Techniques & Modalities

At Life Balance Adjustments, care may incorporate a range of techniques depending on a person’s history, assessment findings and individual preferences.

Rather than applying a single approach, care is guided by understanding how the body is functioning as a whole, including movement patterns, nervous system responses and lifestyle factors.

The goal of this approach is to support movement, nervous system function and overall wellbeing through a combination of physical and mind-body strategies.

This allows different techniques and modalities to be considered as part of a broader, individualised approach to care.

Each consultation begins with an assessment so that the most appropriate options can be discussed.

If you are new to care or unsure what a consultation may involve, you can explore what to expect at your first visit.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic care may involve a range of approaches that focus on supporting joint movement and how the nervous system functions. If you would like to explore this in more detail, you can learn more about how chiropractic care may be considered as part of an individualised approach.

Adjustments are one aspect of care that may be considered as part of a broader, individualised approach. These approaches aim to work with how the body moves and responds, rather than focusing on one area in isolation.

Different styles of chiropractic care exist, and the techniques used can vary depending on the practitioner, the individual’s preferences and what is identified during assessment.

At Life Balance Adjustments, care is guided by a whole-person perspective, considering how different areas of the body may be interacting.

Low-Force Techniques

At Life Balance Adjustments, low-force chiropractic techniques are commonly used. These approaches focus on gentle, precise methods that work with the body’s natural responses.

Rather than relying on stronger manual forces, low-force techniques use subtle, precise inputs to work with how the body responds to movement.

This approach focuses on accuracy and control, and may be considered for a wide range of people depending on their preferences, presentation and what is identified during assessment.

These approaches are designed to work with the body’s natural mechanics while supporting comfortable movement and alignment.

All techniques used in the clinic are guided by an individual assessment, ensuring that care is tailored to each person’s needs and preferences.

Activator

The Activator is a handheld instrument used in chiropractic care to deliver a controlled and precise mechanical input to specific areas of the body.

This approach is designed to work with how the body responds to movement, using a quick, targeted impulse rather than larger manual forces. The speed and precision of the instrument allow for a consistent application that can be adjusted based on the individual.

Many people describe this technique as comfortable and straightforward, as it does not involve larger movements or more forceful approaches.

As with all techniques used at Life Balance Adjustments, the use of the Activator Method is guided by assessment findings and individual preferences.

If you would like to learn more about how this approach may be used, you can explore our Activator technique page.

Drop Piece Table 

The drop piece table is a specialised chiropractic table that includes sections designed to gently move when a controlled input is applied.

This approach may be used in areas such as the spine, pelvis and hips, where the movement of the table is combined with the practitioner’s input.

A smaller portable drop piece may also be used for joints such as the knees, ankles, elbows and wrists.

Because the movement is assisted by the table itself, it can often be used while the body remains in a more neutral and supported position, without requiring larger movements or more involved positioning.

At Life Balance Adjustments, the use of this approach is based on individual assessment and may be considered alongside a range of other techniques depending on what is appropriate for the person.

To understand how the drop piece table may be incorporated into care, you can explore our drop piece table page.

Cranial Technique

Cranial techniques are gentle methods that focus on the subtle movement of the bones of the skull and their relationship with the spine and nervous system.

The skull is made up of multiple bones that are connected by small joints known as sutures. These structures play a role in protecting the brain and are associated with the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that surrounds and supports the brain and spinal cord.

Cranial techniques involve very light contact with specific areas of the head and sometimes the spine. This approach works with the body’s natural rhythms and focuses on subtle movement patterns of the head and spine.

Many people find cranial work to be deeply relaxing. Sessions are typically very gentle and may involve light touch while the practitioner observes and works with subtle movement patterns.

Cranial techniques are sometimes incorporated as part of a broader approach to care, particularly when considering how the head, spine and nervous system interact. As with all techniques used in the clinic, cranial work is considered within the context of an individual assessment and discussion.

Soft Tissue Techniques

Muscles, ligaments and connective tissues play an important role in how the body moves and supports the joints.

When muscles become tight, fatigued or overused, they may influence posture and movement patterns. Soft tissue techniques are hands-on approaches that focus on the muscles and surrounding tissues.

The aim is to work with areas of muscle tension that may be contributing to changes in movement or comfort.

Soft tissue techniques are commonly used alongside joint-based approaches to support balanced movement throughout the body.

During these techniques, people may notice sensations such as pressure, stretching or warmth in the area being worked. The intensity of the technique is always adjusted to suit the individual and their comfort level.

Soft tissue work can form part of a broader musculoskeletal approach that considers how muscles, joints and connective tissues interact during everyday movement.

Dry Needling Therapy

Dry needling is a technique that involves the use of very fine, sterile needles applied to specific areas of muscle tension known as trigger points.

