Chiropractic Blocks & Techniques | Townsville
Manual Adjustments, Blocks, Activator & Impulse IQ — Which Is Right for You?Written by Dr Daryl Ansell | Reviewed by Dr Robert Foster | Last reviewed August 2026
Which Chiropractic Technique Is Right for You?
Quick Answer: The right chiropractic technique depends on your condition, age, comfort level, and health history — not routine or personal preference. Techniques range from hands-on manual adjustment and SOT blocks to gentle instrument methods such as the Activator and Impulse IQ. Your chiropractor will assess your spine, discuss the options with you, and select the most appropriate approach. There is no single best technique — only the one best suited to you.
Not sure which chiropractic technique suits you?
At Ansell Chiropractic Centre in Townsville, your chiropractor will complete a thorough assessment of your spine, movement, and health history before recommending any technique. The options will be explained clearly, and you are always involved in how your care is delivered.
This page is a summary of the techniques used at Ansell Chiropractic Centre. For a more detailed look at each approach — including its origins, the evidence behind it, who it suits, and the pros and cons — see our full guide.
→ Read: The 8 Most Effective Chiropractic Techniques — A Complete Guide
How Your Townsville Chiropractor Chooses the Right Technique
Before recommending any technique, your chiropractor completes a detailed assessment. This allows technique selection to be based on clinical findings rather than routine or preference.
Factors considered include:
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Your symptoms (such as neck pain, low back pain, headaches, or sciatica)
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Spinal joint movement and flexibility
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Posture and movement patterns
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Neurological, orthopaedic, and imaging findings
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Bone density, previous injuries, surgery, or medical conditions
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Your comfort preferences and previous experiences with care
Suitable techniques are then discussed with you, including why they may help and what you can expect. You are always involved in decisions about how your care is delivered.
Let’s take a look at the techniques.
Manual adjustments are precise, hands-on techniques aimed at restoring normal movement to spinal joints. They are among the most widely used chiropractic methods.
A soft “popping” sound may occur during an adjustment. This is simply gas movement within the joint and is a normal physical response.
Often suited to:
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Mechanical neck or back pain
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Joint stiffness or restricted movement
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Patients comfortable with hands-on care
Key points:
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Controlled, specific movements
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Technique modified for size, age, and condition
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Never forced or aggressive
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Often associated with rapid symptom improvement
Not suitable for everyone and always modified or avoided where clinical findings indicate a gentler approach is safer.
Drop Table Technique
The Drop Table technique uses a specialised table that gently lifts and releases under specific areas of the body. When light pressure is applied, the table section drops, allowing joint movement with minimal force.
Most suited to:
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Patients who prefer less twisting or a softer adjustment
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Older adults
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Patients with joint sensitivity
- patients who dont like the cracking sound of manual adjustments
Key points:
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Comfortable, low-force approach
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No twisting or heavy pressure
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Often used when spinal mobility is limited but force needs to be minimised.
Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT)
SOT is a biomechanical approach that uses small wedge-shaped blocks placed under the pelvis to gently balance and realign the spine using gravity and the body’s own weight. blocks.
Often suited to:
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Acute Pelvic pain with muscle spasm
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Pregnancy-related spinal discomfort
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Chronic or recurrent spinal problems
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Patients requiring very low-force care
Key points:
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Subtle, comfortable technique
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No forceful manipulation
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Often combined with other methods
This gentle approach is suitable for everyone — including pregnant women and patients needing light-force care.
Activator and Insight Impulse Techniques
Instrument-assisted techniques use handheld devices to deliver precise, controlled, low-force impulses to spinal joints.
The Activator Method uses a spring-loaded instrument to apply a fast, gentle impulse, making it suitable for patients who prefer not to be manually adjusted.
The Insight Impulse instrument incorporates digital feedback technology, measuring the force delivered and allowing consistent, measurable adjustments.
Often suited to:
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Babies and young children
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Older adults
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Patients with osteoporosis or arthritis
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Situations where manual adjustments are not appropriate
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Patients who prefer very gentle care
These techniques are research-supported and commonly used when accuracy and minimal force are priorities.
Can Chiropractic Techniques Be Combined?
A chiropractor may:
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Begin with gentler techniques and progress if appropriate
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Use different techniques in different spinal regions
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Modify the approach based on how your body responds
How and when techniques change over time is explained in more detail on our Phases of Chiropractic Care page. Care is always reviewed and adapted rather than locked into a single method.
Safety, Choice, and Transparency Come First
Technique selection is always guided by safety, consent, and clinical reasoning.
At Ansell Chiropractic Centre:
- No technique is used without discussion and consent
- Adjustments are adapted or changed if needed
- Progress is monitored and reassessed
- Referrals are made if chiropractic care is not appropriate
The focus is not on fitting you into a technique, but on selecting the most appropriate technique for you.
Other Techniques and Supportive Care
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, care may include:
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Soft tissue therapy and muscle stretching
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Exercise recommendations
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Postural and lifestyle advice
These approaches support recovery, improve movement, and help reduce the likelihood of symptoms returning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one chiropractic technique better than another?
No. Research and clinical experience show that outcomes depend more on proper assessment, appropriate technique selection, and patient response than on one specific method.
Are gentle techniques as effective as manual adjustments?
For many conditions and patients, yes. Gentle techniques can be highly effective when chosen appropriately, particularly for sensitive patients or those with certain medical considerations.
Can techniques change during care?
Absolutely. Techniques may change as symptoms improve, new findings appear, or your comfort level changes.
Do I get to choose which technique is used?
You are always involved in the decision. If you have preferences or concerns, these are discussed and respected.
Summary: Which Technique Is Best for You?
The best chiropractic technique is the one that:
- Matches your condition
- Respects your comfort level
- Fits your health history
- Adapts as your body changes
This personalised selection of techniques ensures care is appropriate, comfortable, and adaptable — based on clinical findings rather than a one-size-fits-all metho
If you’d like to find out which chiropractic technique is best suited to you, you’re welcome to book an appointment or speak with our team.
