By Dennis Anthony, DC

Motorized flexion/distraction tables are multi-purpose, adjustable treatment tables designed to apply traction and distraction forces to spinal structures with continuous passive motion. This process is used to gently stretch and traction the spine, intersegmental discs and surrounding soft tissue. Spinal conditions treated on a motorized flexion/distraction table include:

• general back pain
• sciatica
• scoliosis
• facet syndrome
• spondylosis
• joint disorders
• spondylolisthesis

Since the spinal segments are being decompressed and stretched with continuous passive motion created by the motor of the table, a lower adjustment force is required to decrease a joint fixation. Less physical requirement by the practitioner will lead to less physical disabilities that plague chiropractic physicians in their later years of practice. The doctor's hands are free to motion palpate and observe. The motor driving the caudal section of the table provides the practitioner the freedom to evaluate and observe spinal joint motion of the bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. This provides a valuable diagnostic tool for treating spinal conditions.

There are two major advantages for the patient. Therapeutic stretches applied before a spinal adjustment relax the patient and stretches targeted soft tissue. This leads to a comfortable spinal adjustment for the patient. Using the distraction movement of the table to decompress the disc and surrounding tissues requires less corrective forces applied by the practitioner for joint correction. Less corrective forces leads to a more comfortable adjusting procedure for the patient.

In addition to increased joint motion, motion-assisted stretches lengthen muscle fibers that have contracted from disuse or excessive use; restores muscle flexibility after injury; assists in removing natural wastes like lactic acid from muscles; increases disc and connective-tissue flexibility; restores muscle balance; reduces joint inflammation; relieves stress and tension; and improves posture.

Motion adjusting occurs during the down stroke of the table's caudal section in combination with a corrective thrust. The downward motion distracts and separates the spinal joint segments, creating movement of the connective tissue. The application of a specific chiropractic force at the same time the intersegmental joint is in motion accelerates joint movement.

Learning how to use motorized flexion/distraction and motion adjusting in your practice will require time with the use of the table. Follow these steps, and in a short time you will be comfortable applying your specific technique to motion.

Familiarize yourself with all the features of the table. Practice starting and stopping the table in various positions. Use the table to motion-palpate the spinal segments in long-axis flexion/distraction. Start applying motion assisted stretches. Use this time to get comfortable with the speed of the table. Most tables have variable speed control. Start off slowly and gradually increase speed to your comfort level.

Once you're comfortable with the motion of the table and applying spinal stretches, gradually begin motion-assisted adjusting. Start with the upper thoracic spine and work your way down to the sacrum. Remember that with motion, a less-corrective force will be required by the practitioner. Start lightly until you become comfortable with motion-assisted adjusting.

If you do not have a motorized flexion/distraction table, contact your local chiropractic colleges or other chiropractors in your area who have them. Ask if they will allow you to spend some practice time with them. In a short time, you will see the benefits of motion-adjusting for you and your patients.

Dr. Jay Kennedy, a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, practices in Berlin, Pa., with a focus on decompression therapy and rehabilitation techniques. He is a frequent guest lecturer at chiropractic colleges and decompression seminars nationwide. For more information, visit www.kennedytechnique.com.

Dr. Dennis Anthony is the founder of Advanced Health Care in Lawrence, Kans.