Trigger points are small areas within muscles that may become sensitive or tight when muscles are overworked or under strain. Dry needling aims to stimulate these areas to encourage a response within the muscle that may assist with changes in tension and movement.

The needles used in dry needling are extremely thin and are typically inserted for a short period of time. Some people notice a brief sensation of muscle twitching, pressure or mild aching as the muscle responds to the technique.

Dry needling is performed using sterile, single-use needles and is always discussed with patients beforehand so they can decide whether they feel comfortable with the technique being considered.

This approach may be incorporated alongside other musculoskeletal techniques depending on the individual’s assessment findings and preferences.

To understand how dry needling may be incorporated into care, you can explore our dry needling page.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy involves placing small cups on the skin to create gentle suction.

This suction lifts the skin and underlying tissues slightly, which may influence circulation in the area and create a sensation of tissue movement beneath the cup. Cupping has been used in a variety of traditional health systems for many years and is sometimes incorporated into modern musculoskeletal care.

At Life Balance Adjustments, both traditional fire cupping and vacuum cupping techniques may be used, depending on the individual and the area being addressed.

Traditional fire cupping is often described as a more immersive experience, as the warmth of the cups can add an additional sensory element during the session. Many people find this approach contributes to a deeply relaxing experience.

Vacuum cupping, on the other hand, allows for more precise control of suction and is often used around peripheral joints where a more targeted approach may be preferred.

During cupping therapy, people often describe a pulling or lifting sensation where the cups are placed. The cups may remain stationary or be moved across the skin depending on the technique used.

It is common for temporary circular marks to appear on the skin after cupping. These marks are generally painless and usually fade over several days.

Cupping therapy may be used alongside other manual techniques as part of a broader approach to supporting movement and musculoskeletal wellbeing.

If you would like to learn more about how cupping therapy may be used as part of care, you can explore our cupping therapy page.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound is a modality that uses sound waves delivered through a handheld device applied to the skin.

A small probe is moved gently over the area while a conductive gel helps transmit the sound waves into the tissues beneath the surface. These sound waves create subtle vibrations within the tissues that may support the way the tissues respond to movement and loading.

The sensation during therapeutic ultrasound is usually very subtle, with many people noticing little to no sensation at all. The experience is often similar to a diagnostic ultrasound, where the probe moves across the skin while the underlying sound waves are not felt.

Therapeutic ultrasound is sometimes incorporated into musculoskeletal care as part of a broader management approach that may also include manual techniques, movement guidance and postural considerations.

As with all techniques used in the clinic, its inclusion is based on an individual assessment and discussion with the person receiving care.

To explore how therapeutic ultrasound may be used within care, you can learn more on our therapeutic ultrasound page.

A Personalised Approach to Care

Every person’s situation is different.

For this reason, the techniques used during care are based on an individual assessment, health history and personal preferences. Not every technique is appropriate for every person, and some people may choose to focus on specific approaches.

The aim is to support a clearer understanding of how the body is functioning, so that an approach can be considered based on individual needs and preferences.

This may include exploring how different areas of the body interact, rather than focusing on one area in isolation.

These techniques form part of a broader approach that considers how different aspects of health may interact, supporting a more individualised understanding of care.

Understanding how different techniques may be used can help you make more informed decisions about your care.

If you would like to understand how care begins and what a consultation may involve, you can explore what to expect at your first visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Techniques and Modalities

What techniques may be used during chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care may involve a range of techniques, depending on the individual assessment and what may be considered appropriate for each person. These may include low-force approaches, soft tissue techniques, mobility guidance and other supportive strategies used in practice.

Are chiropractic techniques always forceful?

Chiropractic care may involve a range of techniques. At Life Balance Adjustments, care is typically provided using gentle, low-force approaches, which is one style of chiropractic care used in practice. Techniques are selected based on individual preferences, assessment findings and what may be considered appropriate for each person.

Many people prefer this style of care when looking for a more gentle approach.

What is an Activator technique?

The Activator is a low-force chiropractic instrument used to apply a precise and controlled input. It is one of a number of techniques that may be used in practice, depending on the individual situation and practitioner approach.

Do all people receive the same techniques?

No. Techniques are selected based on the individual’s presentation, preferences, assessment findings and what may be considered appropriate in their situation. Care is individualised rather than one-size-fits-all.

Can chiropractic care include more than adjustments?

Yes. Chiropractic care may also involve approaches such as soft tissue work, mobility guidance, posture awareness, personalised exercises and discussion around movement strategies for everyday activities, depending on the individual assessment.

Can I choose a gentler approach to care?

Preferences are taken into account as part of the care process. At Life Balance Adjustments, gentle, low-force techniques are commonly used, and care is adapted according to the individual’s needs and preferences.

Why are different techniques used for different people?

Different people present with different histories, preferences, movement patterns and goals. For this reason, techniques may vary from person to person as part of an individualised approach to care.