Workshop Summary - Spinal Percussion Therapy for the Coccyx

Summary

Nick Hodgson introduced a workshop on spinal percussion therapy for the coccyx using the modified 3dEnergy gun, emphasizing initial low settings and key operational rules such as avoiding contact before starting impulses and letting the gun do the work. Dr Nick outlined precautions, including not applying perpendicular force to the coccyx and noting that the workshop is not a medical diagnosis, stressing that participants need necessary qualifications to administer treatment. The discussion covered general principles, including using the triangular head, specific torque directions (clockwise for the right side and anticlockwise for the left side), inferior to superior vectors, and strictly recommended posterior surface contact on the first coccyx segment to address patterns like "tail between the legs."

Details

Introduction to Spinal Percussion Therapy for the Coccyx: Nick Hodgson introduced a workshop on spinal percussion therapy for the coccyx using the modified 3dEnergy gun. The initial steps for use involve turning on the gun, setting the torque direction and speed, and then setting the impulse speed, recommending lower settings initially. Key operational rules include not making contact before starting impulses, not changing speeds while maintaining contact, allowing the gun to do the work, and avoiding overstimulation.

Precautions and General Principles for Coccyx Therapy: Nick Hodgson emphasized several precautions, including not applying perpendicular force to the coccyx and not ignoring any contraindications. They also provided a disclaimer that the workshop does not constitute a medical diagnosis or recommendation, asserting that participants must have the necessary qualifications and indemnity to administer treatments. Recommended general principles for the treatment include using the triangular head, clockwise torque for the right side, and anticlockwise torque for the left side, always maintaining light pressure and using inferior to superior vectors.

Treatment Vectors and Targeting for the Coccyx: The slides shown illustrate right-sided patterns, with the general principle that the torque should reverse a coccyx deviating towards the ipsilateral side of contact. The predominant pattern addressed is the "tail between the legs," which represents an inward flexion, and midline contact does not require torque unless guided by differential diagnosis. For contact, Nick Hodgson strictly recommended the posterior surface of the first coccyx segment, using an inferior to superior vector.

Specific Techniques and Future Content: For the right side, Nick Hodgson recommended using clockwise torque while gliding or scanning inferior to superior along the lateral margin of the coccyx. He emphasized the importance of explaining the anatomy and rationale to the person receiving treatment, ensuring informed consent before working in this area. Future content planned includes video demonstrations on real people, a concept called "circling the sub," and myofascial percussion therapy using the 3dEnergy gun.