1. The Thompson Technique developed by Dr. Clay Thompson
in the 1950′s. The technique was born out two
scientific developments of the time. First the "Segmental
Drop Table", for which Dr. Thompson was granted a patent
for in 1955. The second is the "Leg Length System" based
on the work of Dr. Derifield around the same time.
2. As practiced today the technique is described as Table
Assisted Adjusting by Dr. Hyman, using the Derifield leg
length analysis to test the neurological basis and need for
spinal correction.
3. The drop table is designed to enhance motion force to the
adjusted area, allowing for enhanced patient comfort in all
areas of the spine. However, Dr. Thompson was more
interested in the application of proper vectors used in
adjusting the spinal articulations. He noted that the many
misalignment and subluxation correction could be
accomplished while the patient was laying face down or
prone. With a force applied from the back to the front and
from the feet to the head, inferior to superior, accounting
for rotation and lateral flexing of the involved segment
with doctor position and vector. The table also has a hi-lo
feature that takes the patient from standing to laying flat
without any effort from the patient to keep neurological
integrity. His table is designed to meet these requirements
and has stood the test of time.
4. The leg length analysis is a widely accepted scientific
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3235927) theory
that is also put into practice by other chiropractic
techniques such as Activator Methods Technique. It is
based on the inhibitory and excitatory relationship
between muscular system and the regulating reticular
system of the brain. It observes neurological imbalance as
it translates to the appearance of a short leg in a prone
(faced down) position in a relatively relaxed state. The
best analysis is performed when a subject is taken directly
from a weight-bearing or standing position into a
horizontal position without any effort from the subject.
Leg length analysis must be confirmed by other methods
when a patient has any condition in which the doctor can
not conclude that even legs would be the desired outcome
5. Dr. Robin C. Hyman DC author of several chiropractic
technique training manuals including pediatric adjusting
and Thompson techniques is instrumental in the current
understanding and development of the technique as it is
practiced today.