MY FATHER INTRODUCED THE FIRST DECOMPRESSION TABLE TO ST ALBERT IN 1994. WITH TIME IT BECAME THE MOST IN DEMAND CARE, AS A GENTLE STRETCH OF THE RIGHT SOFT TISSUE CAN MAKE MASSIVE CHANGES. WHEN I JOINED THE ST ALBERT CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC WE SOON REPLACED EVERY TREATMENT TABLE WITH A DECOMPRESSION TABLE.
ALSO KNOWN AS FLEXION DISTRACTION, SPINAL DECOMPRESSION IS AN INGENIOUS PROCESS DESIGNED TO OPEN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. THE NEURAL NETWORKS ARE OPENED WITH AN INVIGORATING SERIES OF SOFT TISSUE LENGTHENING MOVEMENTS. THESE MOVEMENTS ARE PROVIDED THROUGH A TABLE WHOSE FUNCTION IS BASED ON A HIGHER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR BASIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PHYSIOLOGY.
First developed by a Chiropractor blending chiropractic and osteopathic knowledge, the flexion distraction table takes advantage of the little known knowledge that our muscles find a state of high relaxation when first flexed and then stretched. Using this knowledge, tables were developed by Dr. James Cox to allow the practitioner to stretch each and every primary muscle group within the spine with little to no resistance from the patients stiff and tight musculature.
These tables were evolved by a contemporary of Dr. Cox, a Dr. Leander Eckard, who described his table and technique as the continuing passive motion technique. The simple beauty of these tables is they allow the practitioner the opportunity to provide a full restoration of symmetry with slow, long stretching protocols.
The simplest translation of this is the effective restoration of proper tone to muscles and fuller function of associated neural networks can be done with invigorating lengthening protocols. These protocols ‘feel good’, providing real measurable change, both in range of motion and strength, as well as in terms of relief felt by the patient.
I am so proud to be a provider of this passive method of care. The relief and the long lasting changed we provide through mastering these protocols is what fuels our clinic’s reputation as a safe place to receive relieving work that provides lasting relief.