For a science geek like Scott Foster, anything that has to do with Newton’s laws is intriguing. So it’s no surprise that Dr. Foster was interested in learning the drop-table technique of chiropractic care, which uses Newton’s laws of motion, and incorporating it into the options available for patients in his practice at Foster Chiropractic Sports & Wellness.

The drop table was designed by chiropractor Dr. J. Clay Thompson, who saw this law of physics at work when he was using a table that had a loose part. He noticed that when he manipulated his patient, the head rest would descend an inch or so and come to a stop, which in turn helped provide more force for his treatment without him having to provide the force himself. The process sounds counterintuitive when described in words and trying to imagine a patient being dropped a few inches. But in practice it is a type of treatment that facilitates less-invasive corrections. It’s more gentle and effective for the patient.

Today Thompson’s design and technique has been adopted by many chiropractors all over the world to provide spinal adjustments in some types of cases. The drop table is a chiropractic table designed in a number of different sections, each of which can be moved up or down independently of the other. The table is also padded, and the stiffness can be adjusted to the weight of the patient for a more comfortable experience. 

The way the drop table works is the chiropractor will lift specific sections one to two inches, according to the areas of the patient that need work. Then the chiropractor gives a gentle thrust to the patient and the table releases and drops down, all at the same time. The process takes advantage of Newton’s first law of motion, which states: A body that is at rest or in motion in a constant straight line will continue to be at rest or in that motion unless acted on by a force.

Dr. Foster often uses the drop table when working with patients who suffer from lower back pain, sciatica or herniated discs. The technique is also useful for patients who might have too much pain or stiffness to go through other types of chiropractic treatment.

The benefits of chiropractic treatment with the drop table method include:

• Less discomfort for patients suffering from pain or stiffness

• More thorough spinal manipulations

• Greater control for the chiropractor

• Options for patients who are too tight or too sore for other activities

• Help for athletes to experience fewer aches and pains during sports

If you’re interested in learning more about the drop table procedures and how we use this in the care of our patients at Foster Chiropractic and Wellness Center, give us ca call today at 336-778-2242.