With our enhanced chiropractic care techniques, patients can be more thoroughly analyzed than ever before — with the adjustments holding better and for longer periods of time.
Our Techniques
In our unique chiropractic treatment process, the body is assessed and adjusted using a series of revolutionary high-tech healthcare instruments to naturally tune your nervous system.
Our Instruments
The Activator Method
First developed in 1967 by Dr. Arlan Fuhr, the Activator Method chiropractic technique is a diagnostic and treatment system used by many chiropractors to treat various types of back pain, neck pain, and headaches (both chronic and migraine).
Invented over a decade later in 1978, the Activator Method uses a small, hand-held instrument called the Activator Adjusting Instrument to deliver a gentle impulse force to the spine with the goal of restoring motion to the targeted spinal vertebra or joint. It is an alternative to the traditional manual form of spinal manipulation, known as the high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrust. Next to the Diversified technique, the Activator Adjusting Instrument is reported to be the most common therapeutic intervention used by chiropractors.
How the Activator Method is Thought to Work
The Activator Method chiropractic technique is a type of manipulation described as follows:
A spring-loaded, hand-held mechanical instrument called the Activator Adjusting Instrument provides a quick, low-force impulse at specific points.
There are two theoretical advantages of an Activator instrument-assisted treatment. The first is based on the speed of the device. The instrument is so quick that the body's muscles are less likely to tense in response, and resist the treatment. The lack of muscle resistance may facilitate the treatment effectiveness. The second is that the applied force is localized and does not add any additional torque or bending movement to the joint.
An evaluation of apparent leg length is commonly performed, based on the understanding that apparent differences in leg length may indicate where vertebral misalignments in the spine are present and a targeted chiropractic adjustment using an instrument can then be carried out.
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KOREN SPECIFIC TECHNIQUE
A specific chiropractic technique discovered in late 2003 as a result of research and clinical experimentation, chiropractor Tedd Koren developed a form of chiropractic spinal care that he calls Koren Specific Technique (or KST). The greatest advantage for chiropractors who use KST is knowing what where, when and in what order to adjust — and to be able to do so using a targeted method of assessment and adjustment. KST allows chiropractors to easily analyse varied health problem(s) in different positions. The most important problem is worked on first, not necessarily the one with the greatest symptoms. This usually makes for a faster recovery for patients. This method is gentle, comfortable, safe, and results in less corrective stress.
KST IS A UNIQUE CHIROPRACTIC TECHNIQUE
The KST analysis consists of 3 unique steps:
The first step, challenging, is part of the analysis procedure. In a relatively short period of time the entire structural system can be checked: skull, spine, discs, hips, ribs, sternum, shoulders, arms, legs, hands, feet — anything that is out of position can be analyzed.
The second step, checking, tells a chiropractor if the body part is in its proper position. The base of the skull is used as a binary or yes/no system telling us if an area needs or does not need to be corrected or adjusted. This system is akin to muscle testing (applied kinesiology) wherein a muscle will become weak when confronted with a negative impulse — using the skull or the occipital drop as the measure of testing is the exact same principle except it is passive..
The third step, correcting : when an adjustment is needed the area is ‘corrected’ using an adjusting instrument. There is no manual adjusting with KST — no "popping", "cracking" or noise of any kind besides that of the instrument itself.
RETRACING
People have many layers. After the correction of what the body is showing at the time, older injuries, older distortions, older subluxations and older symptoms (both physical and emotional) may surface to release. The release and healing of old injuries is known as “retracing” and is usually part of the healing process. On occasion patients have reported “cleansing” symptoms such as diarrhea, pus, mucus, headache, fever, etc. as toxins leave the body. These symptoms are usually temporary. It is helpful to be told if unusual symptoms arise. These symptoms may take the form of emotional releases: old memories coming up or unusual dreams. Sometimes an area is so weak and the distortion so extensive that a segment put in place may not stay in position and may need correcting again.
HOW KST BENEFITS OUR PATIENTS
Most people report a feeling of ease, relaxation and well-being as their structural nerve stress (subluxations) releases/diminishes. Some people feel very relaxed and they should listen to their body and go home and sleep if at all possible. The next day some people feel as if they've had a good workout, often in places they never knew they had. This is usually felt only after the first adjustment, is temporary and usually disappears within a short time.
