Best Techniques to Learn as a Chiropractic Student?

Future chiropractors often wonder how many different chiropractic techniques they should learn to be successful when they graduate. Developing confidence in practice and mastering advanced techniques are the hallmarks of the NWHSU Doctor of Chiropractic degree program. Yet, with over 100 recognized chiropractic manipulative treatments (CMT) how do you choose the right one to master? And how many should you learn?

Dr. Katie BurnsRyan, dean of NWHSU’s College of Chiropractic, states that learning the fundamentals of the Diversified Technique is essential. This technique is the standard foundation students need. A 2014 National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Analysis survey showed that 96% of chiropractors used the Diversified Technique. Diversified Technique is widely used, making it the most recognizable form of chiropractic technique to patients.

“Once you are proficient in the Diversified Technique, you have the tactile skills and knowledge to move into modified or specialized techniques,” explained Dr. BurnsRyan.

How Do You Develop Proficiency with the Chiropractic Diversified Technique?

As a student in the College of Chiropractic at NWHSU, the work to master technique starts right away.

In the first trimester, you start using the Force Sensing Table and finding anatomical landmarks to develop your sense of touch. In the second trimester, you will further develop your skill on the Force Sensing Table. This includes improving your depth, speed, and pre-stress scores. You will also learn how to identify subluxations.

Trimester three is the beginning of over a year of intensive practice and assessment from experienced instructors with confidence-boosting results.

Nine months into the program, you will be ready to apply set ups and practice adjusting skills. You will do this on fellow classmates in a secure and safe environment.

Class sizes are small, and instructors provide consistent and real-time feedback. This helps you understand the strengths and nuances of the Diversified Technique. It also gives you confidence in making adjustments.

You’ll also be introduced to additional techniques including Gonstead, Thompson, and Faye. These intros provide a basic understanding, and you may choose to pursue elective or certification opportunities in these techniques.

Electives Offer Opportunities to Gain More Chiropractic Adjusting Skills

Starting in trimester seven, you can branch out into techniques and methods that interest you. Maybe you were treated with the Activator, Graston, Active Release Technique, or another technique by your own chiropractor.

If you have benefited from a specific technique, you are far more likely to pursue learning it. Electives offer a variety of learning opportunities for students who wish to pursue and add new skills to their growing toolbox.

Developing Techniques Takes Real-World Practice

Students will learn new techniques in real-world practices during their internship or clinical experience. The chiropractor mentoring them may introduce a technique or modality that catches their interest. This could shape their career.

NWHSU graduates go on to specialize in a wide variety of techniques and modalities. Having a good grasp of Anatomy, Physiology, and Diversified Technique is essential for using many of these techniques.

Anatomy involves studying the structure and organization of the body. Physiology is the study of how the body works. Diversified Technique is a type of chiropractic adjustment. Your training at NWHSU prepares you for a thriving career in chiropractic, no matter what techniques you decide to pursue.

How Many Chiropractic Techniques Should I Learn?

The NBCE Practice Analysis survey showed the typical chiropractor used 5 to 6 different adjusting techniques in practice. “Certainly chiropractors can learn more techniques and may find that, over the course of their career, they enjoy learning additional techniques,” explained Dr. BurnsRyan. “Once students have advanced skills in the Diversified Technique, other CMT can be quickly added to supplement the foundation.”

71.5% of patients were treated with the Diversified Technique in a 2014 NBCE study. This technique was successful in helping heal patients. As a chiropractor, your ultimate purpose is to help patients meet their treatment goals, improve function, and decrease pain. The Diversified Technique is often successful in reaching that goal.

Are There Other Opportunities to Learn Chiropractic Techniques?

Chiropractic continuing education programs offer additional learning opportunities for students before and after graduation. NWHSU’s Office of Continuing Education provides a wide range of courses. Current students can take part in a weekend introductory seminar or a more in-depth certificate-bearing program.

Are you ready to transform lives through chiropractic?

Contact our admissions office.