What is the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique? | Eastside Chiropractor

The Activator Method Chiropractic Technique is a diagnostic and treatment system used by some chiropractors to treat several kinds of back pain, neck pain, and headaches (both chronic and migraine).

What is the activator method chiropractic technique?

The Activator Method uses a small instrument known as the Activator Adjusting Instrument to deliver an impulse force with the goal of restoring motion to joint or the spinal vertebra to the spine. It’s an alternative to the classic manual kind of spinal manipulation, known as the high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrust.

Next into the diversified procedure, the Activator Adjusting Instrument is reported to be the most common intervention utilized by chiropractors. According to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, more than half of chiropractors report using the Activator Method within their clinics, also commonly utilized in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

How the Activator Method is Believed to Work

The Activator Method Chiropractic Technique is a Kind of manipulation described as follows: a spring-loaded mechanical device called the Activator Adjusting Instrument provides a quick, low-force impulse at specific points.

There are two benefits of an Activator Adjusting Instrument-assisted treatment. The first is based on the rate of this device. The tool is so quick that the muscles of the body are less likely to become stressed in reaction to and withstand the treatment. The therapy effectiveness may be facilitated by the shortage of muscle resistance. The second is that the applied force is localized and doesn’t add bending motion or any extra torque to the joint.

An evaluation of apparent leg length might be performed. This evaluation is based upon the concept that differences in leg length may signal where vertebral misalignments in the spine exist. This form of test is controversial and there’s a lack of evidence to support this aspect of the procedure.

Activator Method practitioners might or might not utilize the test method. Some chiropractors choose to use the Activator Adjustment Instrument based on their physical exam findings independently.

Activator Method Development

The Activator Strategy was initially developed in 1967 by Dr. Arlan Fuhr. The first Activator Adjusting Instrument was patented in 1978 by Activator Methods International, Inc.. Currently, you will find 4 Activator tools available on the market: 1 beginner tool (Activator I), 2 innovative spring-loaded tools (Activators II, IV), and 1 mechanical, cordless instrument (Activator V). Most research was done with the Activator IV tool.

About Activator Method Practitioners

Approximately 50,000 chiropractors report using the Activator Adjusting Instrument in their clinic. Frequently, chiropractors use a range of 8 to 10 different manipulation techniques in their practice. The choice of which technique to use will be based on a combination of patient preference, the individual’s illness, and the chiropractor’s expertise.

The Activator Method is normally just one of a number of techniques a chiropractor may use; chiropractic practices that just use the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique (or any single technique) aren’t the norm. Any healthcare professional can be approved to use the Activator Adjusting Instrument, but it’s commonly used by chiropractors.

Provider Training

The Activator Method Basic Proficiency course is taught as an elective course at chiropractic colleges in the United States. There are two levels of coaching certification:

• Basic Proficiency: Requires completion of 12 hours of training, followed by a practical and written exam or a written and practical exam at the school level. This path introduces the simple body scan protocol, for example leg length analysis.
• Advanced Proficiency: Requires completion of 24 hours of post-graduate training, followed by a practical and written exam or a written and practical exam at the college level. This track provides instruction about the best way to correct patients utilizing the Activator instrument.

Both the Basic and Advanced Proficiency classes are taught throughout the world at scheduled seminars. Approximately 2,000 chiropractors are reported to keeping their proficiency by attending yearly seminars that offer new material and information. Chiropractors may utilize the Activator Adjusting Instrument as an alternative to spinal adjustments and manual manipulation within their clinic with or with no level of training.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . 

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

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