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TORQUE RELEASE TECHNIQUE
Chiropractic care involves many techniques that have advanced for over a century, and one such method is the Torque Release Technique (TRT). Many individuals in the Toronto community have experienced the highly effective results of TRT. Through ongoing education and seeking out the latest research to help improve spinal health, Dr. Gorchynski continues to provide expert guidance and information about Torque Release Technique so you make the best decision for your nervous system and health.
How Does TRT Work?
The Torque Release Technique is non-invasive and focused on correcting spinal misalignments, or subluxations. Dr. Gorchynski uses a tool called an integrator (similar to the Activator Adjusting Instrument) to apply gentle adjustments to the spine’s vertebrae to improve neurological tonal imbalances. The technique is designed to regulate the brain, spinal cord, and nervous functions so your body’s spinal tone stays at a healthy level. TRT, also called the tonal technique, encourages the body to naturally heal against injuries and illness, and to better adapt to life’s daily stresses.
TRT is a “jump start” for your body’s “electrical system” and is a technique to stimulate your nervous system in such a way that it will release and reduce tension, assisting your body to self-correct. Scientifically speaking, your spinal cord is a thick string of piezoelectric gel (electricity conducting jelly). The frequency it is working at is determined by the amount of tension and/or torsion being placed at either end of the “string”. Just like a guitar string, the tightness of the cord determines the tune that is being played.
TRT differs from other chiropractic techniques in that it focuses a lot of attention to the “tuning pegs”: the strategic and vital connection points between the spinal cord and spinal column. As we gently and methodically adjust these areas of your spinal cord, we are changing the degree of tension in the central nervous system.
Hence, the skill of the chiropractor is to be able to tune your spinal cord to find some more beautiful notes — that is, a better level of tension.
How Does TRT Improve Your Spine?
The minimal force placed on the spine by the chiropractor releases tension and pressure around the spine and spinal cord, allowing the nervous system to communicate between the body and brain more effectively. When all of your body’s systems are coordinated and working together, it will better correct itself, promoting healing and long-term health. This not only improves your wellbeing and overall body function, but it can also relieve pain and symptoms from any diseases, illnesses, or underlying conditions.
Is TRT Safe for Kids and the Elderly?
Because the Torque Release Technique is so gentle, it is safe for people of all ages from infants to the elderly. Chiropractic care is non-invasive and relieves pressure with gentle precision. Minimal force is always applied and there is no twisting, cracking, or popping. Each adjustment is specific and gentle to ensure the results are both reliable and lasting. Individuals of all ages benefit from the neurological changes that occur from TRT adjustments and the enhancements they provide to the healing experience.
How Long Will It Take to Notice the Effects of TRT?
Each person is different in how many adjustments are needed before they notice the positive effects of chiropractic care at BFCC. For some, the therapeutic response will be immediate. Others will start to notice their body becoming more productive and healthy over the course of a few adjustments. Once your appointment with the doctor is complete, your nervous system continues to better integrate and process information with the brain and spinal cord.
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PIERCE-STILWAGON technique
The Pierce-Stillwagon Technique is a system of analyzing and adjusting the spine that combines previously understood concepts with a very simplified, logical and effective procedure to correct the vertebral subluxation complex. More in depth, this technique is a biomechanical analysis of spine kinematics (or spinal motion), utilizing “stress views” of the spine (flexion, extension, rotation, and/or lateral bending views where required) or videofluoroscopy (VF, or “moving x-ray” studies) to determine the loss of spinal function, which is at the core of the vertebral subluxation complex.
Developed by Dr. Glenn Stillwagon and Dr. Vern Pierce beginning in 1963, the technique requires the use of a specialized table with drop-assist pelvic and cervical pads. It uses X-ray analysis, instrumentation and other physical findings to objectify case management. The adjustment is given by hand or with a Kinetic Precision Adjuster.
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THOMPSON TERMINAL POINT TECHNIQUE
Thompson Terminal Point Technique, also known as Thompson Drop-Table Technique, is a chiropractic technique which uses a precision adjusting table along with a weighing mechanism which gives sufficient tension to keep the patient in the “up” position before the thrust or pressure is applied. Thompson Technique is a specific chiropractic technique which was discovered and developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson. This technique comprises of a special table with several segments in it known as drop pieces. These table segments can be lifted up a fraction of an inch, so that upon delivering the thrust, the table drops. This table is known as “Segmental Drop Table,” and it helps in enhancing the motion of the area or segment which is to be adjusted, usually the mid-back, low back and pelvic area. These drop pieces aid in the thrust thus minimizing the force/pressure required for the adjustment. This is one of the benefits of this technique. This technique (spinal adjusting) usually entails the patient lying face down.
