The Chiropractic Theories: Dr. Ross

#1) Muscle Spindle/Golgi Tendon Theory
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#1) Muscle Spindle/Golgi Tendon Theory
Manipulation overcomes muscle spasm by resetting muscles spindles.

Therefore, following an adjustment we would expect tight muscles to relax.

Clinically, we would palpate the muscle before (finding a tight band) and after the adjustment with the hope that the muscle has now relaxed.
#2: Stimulation of mechanoreceptors
Manipulation stimulates mechanoreceptors in the joint capsules.

These mechanoreceptors stimulate nervous tissue which have a variety of effects: reflexogenic, perceptual & pain suppression.
#3) Breaking joint adhesions (scar tissue in joints)
Theorizes that manipulation breaks scar tissue in the joints.

So, a joint becomes injured and in the healing process scar tissue is produced which undesirably restricts joint motion.

Therefore, before manipulation you may expect to palpate joints with restricted movement.

Following the adjustment you would expect to see improvement in the movement.
The trapped meniscoid: removal of acute joint locking
In each joint there is a small structure referred to as a meniscoid.

It is similar to the meniscus of the knee joint (there roles are to improve the contact are between the 2 joint surfaces).

It is believed that in some instances these structures can get stuck in a position that restricts the joint movement.

The adjustment would then free the structure and hence joint motion would improve.
#5) Restoration of movement improves joint nutrition and lubrication
An adjustment improves motion which would improve joint lubrication.

In order to minimize the detrimental effects of friction in a joint, our synovial joints are bathed in synovial fluid.

For this fluid to be maintained in a functional manner, movement of the joint is required.

So, your goal would be to establish that you have improved joint movement so that the fluid can do its job.

In theory this could delay or prevent cartilage degeneration.
#6) Release of endorphins (from the CNS)
As a result of spinal manipulation, endorphins are released from the brain which will reduce the pain experienced by the patient.
ADIO (bone out of place, blocking nerve flow)
This is the theory that backs subluxation based practice.

These practitioners believe that if nerve roots are irritated in the area of the intervertebral foramen they can adjust the spine to move the vertebra so that it will stop irritating the nerve.

Those that practice this way have no concern for patient signs or symptoms. There goal is simply to maximize nerve flow so that all cells of the body can operate to their maximum potential.
Something to keep in mind...
All of these potential mechanisms will interact with each other and hence it is unlikely that one theory is more important than any other.

They may all occur to generate an effect that improves the patients well-being.