Chiropractic Adjustments...
An adjustment given by a chiropractor. Usually the force is delivered directly to the spine of the recipient through hands of the chiropractor. The chiropractor may position the recipients body so that it accepts the adjustment with more ease.
A force... that corrects a subluxation.
It does not have to be a large force or a force given by a chiropractor. As long as the body can use it to improve nerve function it is an adjustment. I had a rugby player who's spine was actually improved after playing. The forces into his spine must have been in just the right places !, I do NOT however recommend rugby as a therapy over chiropractic!!
...Specific Force...
The chiropractor has been highly trained to find the subluxation that is specifically causing the most insult to the nervous system. Once found the chiropractor will adjust this vertebral segment or area as specifically as possible. No more or no less force than is necessary. The more specific a chiropractor can be with position, force, time, and place the better the body will be able to utilise the adjustive force.
Many different force applications...
Adjustments differ in the amount of force used from fast and brief to very light and sustained. A fast and brief adjustment may result in a joint cavitation or 'pop' sound as the joint surfaces separate. Some adjustments involve laying on wedges (under the pelvis) to let gravity untwist the spine. While others involve an instrument which delivers a very light tap to the subluxated vertebrae. Some adjustments are done with an instrument but most adjustments are given by HAND.
Network adjustments are mostly very gentle, because we wish to work with the body.
Techniques, Techniques, Techniques....
Many technique systems have evolved all with differing force applications. some of the more commonly used are called Diversified, Gonstead, Sacro-Occipital Technique, Activator Methods, Applied Kinesiology, Logan Basic, Toggle recoil, and in the UK, McTimoney.