Another important feature of the Thompson Technique is the leg length analysis concept. This concept is used to determine imbalance in the leg lengths with the patient lying in a prone position (face down) on the table. Other than checking the leg lengths, palpation, X-rays and other suitable tests may be also be used by the chiropractor for determining the area to be adjusted.
How Does Thompson Terminal Point Technique Work?
The first step in the Thompson Technique is the Derifield-Thompson Leg-Check Analysis. Any imbalances in the body affect its core too. So, the extremities, spine and hips are checked thoroughly for any subluxations. A Leg-Check analysis is done to locate any problem in each segment of the body such as leg-length inequality. As the subluxations compromise the joint function, the Thompson Terminal Point Technique tries to restore correct range of motion for both the extremities and spine.
The second step requires the use of a special table which administers high-velocity, low-impact thrusts. Thompson developed a special table which drops slightly when the chiropractor applies thrusts or force during the adjustments while keeping the patient stable. Next, the high-velocity thrusts are applied without causing the patient unnecessary pain, as the slight drop adjusts according to the adjustment motion.
Expected Results After Thompson Terminal Point Technique Treatment
After the initial adjustment and restoration of the nerve function, there is an increased flow of energy causing the patient to feel a warm sensation flowing to different parts of the body. Patient may feel total relief just after one adjustment or the patient may require more than a single adjustment to relieve his/her symptoms. For an active and healthy body, it is essential to have a healthy nervous system. This adjustment technique helps in restoring normal nerve function thus bringing relief from pain and benefiting in other ways too such as improving sleep, reducing stress and increasing the capacity of the body to function at its maximum.
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Diversified Adjusting Technique
Diversified Adjusting Technique is the most common form of Chiropractic Care administered in practices throughout the world. Quite literally a “hands on” approach, Manual Adjusting Technique requires the Chiropractor to directly apply gentle pressure to misaligned areas of the body using hands, palms, elbows or other forms as appropriate.
Our Manual Adjusting technique is gentle and low pressure in Dr. Gorchynski’s hands. Adjustments can be made to correct subluxations — misalignments within the spine. Clients most often leave their appointment feeling less tension, better energy and reduced discomfort thanks to the healing power that manual adjustment care can offer.
How Does the Manual Adjusting Technique Work?
Manual adjusting techniques are referred to as the “Diversified Technique” for good reason. Namely, they encompass a wide range of chiropractic disciplines all concerned with correcting misalignment and relieving excess tension.
Most manual adjusting occurs through high-velocity, low amplitude thrusts that quickly but gently restore alignment without the use of extreme pressure or discomfort. Through different adjustment positions, we adjust problematic subluxations to strategically realign these areas.
Common methods of applying pressure include:
Using both palms separately to apply strategic, stabilizing pressure along a plane
Using fingers and thumbs to apply minute areas of strategic pressure
Grasping an element of the skeletal structure and applying opposing pressure to the other side to supply the needed torsion
Using both palms with hands clasped together to apply localized pressure at a singular point
Using the entire forearm to distribute pressure evenly along a set area
Use of Diversified Adjusting Technique
Manual adjustment technique is the most commonly practiced form of chiropractic care because of its reliability and decades of refinement. Expert hands can perform adjustments by sensing feedback in the body needed to apply corrections in response to individual physiologies.
Chiropractic care through manual adjustments most often involves the use of sophisticated measuring and imaging so as to determine the exact nature of subluxations. By following changes in the body seen through our state of the art technology and patient history, the team at BFCC can strategically coordinate care to deliver measurable, sustained positive outcomes across a wide range of patient needs.
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THE ACTIVATOR ADJUSTING INSTRUMENT
Activator Adjusting Instruments, also called ‘Integrators’ or ‘Endorphin Guns’, are mechanical and/or battery-operated chiropractic technological tools that were designed and built to reproduce what the hands intend to achieve during an adjustment. Originally manufactured for use in research only, the advantages and benefits achieved when the results were measured lead to overwhelming demand for its use in private practice.
