Chiropractic glossary

Activator

A small hand-held, spring-loaded instrument some chiropractors use to deliver an adjustment instead of using their hands.

Active Release Techniques (ART)

A trademarked soft-tissue method in which the practitioner applies pressure to a muscle while the patient moves it.

Adjustment

The chiropractor's term for a controlled, quick movement applied to a joint, usually of the spine, by hand or with an instrument. Also called spinal manipulation.

Applied kinesiology

An approach that uses muscle-strength testing as part of an assessment. It is used by some chiropractors and is not part of every practice.

Atlas Orthogonal

An upper cervical technique that uses an instrument to adjust the top vertebra of the neck (the atlas).

Blair technique

An upper cervical technique focused on the top vertebrae of the neck, usually guided by imaging.

Cervical spine

The seven vertebrae of the neck.

Chiropractic college

A school that grants the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. In the US, programs are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).

CMT (chiropractic manipulative treatment)

The billing term for spinal adjustments. Insurers and Medicare use codes that depend on how many regions of the spine are adjusted.

Coinsurance

The percentage of a bill you pay after your deductible. With Original Medicare Part B, it is usually 20% of the approved amount.

Copay

A fixed amount you pay for a visit under your insurance plan.

Cox technique

A flexion-distraction method that uses a special table to move and stretch the lower spine. Named after its developer.

DC (Doctor of Chiropractic)

The degree chiropractors earn. To practice, a chiropractor also needs a license from the state where they work.

Deductible

The amount you pay each year before your insurance starts to pay. The 2026 Medicare Part B deductible is $283.

Direct access

Being able to book with a provider without a referral from another doctor. Chiropractors generally see patients directly; some insurance plans still require a referral.

Diversified technique

A widely taught hands-on adjusting technique.

DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)

A fully licensed physician who can prescribe medication and perform surgery, and who is also trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment.

DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy)

The degree physical therapists earn before taking a licensing exam.

Drop table

A chiropractic table with sections that drop slightly when the adjustment is made. Used in the Thompson technique and others.

Dry needling

Inserting thin needles into muscle. Some states allow chiropractors to offer it, often with extra training; rules vary by state.

Electrical muscle stimulation (e-stim)

Mild electrical current applied through pads on the skin. Some chiropractic practices offer it alongside adjustments.

Extremity adjusting

Adjustments to joints outside the spine, such as the shoulder, wrist, knee or ankle.

Flexion-distraction

A technique using a special table that gently moves and stretches the lower spine.

Gonstead technique

A hands-on adjusting technique named after its founder, often combined with a detailed exam.

Good faith estimate

A written, itemized estimate of expected charges that health care providers usually must give patients who are not using insurance, under the No Surprises Act.

Graston technique

A trademarked method of instrument-assisted soft-tissue work using stainless-steel tools.

HSA and FSA

Health savings accounts and flexible spending arrangements. The IRS lists chiropractor fees for medical care as a medical expense; FSA plans can set their own rules.

In network

A provider that has a contract with your insurance plan. Seeing an in-network provider usually costs you less.

Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM)

Soft-tissue work done with hand-held tools instead of only the hands. Graston is one brand.

Kinesiology tape

Stretchy cotton tape applied to the skin, often seen in sports. Some chiropractors use it.

License lookup

A state board's online search that shows whether a chiropractor's license is active, and often any public discipline.

Logan Basic technique

A light-touch technique that applies pressure near the base of the spine.

Lumbar spine

The five vertebrae of the lower back.

Manipulation

Another word for an adjustment: a quick, controlled movement applied to a joint.

Medicare Advantage

Private plans that replace Original Medicare. They must cover what Original Medicare covers and may add benefits, but can require referrals and in-network providers.

Medicare Part B

The part of Medicare that covers outpatient care. It covers chiropractic adjustments of the spine to correct a subluxation, but not other services a chiropractor orders, such as X-rays.

Mobilization

Slower, gentler movement of a joint through its range, without a quick thrust.

NBCE

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, which runs the national exams most states require before granting a chiropractic license.

NUCCA

An upper cervical technique (from the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) that uses a gentle, hand-delivered adjustment guided by X-rays.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)

Hands-on techniques used by osteopathic physicians (DOs), including manipulation of joints and soft tissue.

Out of network

A provider without a contract with your insurance plan. You usually pay more, or the plan may not pay at all.

Prior authorization

Approval your insurance plan requires before it agrees to pay for care.

Range of motion

How far a joint can move in each direction. Often measured during an exam.

Referral

A written recommendation from one provider to see another. Some insurance plans require one before they pay for chiropractic care.

Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT)

A technique that uses padded wedges ("blocks") placed under the pelvis while the patient lies down.

Sacroiliac (SI) joint

The joint where the base of the spine meets the pelvis, on each side.

Soft-tissue therapy

Hands-on work on muscles and connective tissue, such as massage or instrument-assisted techniques.

Spinal decompression

Treatment on a motorized table that stretches the spine. Offered by some chiropractors and other clinics.

Spinal manipulation

A quick, controlled movement applied to a joint of the spine. Chiropractors perform it most often; osteopathic physicians and physical therapists also use it.

State board

The state agency that licenses chiropractors, sets rules and handles complaints – usually called the Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Subluxation

A term chiropractors use for a joint of the spine that they find is not moving or aligned normally. Medicare uses it to define the adjustments it covers.

Thompson technique

An adjusting technique that uses a drop table, with sections that drop slightly as the adjustment is made.

Thoracic spine

The twelve vertebrae of the upper and middle back, where the ribs attach.

Toggle recoil

An upper cervical technique using a fast, light thrust followed by a quick release.

Torque Release Technique

A technique that uses a hand-held instrument called an Integrator to deliver adjustments.

Traction

Gentle pulling on the spine or neck, by hand or with a device.

Ultrasound therapy

Sound waves applied to soft tissue through a hand-held device. Some chiropractic practices offer it.

Upper cervical

An approach that focuses on the top two vertebrae of the neck.

Vertebra

One of the bones that make up the spine. Plural: vertebrae.

Webster technique

A technique some chiropractors use for pregnant patients, focused on the pelvis and sacrum.

X-ray

An image of the bones. Some chiropractors take X-rays in their office or refer patients for them; ask why one is needed and whether insurance covers it.

Definitions describe how the terms are used. They are not medical advice and not a judgment of any technique.

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