Developed originally by Dr. Clay. Thompson and fully patented in 1957, the Thompson Drop Table facilitates a full spine technique by the use of an adjusting table with a pneumatically driven, segmented drop system, which quickly lowers the section of the patient’s body corresponding with the spinal region being adjusted, whether in the dorsal, lumber or pelvic area. By means of this widely used device your practitioner thrusts at high speed, using minimal force, because while the thrust initiates movement, the fast drop carries the joint through the remainder of its range of motion.
The neurological basis for balance is found in the Reticular System of the brain where the Inhibitory and Facilitatory systems maintain balance of the musculature of the body. A neurological imbalance will affect the musculature of the legs resulting in the appearance of one leg being short when observed with the patient in the prone (face down) position. This occurs when various muscles are over stimulated. This over-stimulation results in a leg length differential that is visually evident and is measurable. (Contraindications would be an anatomical short leg, history of poorly healed fracture, or a joint implant.)
Dr. Beck will place you on the drop table lying face down. You will also be wearing shoes as the Leg Check is conducted. This is so that there is a common reference point of the seam where the heel and shoe are joined on each foot. On the basis of this and other tests Dr. Beck will then proceed with the adjustment, assisted by the action of the drop piece. The table drop piece will be set to your weight and Dr. Beck will then place a contact hand on the drop segment. A thrust is then applied and this segment of the table will drop away gently thus the segment will me realigned by translating the force of the drop into the joint.
An example is provided in the following video: