What Is Thompson Terminal Point Technique Or Thompson Drop-Table Technique?
Thompson Terminal Point Technique, also known as Thompson Drop-Table Technique, is a chiropractic technique, which uses a precision adjusting table along with a weighing mechanism which gives sufficient tension to keep the patient in the “up” position before the thrust or pressure is applied. Thompson Technique is a specific chiropractic technique which was discovered and developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson. This technique comprises of a special table with several segments in it known as drop pieces. These table segments can be lifted up a fraction of an inch, so that upon delivering the thrust, the table drops. This table is known as “Segmental Drop Table,” and it helps in enhancing the motion of the area or segment which is to be adjusted, usually the mid-back, low back and pelvic area. These drop pieces aid in the thrust thus minimizing the force/pressure required for the adjustment. This is one of the benefits of this technique. This technique (spinal adjusting) usually entails the patient lying face down. Another important feature of the Thompson Technique is the leg length analysis concept. This concept is used to determine imbalance in the leg lengths with the patient lying in a prone position (face down) on the table. Other than checking the leg lengths, palpation, X-rays and other suitable tests may be also be used by the chiropractor for determining the area to be adjusted.
How Does Thompson Terminal Point Technique or Thompson Drop-Table Technique Work?
The first step in the Thompson Technique is the Derifield-Thompson Leg-Check Analysis. Any imbalances in the body affect its core too. So, the extremities, spine and hips are checked thoroughly for any subluxations. A Leg-Check analysis is done to locate any problem in each segment of the body such as leg-length inequality. As the subluxations compromise the joint function, the Thompson Terminal Point Technique tries to restore correct range of motion for both the extremities and spine.
The second step requires the use of a special table, which administers high-velocity, low-impact thrusts. Thompson developed a special table, which drops slightly when the chiropractor applies thrusts or force during the adjustments while keeping the patient stable. Next, the high-velocity thrusts are applied without causing the patient unnecessary pain, as the slight drop adjusts according to the adjustment motion.
Benefits of the Thompson Terminal Point Technique or Thompson Drop-Table Technique:
- Increased strength
- Enhanced posture and performance
- Improved flexibility
- Improvement in sleep
- Increased resistance to injury
- Reduction in aches and pains
- Increased tolerance to stress
- Increase in the ability to relax
- General improvement in well being
- Chiropractic adjustments aid the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.
Expected Results After Thompson Terminal Point Technique or Thompson Drop-Table Technique Treatment:
After the initial adjustment and restoration of the nerve function, there is an increased flow of energy causing the patient to feel a warm sensation flowing to different parts of the body. Patient may feel total relief just after one adjustment or the patient may require more than a single adjustment to relieve his/her symptoms. For an active and healthy body, it is essential to have a healthy nervous system. This adjustment technique helps in restoring normal nerve function thus bringing relief from pain and benefiting in other ways too such as improving sleep, reducing stress and increasing the capacity of the body to function at its maximum.
