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Palmer Family Chiropractic
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Methods & Sensory Transparency

Care methods, demystified.

Apprehension often stems from the unknown. We explain the equipment, positioning, sounds, and physical sensations associated with each method offered in Jackson.

Dr. James Palmer III at Palmer Family Chiropractic
01

Adjusting technique

Full-spine manual adjusting

The hands-on approach Palmer is known for: specific positioning, a quick controlled movement, and often an audible release.

What You Hear Often a brief popping or cracking sound — gas releasing from the joint fluid, similar to knuckle cracking. A silent adjustment can still be effective.
What You Feel Brief pressure and a quick, controlled movement. Most people describe relief or a looser feeling. Mild soreness afterward, like after new exercise, can occur for a day or so.
Explore Full-spine Details
02

Adjusting technique

Drop-table (Thompson) technique

A segmented table with sections that drop slightly during the adjustment, reducing the force your body absorbs.

What You Hear A firm clunk from the table itself as the section drops — that sound is the equipment, not your spine.
What You Feel A short, cushioned drop of about an inch under the area being adjusted. Most people find it gentler than a manual adjustment.
Explore Drop-table Details
03

Adjusting technique

Instrument-assisted adjusting

A small spring-loaded handheld instrument delivers a very light, precise impulse — no twisting, no cracking sound from the joint.

What You Hear A quick click from the instrument itself, similar to a stapler. Joints usually make no sound with this method.
What You Feel A light, fast tap — many people compare it to a firm finger flick. It is one of the gentlest options available.
Explore Instrument-assisted Details
04

Supportive therapy

Therapeutic laser

A noninvasive light-based option used separately from an adjustment, with the treatment area, device settings, and purpose explained before a session.

What You Hear The treatment itself is quiet. You may hear the device controls or normal room sounds, but there is no joint popping or table drop.
What You Feel Some people notice mild warmth at the treatment area; others notice little sensation. Tell Dr. Palmer immediately if anything feels uncomfortable.
Explore Therapeutic Details

Inside the treatment room

See the setup before you choose a method.

These photographs show the hands, equipment, and positioning behind each option. Dr. Palmer explains the setup again in person before care begins.

Dr. James Palmer applying a prone manual adjustment to a patient's upper back Full-spine manual Dr. James Palmer establishing contact while a patient lies face down on a chiropractic table Drop-table setup Dr. James Palmer holding a handheld adjusting instrument Instrument-assisted Dr. James Palmer operating therapeutic laser equipment beside a patient wearing protective eyewear Therapeutic laser

Next step / 01

Want to compare care methods?

Tell Dr. Palmer what you prefer during the consultation. He can demonstrate the equipment and explain why a method may or may not fit your examination.

Plan a visit
Call (517) 750-7790 Get directions