Testing Prospective Patients for Treatment
Pettibon Treatment in Lakewood
Patients presenting to a conventional chiropractic facility will typically provide a full case history, be subjected to some type of examination including palpatory, neurological, and orthopedic testing, and undergo special studies such as plain film radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, or computerized tomography (CT). As long as there are no contraindications to manipulative treatment, such as fracture, malignancy, marked instability, dislocation, or prior surgical intervention, all patients are accepted for treatment, regardless of prognosis. The Pettibon System, in contrast, allows for individualized patient testing to help determine, before treatment begins, whether or not benefits are likely.
This patient testing is performed by weighting the patient’s head and shoulders according to his/her preliminary x-ray findings. While wearing weights, the patient performs a series of exercises on the Wobble Chair, followed by specific stretching exercises. Afterwards, the initial x-rays are retaken, but this time while wearing the head and shoulderweights. For example, if the patient’s cervical curve improves measurably, and the forward head posture is reduced, then the patient can be expected to achieve a significant outcome. However, if the cervical spine measurements worsen, then the patient does not possess adequate muscle strength and/or endurance. At this time, if the patient “fails” this test, he/she is not accepted as a candidate for treatment. However, the patient may elect to participate in a strengthening program for a specified time period. Once this program is completed, the patient is re-subjected to the testing protocol, and if improvement is obtained, the patient is then accepted for treatment.
