Systems Chiropractic™
Precise and Holistic
Where clinical experience meets systems thinking
Systems Chiropractic™ was developed by Dr H. Peter Hong in Hong Kong through clinical practice up to April 2020, and continues as a research‑based framework for strategy‑guided chiropractic care.
Defining Precision in Chiropractic
Precision is not merely a principle in chiropractic care—it is the foundation that determines the effectiveness and sustainability of every intervention.
In Systems Chiropractic, precision is crucial for identifying the most significant neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction within the postural system, determining its specific characteristics, pinpointing the affected tissue, assessing its positional relationship within overall posture, and determining the direction and force required for correction.
While adjustments or manipulations applied to various areas of the body may influence dysfunction, direct intervention is the key to correction. If the problem is muscular, only muscle-specific treatment is effective—this principle also applies to articular and fascial conditions. Since not all parts and tissues actively engage in posture and movement, identifying the correct engagement position or range of motion is critical for effective correction. Likewise, the direction of correction must be determined beforehand, and the applied force should remain within an optimal range suited to the anatomy of the structure.
For example, the force required to correct the atlanto-occipital and temporomandibular joints is extremely mild—often perceived as virtually force-free by patients—while the sacroiliac joint, with its complex locking mechanism, demands a more controlled approach.
Precision is compromised when physical factors limit a chiropractor's ability to perform certain adjustments, leading to compensatory techniques that may not effectively address dysfunction. Conversely, using excessive force beyond the localized area can be ineffective or even counterproductive. Systems Chiropractic ensures targeted corrections that optimize efficiency and adapt to individual neuromusculoskeletal needs, regardless of the practitioner's physical attributes.
Systems Chiropractic grounds precision in postural theory, particularly threshold control theory, which prioritizes dynamic movement patterns over static structural alignment. This approach focuses on the functional responses of the postural system to regulate muscle tone, a crucial aspect of chiropractic practice.
Integrating biomechanical, neurological, and functional analysis, Systems Chiropractic delivers targeted corrections aligning with a patient's unique neuromusculoskeletal profile. A systematic evaluation of the postural system's functional responses enables clinicians to address dysfunction rather than merely alleviating symptoms.