Seattle, WA 98121
Seattle Pettibon System
The Pettibon Technique is a series of procedures and protocols that was developed in 1891 by Dr. Burl Pettibon. Dr. Pettibon wanted to take the premise of Seattle chiropractic and deliver a more radical system of permanent postural correction. Dr. Pettibon was unrelenting in demanding that chiropractic deliver on its promise: to provide health care that enables the human spine to maintain its optimal structure for normal function.
In order to fulfill this demand, it was necessary for him to think outside the box of traditional chiropractic, medical, and orthopedic protocols and discover new and effective treatments for individuals. It was through Dr. Pettibon that a new technique of spinal correction called the Pettibon Protocols for Postural Correction were established.
Pettibon Protocols, through a series of exercises and unique rehabilitative treatments, helps to restore the normal curves of the spine, or, if the normal curves never existed, helps to create them. Having the proper curves and the proper postural balance relieves pressure from the nerves. Pettibon treatments are excellent for scoliosis, carpal tunnel, sports injuries, personal injury accidents, ligament damage and instabilities, nerve impingements, disk problems, numbness, and tingling in extremities (arms, legs, hands and feet).
The question most commonly asked is, “Why are normal curves in the neck and back important?” Other than efficient movements such as bending, twisting, and turning, proper curves are important because it allows for balance over the hips, keeping pressure off of the nerves. In order to answer this question, it is important to understand that the spinal cord and the brain together are called the Central Nervous System. They are called this because they are the center of all the activity that happens in the body. All the parts of the body are simulated into activity via the nervous system. It is the nervous system that stimulates your digestive organs, respiratory organs, your eyes, your mouth, legs, arms, hands, and your muscles into action.
If the pressure on the nerves is not relieved you begin to get a lot of different things going on in the body because the nerves stimulate everything. For instance, if you are experiencing pressure on the brachial plexus (C4-C7 vertebrae) you are affecting function in the neck, shoulders, elbows, arms, forearms, wrists, hands, fingers, esophagus, heart/coronary arteries, bronchial tubes/lungs, and chest. Any of the following could indicate a nerve impingement of the C4-C7 vertebrae: headaches, migraine headaches, dizziness, fatigue, head colds, vision problems, hearing, sinus problems, common cold, allergies, runny nose, etc.
So the question is, “Is it possible to ‘remold’ the spine?” The amazing thing about the Pettibon Technique is that, as a certified practitioner, Dr. Favreau can actually move the bones and strengthen the ligaments and muscles that are keeping that person’s spine contorted and misaligned. Force, over time, is what makes the difference. Ligaments usually take a long time to strengthen, and it requires force and time to move the bone. All the elements of the Pettibon Protocols are necessary to accomplish this. We, at Align Chiropractic, believe that you cannot achieve the desired results without the complete commitment of the person to do their exercises and show up for their scheduled appointments. We become a team, the patient and us, to remold the spine and thereby increase vitality and health to the body, removing pain.
