The Thompson Technique developed by Dr. Clay Thompson in the 1950′s. The technique was born out two

scientific developments of the time. First the "Segmental Drop Table", for which Dr. Thompson was granted a patent for in 1955. The second is the "Leg Length System" based

on the work of Dr. Derifield around the same time.

As practiced today the technique is described as Table Assisted Adjusting by Dr. Hyman, using the Derifield leg

length analysis to test the neurological basis and need for spinal correction.

The drop table is designed to enhance motion force to the adjusted area, allowing for enhanced patient comfort in all

areas of the spine. However, Dr. Thompson was more interested in the application of proper vectors used in

adjusting the spinal articulations. He noted that the many misalignment and subluxation correction could be

accomplished while the patient was laying face down or prone. With a force applied from the back to the front and from the feet to the head, inferior to superior, accounting

for rotation and lateral flexing of the involved segment with doctor position and vector. The table also has a hi-lo feature that takes the patient from standing to laying flat without any effort from the patient to keep neurological

integrity. His table is designed to meet these requirements and has stood the test of time.

The leg length analysis is a widely accepted scientific (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3235927) theory

that is also put into practice by other chiropractic techniques such as Activator Methods Technique. It is

based on the inhibitory and excitatory relationship between muscular system and the regulating reticular

system of the brain. It observes neurological imbalance as it translates to the appearance of a short leg in a prone

(faced down) position in a relatively relaxed state. The best analysis is performed when a subject is taken directly from

a weight-bearing or standing position into a horizontal position without any effort from the subject. Leg length analysis must be confirmed by other methods when a patient has any condition in which the doctor can not

conclude that even legs would be the desired outcome for the person, as happens in anatomical short legs. Doctors

use other methods and x-rays in practice in addition to the leg length analysis to evaluate neurological impact on the

musculoskeletal system.

Dr. Robin C. Hyman DC author of several chiropractic technique training manuals including pediatric adjusting and Thompson techniques is instrumental in the current understanding and development of the technique as it is

practiced today.

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