CANOE
CHIROPRACTIC
Accident and Sports Injury Clinic
Our Founder
At Canoe Chiropractic Clinics, we take pride in being your trusted healthcare partner with over 24 years of experience. We remain committed to our mission of holistic wellness as we open our Houston location. Our founder, Dr. Malouf, has devoted two decades to transforming lives through exceptional chiropractic care, and we are excited to continue this journey with you.
Techniques Utilized at Canoe:
-
Activator
-
Diversified
-
Sacral Occipital Technique (SOT)
"We never know how far reaching something we may think, say or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow." B. J. Palmer
Chiropractic care has evolved significantly since its inception in 1895 by Daniel David (D.D.) Palmer. Palmer theorized that misalignments of the spine, which he called "subluxations," could affect overall health by disrupting nerve function. This theory led to the development of chiropractic as a discipline focused on spinal manipulation to restore proper function and alleviate various ailments (Gleberzon et al., 2020). Since its early days, chiropractic techniques have diversified to accommodate different patient needs, emphasizing evidence-based adjustments.
B.J. Palmer, D.D. Palmer’s son, played a crucial role in advancing the field of chiropractic. Often referred to as the "Developer of Chiropractic," B.J. Palmer expanded on his father's foundational work by introducing new diagnostic tools and refining spinal adjustment techniques. One of his most significant contributions was the introduction of X-ray technology into chiropractic practice, allowing for a more precise understanding of spinal misalignments. His research also led to the development of the neurocalometer, a device used to detect heat variations along the spine, which he believed indicated nerve interference.
Above you can see Dr. David Malouf next to B.J. Palmer's 1956 Cadillac at Life University in Marietta, Georgia.
The History of
Chiropractic
B.J. Palmer's 1956 Cadillac at Life University in Marietta, Georgia with the autograph of BJ Palmer.
Understanding Techniques for
Optimal Health
In addition to technological advancements, B.J. Palmer was instrumental in establishing chiropractic education. He founded the Palmer School of Chiropractic, which became the leading institution for chiropractic training. His advocacy efforts helped chiropractic gain legal recognition and credibility as a healthcare profession. Thanks to his dedication, chiropractic care evolved from a niche practice into a widely accepted form of alternative medicine, influencing the many techniques used today.
Below are five widely used chiropractic techniques that are utilized by Canoe Chiropractic. Dr. David Malouf is equipped to provide specialized care for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
Techniques Utilized at Canoe:
-
Activator
-
Diversified
-
Sacral Occipital Technique (SOT)
Full Spine Technique
Founder
The Full Spine Technique is rooted in the foundational principles of chiropractic care established by D.D. Palmer and his son, B.J. Palmer. D.D. Palmer's original belief was that spinal misalignments, or subluxations, could lead to disruptions in nerve function and overall health. His son, B.J. Palmer, played a crucial role in further refining chiropractic principles and techniques, integrating the use of X-rays to analyze spinal issues more effectively.
Throughout the 20th century, chiropractors sought to enhance the effectiveness of the Full Spine Technique by incorporating advanced biomechanical assessments, diagnostic imaging, and an improved understanding of spinal function. Today, the technique is widely used as a foundational method for whole-spine evaluation and treatment (Triano et al., 2019).
D.D. Palmer
Chiropractic Founder
What Makes Full Spine Unique?
Unlike other techniques that focus on specific regions, Full Spine Technique assesses and treats the entire spinal column. Chiropractors use manual adjustments, ensuring comprehensive spinal health and balance. This whole-spine approach enables practitioners to identify and correct imbalances that might otherwise go unnoticed if only a single region were addressed. By considering the spine as a connected system, Full Spine adjustments aim to improve overall posture and movement mechanics, leading to enhanced long-term health outcomes.
Additionally, Full Spine Technique allows for individualized treatment plans. Since each patient presents with unique spinal issues, chiropractors tailor their adjustments based on a thorough examination of the entire spine. This method is particularly beneficial for those who experience referred pain in different areas, as treating the entire spine can help alleviate underlying sources of discomfort.
Best for Which Patients?
This technique is best suited for patients with general spinal discomfort, postural imbalances, and mild to moderate musculoskeletal issues. Research suggests that Full Spine adjustments can enhance mobility and reduce chronic pain (Hartvigsen et al., 2021). Patients experiencing widespread back pain or those who require adjustments to multiple areas of the spine often benefit the most from this method, as it provides a holistic approach to spinal health.
Dr. Malouf may choose the Full Spine Technique for patients who present with posture-related issues or complaints affecting different spinal segments. This technique is particularly useful for those who experience discomfort from prolonged sitting, standing, or incorrect ergonomics. By addressing the entire spine in one session, the Full Spine Technique promotes overall spinal alignment and can lead to improved long-term wellness.
Dr. Clay Thompson
Thompson Founder
Thompson Technique
Founder and Development
Developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson in the 1950s, the Thompson Technique introduced the use of a specialized chiropractic table with drop mechanisms to enhance precision and reduce the force needed for adjustments (Mieritz et al., 2021). Dr. Thompson's journey toward developing this technique began after he personally experienced a significant improvement in his spinal health through chiropractic adjustments. This inspired him to refine the process, making it more precise and efficient.
Dr. Thompson patented the drop-table mechanism, which features sections of the table that lower slightly when a controlled force is applied. This innovation minimized discomfort for patients and allowed chiropractors to deliver more accurate adjustments. Over time, the technique gained widespread adoption due to its effectiveness and ease of application.
What Makes It Unique?
The drop-table design allows for a gentle, low-impact adjustment by using gravity and minimal force to realign the spine. This makes the Thompson Technique distinct from more forceful manual adjustment methods. The subtle nature of the drop mechanism ensures that adjustments are smooth and controlled, reducing the likelihood of muscle resistance during treatment. This feature is particularly useful for patients who may be apprehensive about traditional manual adjustments.
Furthermore, the Thompson Technique integrates a precise assessment system known as leg-length analysis. This diagnostic tool helps chiropractors determine spinal imbalances by measuring variations in leg length while the patient is lying down. By identifying asymmetries, chiropractors can fine-tune adjustments to target specific areas of misalignment more accurately.
Best for Which Patients?
This technique is highly effective for individuals with osteoarthritis, the elderly, and those who prefer a gentler approach. Studies indicate that drop-table adjustments can improve spinal function while minimizing discomfort (Gleberzon et al., 2020).
Dr. Malouf may recommend the Thompson Technique for patients who require a more delicate adjustment approach. By using the drop-table method, he can make adjustments that require minimal force, reducing strain on the patient's body. This technique is also beneficial for individuals recovering from injuries, as it allows for gradual spinal realignment without excessive pressure
Reference
Gleberzon, B. J., Brown, A. T., & McDonald, W. (2020). Evidence-based chiropractic care: A review of the literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 19(2), 102-118.
Grosso, M., Bianchi, G., & Rossi, M. (2019). The impact of Sacro-Occipital Technique on cerebrospinal fluid circulation: A review. Journal of Manual Therapy, 24(4), 299-312.
Hartvigsen, J., Hancock, M. J., & Kongsted, A. (2021). The effectiveness of spinal manipulation for back pain: A systematic review. The Lancet, 397(10277), 1920-1931.
Mieritz, R. M., Bronfort, G., & Hartvigsen, J. (2021). Drop-table vs. manual spinal adjustments: A comparative study. Spine Journal, 21(5), 554-567.
Triano, J. J., Budgell, B., & Bagnulo, A. (2019). Chiropractic spinal manipulation: Mechanisms and effectiveness. Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 49(7), 456-467.
