The Activator Method Chiropractic Technique
Activator method adjusting is a chiropractic technique used to treat different kinds of back pain, headaches, migraines and neck pain. A chiropractor can determine which conditions this treatment will benefit, including Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, neurological conditions, back pain, joint inflammation, and disc problems. The treatment relieves pain while improving the function of muscles, nerves, and joints. The procedure is virtually painless, safe, gentle, and suitable for older individuals and children.
This method is ideal for individuals unable to tolerate standard treatments, including pregnant women and those with osteoporosis and arthritis.
Individuals unable to perform their daily responsibilities due to pain can often be helped with this treatment. The Activator provides enough force to decrease inflammation and stiffness in the joints. This increases mobility and flexibility.
Specifics of the Technique
The Activator instrument is hand-held and small. Motion can be restored by its low-force, fast impulse to the targeted joint. This is a good chiropractic alternative for traditional spinal manipulation.
Since the applied force is localized, there is no additional bending or torque applied to the joint. The Activator method is the most frequently performed type of chiropractic therapeutic intervention. More than 50 percent of all chiropractors in the United States have achieved success with this method.
There are four different Activator instruments available. The Activator I is the beginner instrument, Activators II and IV are spring-loaded, and Activator V is cordless and mechanical. The majority of research conducted has been on the Activator IV.
Chiropractors use this instrument to locate and help alleviate pain in the neck and back. Chiropractors often use eight or 10 techniques for manipulation.
The technique used is determined by a combination of the patient’s condition and the experience of the chiropractor. The Activator has been approved for all licensed medical professionals in the United States. The most frequent users are chiropractors.
The typical treatment is performed with the individual positioned face down.
The treatment usually starts with the lower back prior to progressing in the direction of the head. Each vertebra is targeted individually. The individual is evaluated by the chiropractor for specific symptoms and signs. This enables them to determine what is causing the pain, stiffness, or loss of mobility in their patients.
Activator Adjustment
During a typical treatment, the Activator is applied by the chiropractor to the tissues near or at the impacted joint. A fast thrust using the device follows the initial pressure. The individual must remain still without turning or twisting.
The chiropractor will re-evaluate their patient once the adjustment is completed. A series of one or two treatments each week for four to six weeks is usually recommended. This is based on the issues of each patient. Once the symptoms have improved, the treatment is complete.
If there is no pain relief after three or four treatments, the treatment is discontinued and the patient re-evaluated. In some cases, the individual needs a different kind of spine specialist or manipulation.
The Activator instrument has received approval from the FDA for adjustments of the extremities and spine by a chiropractor. Clinical studies have shown the instrument is safe and effective. Clearance for the first instrument was granted in 1997.
Advantages of Activator Method Adjusting
This procedure is preferred by numerous individuals because of the gentleness of the treatment. The treatment is both effective and safe. Most chiropractors believe the best procedure for joint adjustments is dependent on the comfort level of their patients.
It is Gentle
If the individual is uncomfortable or apprehensive about a specific technique, their muscles will become tighter. This makes it harder for the chiropractor to adjust the targeted joint. The possibility of soreness or stiffness after the treatment also increases.
The treatment has been described as feeling like a gentle tap on the affected joint. As the joint opens, there will not be any clicking or popping sounds. The sound of the instrument may be heard by the patient. This has been described as similar to a stapler.
Once the Activator adjustment has been completed, the patient can feel the difference quickly. This enables the individual to relax and feel good about having a chiropractic adjustment instead of being tense and afraid.
It is Well Researched
A lot of research has been performed regarding the Activator instrument. The focus of the research is on the effectiveness of treatments using the Activator instrument. The research for the past 30 years has shown the minimal force used increases the motion of the joints. Once the joint is moving correctly, the patient feels less pain.
Certain individuals have difficulty believing the adjustment will work because they are used to receiving more force. Research has effectively demonstrated that a gentle and simple treatment using less force can relieve pain and increase joint motion.
Very Effective for Chronic Pain
The Activator technique is more effective for individuals experiencing severe pain from a joint injury or sprain. This is because the Activator increases the motion of the joint a lot faster than manual chiropractic manipulation.
Patients often tighten their muscles around the affected joint when having manual manipulation. This limits the effectiveness of the treatment. The Activator instrument is comfortable and fast during joint adjustments enabling normal motion quicker.
The joint is nudged open using a fast and gentle motion. This means the individual is much less likely to tighten their muscles because they do not have as much time to react.
This technique does require a change in the most common thinking process. Many people still believe more of anything is better. They believe their results will be better when more force is used. The Activator has proven that less force is actually more effective and comfortable. Contact your Santa Fe chiropractor from Pro-Active Chiropractic for an appointment to see if Activator treatment is best for you.