Part 27

The ulnar edge of the free hand is now placed across the tips of the two contact fingers so that it rests directly above the ends of the transverses but separated from them by the finger tips. The upper arm is then straightened and the elbow outrotated until it locks firmly so that the arm makes a straight line directly above the transverses. The body is drawn away from the shoulder girdle, pulling the head of the humerus out of its socket as far as possible to allow free play, for all force is to be given by this straight arm.

Movement

If the subluxation is a straight posterior the force is driven directly downward so as to be distributed equally to the two contact points. If it be a postero-rotary, most force is directed to the more prominent (posterior) transverse. Force should be delivered quickly, keeping in mind the principle of transmitted shock.

Contrary to the general belief, as much force can be developed with this move as is needful for any ordinary adjustment. The fact that it is often recommended for use with children or with sensitive or frail patients has led to the belief that it is a relatively ineffective move, whereas its value in such cases lies only in the fact that it inflicts less pain than some others.

PISIFORM SINGLE TRANSVERSE MOVE No. 1

Like the movement just described, this adjustment may be used in the Dorsals from fourth to ninth inclusive. It should be limited to those subluxations which are rotated without being posterior. In such an instance the spinous process appears to be laterally displaced without being posterior, or may appear slightly anterior because it is describing an arc about a fixed center of rotation in the body of the vertebra. One transverse process appears anterior and the other posterior to the line of their fellows.

Palpation

Palpate as for the Recoil and use the same adjusting hand as in that movement, i. e., right hand if standing on right side and palpating with left, or left hand if standing on left and palpating with right. When the palpating fingers have discovered the subluxated spinous process, the first finger seeks a point even with the tip of the next superior spinous process and about an inch to the side on which is the posterior (prominent) transverse. The second and third fingers follow and, dipping inward with a rolling or massage motion, discover the end of the transverse.

Contact

Now the adjusting hand is placed with its pisiform resting directly upon the blunt end of the transverse. If the contact is on the same side of the spine with the adjuster the fingers of adjusting hand extend across the spine and are anchored on the other side, the hand arching sharply and fingers extending somewhat downward. If contact is on opposite side of spine the fingers follow the rib curve downward and outward and are similarly anchored. In every case the fingers should extend away from, and never toward, the adjuster’s body. To violate this rule renders one arm almost useless through its position.

At this juncture the palpating hand becomes a reinforcing hand, to grip the wrist of the other and to aid in the movement.

Movement

The force is directed in a straight anterior direction, quickly and decisively, as if a spinous process were the lever used. Remember that contact must always be made with the posterior transverse. To drive this anterior is to rotate the vertebra around its vertical axis and to bring the spinous process toward the median line, while the opposite, and more anterior, transverse becomes more posterior, as it should be.

PISIFORM SINGLE TRANSVERSE No. 2

Uses

For rotated first or second Dorsals with which, for any reason, the “T. M.” fails. This move involves a use of the head as a lever, as does the “T. M.” No. 2. Inadvisable unless the posterior transverse of the rotated vertebra can be palpated--but often used in cheerful disregard of this detail by those sublimely capable adjusters who do not need to find a vertebra before moving it.

Palpation--Contact

Palpate as for No. 1 above. Very deep palpation will be necessary because the spinous process here is nearly horizontal to the body and the transverse is very deeply placed, overlaid with heavy muscles.

When process is found place pisiform bone of free hand upon it, pressing the muscles aside as much as possible to avoid bruising and resting a considerable amount of weight upon the contact hand. Fingers of contact hand may extend across the spine or downward and parallel with the spine. Or, the hands may be changed so that the palpating hand becomes the contact hand and is placed with the fingers gripped over the base of the neck toward the clavicle.

Head Leverage

The free hand is now placed upon the forehead and the head, which faces toward the contact hand, is flexed backward until the muscles seem taut.

Movement

Is a quick, but fairly gentle, movement of both hands together, so that the head is rocked still further backward at the instant an anteriorly directed force is applied to the prominent transverse. The result is rotation of the vertebra--unless there be a loose articulation in the Cervicals which gives way under the force applied to the head.

THE EDGE CONTACT

(“Point 2 Contact”--“Knife Move.”)

Name

This movement has various names. The name “Point 2 Contact” is handed down from the days when Palmer used three contact points and three moves and designated the middle of the ulnar side of the fifth metacarpal bone as “Point 2.” The name “Edge Contact” was applied later, during the improvements in its technic when the hooking of the thumbs stiffened its efficiency and made it very valuable. It has since been rediscovered (though in constant use) and re-named “Knife Move.”

Uses