FROM: THE AMERICAN CHIROPRACTOR/1992

OVERVIEW

Directional Non-Force Techniquer , or D.N.F.T. as it is abbreviated, is the original non force technique of chiropractic developed by Dr. Richard VanRumpt and presently taught by Dr. John. At the heart of the technique is a method of challenging and leg measuring to detect the presence and location of subluxation, and a thumb thrust for correction. Structures included in analysis and correction are vertebrae, ribs, muscles, discs, cranials, soft tissues, extremities, and some ligaments.

Although the non (or light) force approach is more and more in demand by today's patient, the real appeal of D.N.F.T. is the power, efficiency, and holding qualities of the adjustment. Over the years, experienced D.N.F.T. practitioners have earned the reputation of being able to correct difficult and complex chiropractic cases in a very few number of visits. This potential to quickly and permanently correct subluxations must rank as a high priority in view of today's climate of competition within and outside of our profession and the growing trend of the insurance industry to limit the number of patient visits.

 

HISTORY

The roots of D.N.F.T. research and development go back to 1923 when Dr. VanRumpt discovered that a very specific light force thrust was successful in accomplishing an osseous correction. A different method of analysis, the next phase of investigation, took some years to complete.

The intention was to find a way to allow the body itself to be the indicator of subluxation. He finally arrived at a method of eliciting a leg reflex (perhaps more properly referred to as a "reaction") which proved to be qualitatively different from both static leg measuring and other distortional phenomenon already in existence. If a challenge into tissue resulted in a pull-up of the reactive leg upon performance of the D.N.F.T. leg check, then it was considered to be a positive test. This test demonstrates not only the presence and location of nerve interference, but the structure(s) and exact directions of tissue responsible for producing it.

This leg reflex became known as the VanRumpt leg check, the reactive leg reflex, or D.N.F.T. leg measuring. The mechanics of performance of this leg check are exacting and result in a highly reliable diagnostic indicator of subluxation.

Dr. VanRumpt taught D.N.F.T. around the country beginning in the late 1930s. During his more than 45 years of conducting seminars, he single handedly taught over 6,000 DCs and chiropractic students.

In 1986 he trained Dr. Chris John to teach D.N.F.T. and to continue his lifelong clinical research. Since then Dr. John has been teaching D.N.F.T. around the United States in addition to maintaining his practice in Beverly Hills, California.

FEATURES OF D.N.F.T. CHIROPRACTIC

  1. There are certain features of D.N.F.T. which should be mentioned for the benefit of interested doctors and students. They are:
  2. A direct analysis of disc subluxation and a direct correction for a bulging or even herniated disc.
  3. The ability to distinguish between nerve interference being produced by muscles, vertebrae, discs or any combination thereof.
  4. A knee correction which includes all osseous structures, ligaments, meniscus, and related muscles.
  5. A comprehensive TMJ/cranial correction.
  6. A comprehensive shoulder correction.

 

PHILOSOPHY

From the viewpoint of D.N.F.T. philosophy and practice, fixations in the spine are protective functions of the body to guard against further irritation or nerve insult from a subluxation. We find that specific correction of all components of a subluxation allows the body to remove all or the appropriate amount of that fixation. Distortions are viewed in a similar manner; i.e. by correcting the subluxations analyzed through the testing procedure, distortions (including scoliosis) are automatically reduced or eliminated by the body itself.

D.N.F.T. views Xrays as being valuable in diagnosis of pathology, anomalies, and any possible contraindications to adjusting. We do not, however, feel that analysis of Xrays yields information as to which structures are actively producing nerve interference. We rely, therefore, upon the testing procedure of challenge and leg check to allow the body to indicate the presence of subluxation and the directions of misalignment of the involved structures.

D.N.F.T. has been considered radical in the past because of its unorthodox approach and from the general misunderstandings about it which have existed for many years. We are bold now, however, to state that on the basis of much clinical experience, any one subluxation anywhere on the body can be corrected in one visit without the need for repetition. Lengthy series of treatments are rare with D.N.F.T. and the average number of visits to correct acute or chronic symptoms existing in one area of the body are two to six. Even correction of multiple problems in more than one area of the body seldom requires more than five to ten visits. While periodic maintenance is certainly beneficial, we do not consider chiropractic care to consist of ongoing weekly treatments.

THE APPEAL OF D.N.F.T. CHIROPRACTIC

D.N.F.T. is for the DC or student who:

  1. Appreciates the value of specificity in adjusting.
  2. Believes that the subluxation entity does exist and that there is a vast difference between specific correction and general, wide-scale manipulation.
  3. Is philosophically open to the concept of the body being able to yield information about subluxations.
  4. Aspires to chiropractic excellence measured in terms of benefits to the patient and not merely statistics consisting of patient visits/wk or dollar totals.
  5. Desires a practice which is not heavily dependent on PI, W/C, lawyers or the ever changing laws and regulations governing such clinics. Private patients will always be willing to pay cash without any "special arrangements" for the high quality results of D.N.F.T. Chiropractic.
  6. Wants no restrictions or limitations to results and wants to experience certainty and integrity about his or her adjusting on every day.

D.N.F.T. is sophisticated chiropractic but is simple in concept since there is no complex theoretical structural/biomechanic model to rely upon for analysis of subluxations. Although D.N.F.T. is a part of chiropractic history, it has always been on the cutting edge of chiropractic technology.

Dr. John teaches weekend seminars in three modules throughout the country to field DCs and chiropractic students. It is being taught in school by Dr. John's personally authorized instructors at Southern California College of Chiropractic and the Pennsylvania College of Straight Chiropractic as part of the elective curriculum. It is also taught through relicensing seminars in the states of California and Pennsylvania.

If you would like more information on D.N.F.T. or the seminar schedule of Dr. John, you may write or phone the D.N.F.T. Seminars Office at:

D.N.F.T. Seminars 256 S. Robertson Blvd. Suite 1636 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 OFFICE: 310-657-2338 FAX: 310-657-2279