An activator chiropractic adjustment is:
PRECISE — When using an Activator, we can pinpoint the exact point on the spine that requires adjustment of nerve frequency.
SPECIFIC — The force, frequency of energy, torque, speed and thrust provided by the Activator have all been tailor-made to deliver the perfect amount of energy to help normalize nerve function.
GENTLE — An Activator adjustment can be delivered with the spine in a perfectly relaxed position with the perfect amount of force, whereas a traditional adjustment requires the spine to be stretched to a position of tension followed by the manual thrust by hand to sufficiently open the spinal joints to activate a nerve response.
FAST — Because the Activator has such a fast impulse and because we can adjust you in a perfectly relaxed position, an adjustment can be extremely time efficient but still dramatically effective.
EFFECTIVE — The benefits of Activator adjustments have been measured by scientific research and this research has been published in major peer-reviewed medical journals.
RELIABLE — The way that the Activator delivers an adjustment is very consistent and reliable so that the right amount of force and energy is transmitted on each and every adjustment.
CONSISTENT — The systems that are used in chiropractic care and the features of the Activator are very standardized which means that several practitioners using the same method can deliver the same results and experience.
When many people stand up after an adjustment using the Activator, they notice that their vision seems clearer, the light or view seems sharper, their head feels lighter, their body feels looser, etc. These are all reflections of the central nervous system operating at a better frequency. A revolutionary high-tech chiropractic tool to naturally tune your nervous system, Dr. Gorchynski uses several Activator Adjusting instruments in his daily adjusting process.
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ArthroStim : The Next Generation Activator
As you can imagine, we see many different types of people of all shapes and sizes every day, each with different sensitivity levels and pain thresholds. With such a wide variety of patient needs, upgrading to the advanced technology of the ArthroStim instrument universally enhances treatment sessions and patient success.
What is the ArthroStim?
Like it’s predecessor the Activator Adjusting Instrument above, the ArthroStim is a hand-held electrical instrument that aids in performing targeted adjustments. This powerful tool delivers 12-14 incremental thrusts per second, making it much stronger and faster than a typical single thrust administered by a chiropractor. By dividing the energy of a single thrust into rapid successive inputs, the ArthroStim modulates the force a chiropractor applies in treatment, but in a much more comfortable and effective manner.
How the ArthroStim instrument works
In order to understand how an ArthroStim works, you have to understand how chiropractic adjustment works. A chiropractic adjustment produces precise movements which stimulate ‘neural receptors’ in an injured/affected area. These receptors will then produce nerve impulses which transmit important information to the brain. The brain will process this information and use it to update its awareness about the condition of an area. Once the brain evaluates the changes prompted by the adjustment, it can begin sending out self-correcting commands to the muscular system, and other systems, to bring about healing within your body.
The ArthroStim is reported to be as good and often better at relieving pain than manual adjustments. In terms of the science behind its technology, it is capable of applying pressure ranging from a few ounces to up to 40 pounds of force to a very targeted point on the body. The ArthroStim delivers thrusts at a rate of 12-14 Hz. This is a higher frequency than many other chiropractic adjustment instruments.
The ArthroStim is another way to administer these adjustments, but it is faster, more comfortable and efficient due to its controlled repetitive input. This input produces a ‘snowballing’ effect on neural receptors and allows it to transmit more information to the brain with less effort, pain, and force.
the benefits of ArthroStim USE
The ArthroStim allows your chiropractor to maintain the effectiveness of your treatment while greatly reducing the amount of force that is applied, which makes it easier to use on a wide variety of conditions and ailments. Individuals that may especially benefit from the use of the ArthroStim include:
Infants and young children
Individuals with acute or extreme pain
Particularly sensitive individuals
Individuals who dislike being “cracked”
Individuals who suffer from neck pain
Individuals who require adjustments to the extremities
Elderly individuals
Even people who are larger and stronger and therefore more difficult to adjust from a standard single thrust will benefit from the ‘neurological assist’ that the ArthroStim provides.
As part of his routine treatment protocol, Dr. Gorchynski prioritizes the ArthroStim in combination with KST to ensure a complete adjustment has been delivered to each and every patient.
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Unsure if receiving an instrument-assisted adjustment over a manual treatment is better for you?
Learn about the difference and impact here.