We believe that providing the best care means having a variety of tools at our disposal. Every body responds differently to treatment, which is why Dr. Monroe utilizes these five distinct, evidence-based techniques. By understanding the "how" and "why" behind each one, you can feel even more confident in the personalized care plan we create for you.
Call  (785) 201-2719 today to schedule your chiropractic adjustment and start moving with confidence.

The Diversified Technique


As the most widely practiced manual adjustment in the world, the Diversified Technique is often considered the "gold standard" of chiropractic care. It is a manual technique, meaning Dr. Monroe uses his hands to apply a quick, shallow thrust to a specific joint.

  • How it Works: The goal is to restore proper movement and alignment to "stuck" or restricted spinal segments. By applying a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust, we can improve the joint’s range of motion and reduce nerve interference.
  • What to Expect: During this adjustment, you may hear a muffled "pop" or "click." This is simply the release of tiny gas bubbles from the joint fluid—a natural process called cavitation. Most patients experience an immediate sense of relief and increased flexibility following a Diversified adjustment.

Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT)


SOT is a comprehensive and holistic approach that recognizes the vital relationship between the base of the spine (the sacrum) and the base of the skull (the occiput). This technique is specifically designed to balance the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which acts as a "nutrient bath" for your brain and spinal cord.

  • How it Works: Instead of manual thrusts, SOT often utilizes specialized "blocks"—padded, triangular wedges—that are placed in specific positions under your pelvis while you lie comfortably on your back or stomach.
  • What to Expect: This is a "low-force" technique. By using your own body weight and the natural pull of gravity against the blocks, your spine and pelvis gently settle into their correct alignment. It is incredibly relaxing and is an excellent choice for patients who prefer a very gentle approach or those with acute pain.

Activator Method / Activator Assisted


The Activator Method is one of the most popular "instrument-assisted" techniques in chiropractic. It utilizes a small, handheld, spring-loaded tool to deliver a consistent, high-speed impulse to the spine or extremities.

  • How it Works: The brilliance of the Activator lies in its speed. It delivers an adjustment much faster than the human hand can. Because the device is so quick, your body’s muscles are less likely to tense up or resist the adjustment, making it highly effective even with very little force.
  • What to Expect: You will feel a light "tapping" sensation on the skin. There is no twisting or "cracking" involved. This precision makes it ideal for adjusting smaller joints (like the jaw or wrists), as well as for pediatric or geriatric patients who require a more delicate touch.


  • Thoughtful assessments at every visit
  • Adjustments that evolve with your progress
  • Clear explanations of what is being done and why
  • A calm, professional treatment experience

Impulse Adjusting / Impulse Gun Assisted


While similar in concept to the Activator, Impulse Adjusting represents the next generation of chiropractic technology. This is an electronic, handheld instrument specifically engineered to provide controlled, micro-adjustments at a very high frequency.

  • How it Works: The Impulse device is programmed to deliver rapid, repetitive pulses (multi-impulse). This specific frequency is designed to "resonate" with your nervous system, effectively "resetting" the mechanoreceptors in your joints and relaxing the surrounding muscles.
  • What to Expect: Patients describe the sensation as a rapid, gentle clicking. Because the tool is electronic, it provides a consistent and measurable force every time. It is a painless, high-tech solution for those looking to restore mobility and reduce inflammation with extreme precision.

Thompson Drop Technique


The Thompson Technique (often called "The Drop Table") uses Newton’s laws of physics to provide a deep, effective adjustment with very little manual pressure. This technique relies on a specialized chiropractic table with "drop-away" segments.

  • How it Works: Dr. Monroe will set the table segments so they are "cocked" or slightly raised. When he applies a gentle pressure to the spine, the specific section of the table drops a fraction of an inch. The sudden stop of the table's movement allows the kinetic energy to carry the joint through its full range of motion.
  • What to Expect: You will hear a loud "thump" as the table segment drops, and you will feel a quick, downward motion. Because the table is doing the heavy lifting, the adjustment feels very light to the patient. It is an excellent method for adjusting the pelvis and lower back while keeping the patient in a neutral, comfortable position.
  • Support posture and alignment
  • Improve stability and flexibility
  • Reduce recurring tension

Advanced Soft Tissue Therapies


To provide a truly comprehensive approach to healing, Dr. Monroe incorporates advanced soft tissue techniques alongside traditional chiropractic adjustments. These therapies are designed to accelerate recovery, reduce muscle tension, and improve athletic performance.

Dry Needling


Dry Needling is a modern, science-based intervention used to treat muscular pain and movement impairments. While it uses the same type of thin, filiform needles as acupuncture, the approach is strictly based on Western medical principles and anatomy.

  • How it Works: Dr. Monroe inserts a fine needle into a "trigger point"—a tight, irritable band of muscle that is often responsible for referred pain and restricted movement. The needle helps release the knot, stimulates blood flow to the area, and resets the local inflammatory response.
  • What to Expect: Most patients feel a brief "twitch response" or a dull ache when the needle is inserted, which is a sign that the muscle is reacting and beginning to relax. It is highly effective for chronic tension, sports injuries, and stubborn muscle spasms that haven't responded to traditional massage.
  • Thoughtful assessments at every visit
  • Adjustments that evolve with your progress
  • Clear explanations of what is being done and why
  • A calm, professional treatment experience

Fascial Movement Taping (FMT)


Fascial Movement Taping (often referred to as "Kinesiology Taping") involves the application of specialized, elastic tape to the skin to support joints and muscles without restricting their range of motion.

  • How it Works: Unlike traditional athletic tape that is designed to "lock down" a joint, FMT is stretchy and moves with you. When applied, it gently lifts the skin away from the underlying fascia (the connective tissue covering your muscles). This creates a microscopic space that improves lymphatic drainage and blood flow, reducing swelling and bruising. It also provides "proprioceptive" feedback to the brain, helping you move with better form and stability.
  • What to Expect: The tape is lightweight, water-resistant, and can usually be worn for several days. It provides a subtle feeling of support and "reminds" your muscles to function correctly. It is a favorite among athletes for injury prevention and recovery, but it is equally beneficial for anyone dealing with postural strain or everyday aches.

Schedule Your Chiropractic Adjustment in Salina, KS


If you are looking for thoughtful, doctor-led chiropractic adjustments focused on comfort and function, Monroe Chiropractic Wellness Center is here to help.

Call (785) 201-2719 today to schedule your appointment and experience personalized chiropractic care in Salina, KS.