Activator Technique
There are different types of chiropractic adjustments, many of which involve unaided physical intervention by the chiropractor. By using hands and arms to effect holds, bends, or a quick thrust, chiropractors can adjust the position of vertebrae and joints in the body.
In this way a chiropractor can relieve a patient’s pain, tension and a variety of symptoms that may stem from some type of painful lower back condition.
However, there is a helpful instrument that acts as an extension to a chiropractors hand, and can reduce the amount of physical contact that a doctor has with the patient, while actually increasing the effectiveness of treatment.
It’s called the Activator, and in many cases it can be superior when properly used. It looks like a T-shaped wedge that fits into the palm of your hand.
FDA approved since 1997, the device releases a small, spring-loaded bolt, which impacts the site on a patient’s body that a chiropractor would like to adjust.
The newest model, known as the Activator V, is the first cordless, electrical chiropractic adjustment tool available.
These are some of the positive points about the Activator:
- Precision instrument allows only the joint in question to be manipulated
- Minimizes handling of the patient’s sensitive areas
- Multiple torque selections for use with different parts of the body
An Activator IV has these settings:
- Axis / Atlas and pubic bones – can be used on children
- Lower cervical (neck)
- Lower thoracic
- Pelvis and lower lumbar
Activators strike with a force of 11 to 28 pounds and they come with 2 grip sizes. They must be used with gentle care – never thrust and back away. No one should ever cause a patient any pain, and care should be taken when adjusting children or patients with a small frame.
Normal treatments will begin with the patient laying down on a table, as the chiropractor moves up the spine and examines the vertebrae. In this way he will be able to assess if there are spots that will benefit from the Activator.
The activator jab is similar to having a reflex test performed against the knee. It’s an example of a high velocity, low amp thrust, which means there is speed enough to adjust a joint, but a lack of force that limits its movement.
Because the Activator is only a single, self contained device, it is able to effect this level of controlled force without the manipulation and twisting that a person would need to steady himself and align the patient were he to undertake the same adjustment.