelvis and the head.
The relationship between the cranium and pelvis is fundamental to the overall well-being of the individual. Everyday stress (mental, physical and emotional) distorts the balance of the spinal column and pelvis. SOT focuses on restoring this relationship by balancing the pelvis and reducing tension in the spinal cord
Proper control of every cell and tissue of your body is affected by bones of the skull and tension on your spinal cord. Cranial distortions and spinal cord tension interfere with the normal rhythmic flow of cerebral spinal fluid (csf). Think of your spinal cord as a string on a harp. Is it flexible and healthy? Or stretched and drawn tight?
We use wedge-shaped devices known as “blocks” to help correct your spine and properly “tune” your nervous system. By knowing exactly where to position these blocks, we use the weight of your body to make corrections, naturally.
By using gravity and your own body to affect correction, new healthier patterns of spinal function can result. Along with safe, consistent results, SOT is known for emphasizing patient comfort.