What does "D. N. F. T.®" stand for and where did it come from?

D. N. F. T. is an abbreviation for the Directional Non-Force Technique® and is the original light-force method of chiropractic. The late Dr. Richard VanRumpt of Santa Barbara, California began research on this method in 1923 and single-handedly taught the technique throughout the country for forty-five years. Since 1986, Dr. John, his chosen successor, has been conducting seminars and further research and development.

What is the purpose of D. N. F. T.® ?

The purpose of D. N. F. T.® is to fulfill the highest aspirations of chiropractic. This includes relieved pain and improved health by structurally aligning the body and thereby removing nerve interference. When the nervous system is free from distress of structural insults, it can orchestrate the natural healing potential of the body.

What makes D. N. F. T.® different from other forms of chiropractic?

Chiropractic has, over the years, taken many forms and methods of application. D.N.F.T.® employs an unique and sophisticated method of diagnosis. This procedure allows the patient's body itself to indicate the existence and precise location of nerve interference as well as the directions of misalignment of the structure in question. With such precise information, it requires no more than a light force thumb thrust to introduce a complete and permanent correction to any structure in the body.

What are the causes for misalignments in the spine?

The most common cause of spinal misalignments is trauma. Trauma, however, may take many different forms including even a small pressure but on a specific point over a period of time. For example, our research has suggested that one's head tilted backwards over the lip of a hairdresser's shampoo basin almost always misaligns the neck vertebrae. Deep tissue massage may also result in misalignments!

What are the advantages in receiving D. N. F. T.® type of chiropractic?

Many patients or potential chiropractic patients have been reluctant to receive chiropractic care because they do not like the type of thrusting and popping sounds which they might receive with conventional chiropractic. D. N. F. T.® involves no hard thrusts or popping sounds as the correction is delivered by a light impulse of the thumb. Many patients appreciate the specificity and attention to detail which results in profound and permanent corrections to their problems. Another advantage is the few number of visits required for both initial correction and maintenance.

How many visits does it require to correct a chiropractic problem?

This will vary with each patient as a result of the nature of the problem, the patient's history, the extent of the involved area(s) of the spine, and certain other factors. On the average, a given area (such as the neck or low back) may take two to six adjustments to achieve complete alignment of that area. A full spine correction may take six to eight treatments for the average patient. A very difficult or complicated case might take ten to fifteen or more adjustments. Whatever the situation, D. N. F. T. chiropractic has statistically demonstrated the ability to handle all chiropractic structural problems with the fewest number of visits.

Is it true that one must have frequent adjustments to hold the correction received?

From a D. N. F. T. viewpoint, the need for frequent visits suggests that the structure has not actually been properly or completely realigned in all respects. This assumes that no new injuries or aggravating factors have occurred since a previous visit. With D.N. F. T. chiropractic, frequent visits are not necessary once a problem has been completely corrected.

Does stress cause misalignment? If so, wouldn't it render the chiropractic treatments ineffective?

Unless the stress is very severe, it usually doesn't create specific misalignments. Stress may, however, accentuate or exaggerate the effect of misalignments which are already present. If one feels many pains under stress, then it is an indication that misalignments have already been there. It is our experience that mild to moderate stress on a properly aligned patient does not alter corrections. Patients who received a D. N. F. T. treatment while under emotional or work related pressure report an increased ability to handle stress in general.