Wednesday

Chiropractic BioPhysics: An Overview



In my last blog, I discussed the different types of chiropractic care and how my practice stands apart from the others. I mentioned my use of Chiropractic BioPhysics, Mirror Image Adjustments, Mirror Image Exercises, and traction, but many of you likely don’t know what this entails. Here, I’ll explain these methods further so that you can better understand them!

First, Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP). CBP was developed and began to be studied in the 1970s by Donald D. Harrison, PhD, DC, MSE and involves a higher level of spine remodeling techniques (which I will discuss later in this blog) than traditional chiropractic care.[1] If you are unsure of CBP, rest assured that it is not a “trend”—it is a technique taught in graduate courses at universities all over the world, and the extensive clinical trials and research studies that have been conducted over the past three decades have proved that its techniques and methods produce better results.[2] CBP-trained chiropractors learn the latest approaches to treat spine disorders and improve their patients’ health and overall wellbeing, which is something I am truly passionate about. 

So, what are the spine remodeling techniques involved in CBP? It begins with an examination of your posture, including x-ray analysis which I will share with you, compared to the ideal spine. See the image to get an idea of what the CBP Full-spine Normal Model looks like. This determines if/where any rotational (turn, twist, tilt) and translational (up, down, left, right, forward, back) abnormalities occur. In doing this, essentially I am using biology, physiology, physics, geometry, and anatomy to identify any spinal problems you may be experiencing. [3]

Once these problems are identified, we will move on to your Mirror Image treatment, another aspect of CBP. The Mirror Image Adjustments begin the process, and with these adjustments I place your body in the exact opposite position of the abnormal alignment of your spine. I use a table with movable parts to do Mirror Image Adjustments, which stimulates the nerves that control position and tone. Your adjustments will help to improve movement and aid your body in resetting its proper balance and muscle tone.  

While Mirror Image Adjustments “retrain” your body into the correct position, Mirror Image Exercises help to maintain these changes. I will provide you with the proper exercises for your particular spinal problem(s), and you will do these exercises at home on a daily basis. For patients who are more advanced or need greater correction, active resistance bands and specific equipment may be used during these exercises. This improves patients’ flexibility and strengthens the spinal muscles that have become weakened over time. 

Next is traction. The traction system that I created for my office consists of various straps that are placed and adjusted according to your personal health needs. For instance, if I analyze your x-rays and find that your neck does not have the proper curvature and instead tilts forward, I will place a strap across your forehead, hook the strap to the traction device until the proper position is achieved, and allow the traction to go to work. The vibrating floorboard stimulates your nervous system and essentially “tells” your body that this is the position it should keep. 

Another important aspect of our process is that you can do at home is Mirror Image Spinal Remodeling. Using a Denneroll orthotic device (made of a hard foam material) that I will teach you how to use, you will have the ability to continue your remodeling care on your own—essentially anywhere you’d like!  The Denneroll can be easily moved so that you can lie comfortably upon it and apply the right amount of pressure to help restore proper alignment. 

As your treatment plan progresses, the particular adjustments I do may vary, and we may modify your Mirror Image Exercises and Mirror Image Spinal Remodeling.  “Research on CBP Mirror Image techniques has found that the average patient achieves a 50% improvement in their spine and posture abnormality over the course of their initial 2-3 month regimen of care.”[4] If you are vigilant about the at-home treatments I prescribe for you and the traction goes according to plan you will be well on your way to recovery. In my next blog, I will describe the lifestyle changes you can—and should—implement in addition to these treatments in order to speed the entire process.


If you have questions about anything I’ve mentioned in this post, please feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to answer and let you know more about Chiropractic BioPhysics and what I do!

           


[1] “Better chiropractic. Better chiropractors. A Better Approach to Spinal Health.” Chiropractic BioPhysics brochure, CBP Seminars & Deed E. Harrison, LLC.
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
[4] Id.

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