August 2008

Spinal remodeling -- simple yet effective

Spinal remodeling techniques have been utilized by chiropractors for well over 30 years and provide a gentle way of addressing the soft tissue adaptations that so often accompany chronic subluxation making it difficult for your adjustments to "hold."

Mark R. Payne, DC, a recognized expert and frequent speaker on spinal remodeling, describes it as a "taut side" technique designed to provide sustained stretch to taut or contracted soft tissues that may be holding the body in postural imbalance.

Spinal remodeling methods may be used to address chronic misalignments of the spine in both the A-P and Lateral views and though the methods have been in use for years, Dr. Payne recommends considering them as one tool in your bag of tricks, not a total solution for all cases

According to Payne, the process for using spinal remodeling in a chiropractic office is simple and straightforward. A doctor first examines the patient visually and radiographically to determine the nature of any subluxations or postural faults which may be present.

After the patient's posture has been analyzed, the patient is then positioned so as to completely reverse whatever abnormal postures were observed. Proper positioning often requires placing the patient over rolls, wedges, or blocks of various sizes and shapes in order to completely reverse the observed postural faults.

Once in proper position, the patient simply rests in "reverse posture" long enough for soft tissue stretch to occur. Treatment is typically performed at home and consists of the patient relaxing in the reverse posture position for 20-30 minutes daily. The methods are safe and gentle for patients from childhood on up.

"Spinal remodeling is not a replacement for adjusting, but complements any adjusting technique," Payne explains. "Regardless of what adjusting technique they use, doctors are seeing significant improvement in their results when they use spinal remodeling methods as well."

Doctors interested in learning more about spinal remodeling, including how the technique may be applied to misalignments of the spine in the frontal plane may request a free copy of the report, Spinal Remodeling, one of a series entitled "The Best Corrections of Your Career." The report covers the basics of how to properly visualize and categorize the patient's posture as well as how to properly set up the patient for spinal remodeling. To request a copy, contact Matlin Mfg., Inc., 334-448-1210 or visit www.MatlinMfg.com.