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what is an activator adjusting instrument

by Dr. Eda Berge MD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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The activator method used in spinal adjustment can be described as follows:

  • It is a hand-held, spring-loaded instrument that provides low force-impulses to targeted areas.
  • The instrument releases rapid pulses that the muscles aren’t able to tense. Thus the muscles cannot resist the treatment.
  • The force applied is usually localized, which means that it does not add any additional torque to the joints.

The Activator Method chiropractic technique uses a spring-loaded, hand-held mechanical instrument called the Activator adjusting instrument. This instrument allows chiropractors to provide a quick, low-force impulse at specific points.

Full Answer

What is an activator adjustment?

Activator® I. The original Activator Instrument. The first high-speed, low-force instrument for chiropractic adjustment of the spine and extremities. This traditional design is still a favorite with many practitioners because it provides reliability and results their patients desire. Intricately designed to offer high-speed and low force Chiropractic adjustments to the spine and …

What is an activator instrument?

The Activator adjusting device is held in the doctors hand and is completely maneuverable. It is able to reach all the specific body contact points for an excellent contact and transfer of force. It delivers a fast, short and controlled thrust.

How do chiropractors use Activator Adjusting instruments?

What is the Activator Met hod and How Does It Work? This chiropractic treatment involves using a hand-held instrument that, when pressed on the spine, sends mild impulses. It helps adjust the joints in a gentle manner than HVLA and therefore, is considered a better approach than the manual manipulation of the spinal column.

Why choose Activator Methods?

With the notable exception of the manual Diversified technique, which involves high velocity and low amplitude (HVLA) thrusting spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) (also commonly referred to as spinal adjustments), the therapeutic intervention most commonly used for patient care by chiropractors is instrumented-adjusting using the Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI).

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Why do some chiropractors use an activator?

Why Do Some Chiropractors Use An Activator? The Activator device is designed to mimic the effects of a manual spinal adjustment. Some chiropractors use the device because they find it is a more precise way of manipulating the spine. Due to the speed of the instrument, muscles are less likely to tense during treatment.Sep 3, 2021

Are chiropractic activators safe?

Activator treatment, an instrument that produces a high-velocity, low-amplitude impact to the spine, is considered especially safe. There are no prior reports of intracerebral hemorrhage resulting from a chiropractic activator treatment.

Do Activator adjustments work?

The Activator is FDA approved. Prior to its approval, the theory and function of the device was researched for more than 30 years. It was then tested on numerous individuals with back and neck pain for 15 years. It was found to be safe and effective for performing chiropractic adjustments.

How do chiropractors know where to adjust?

Using our hands, we test the patient's response to pressure and manipulation, seeking trouble spots. We also look at your range of motion and gait as clues to determine where we need to work with your body to get you feeling better.Mar 13, 2018

What is that clicking thing the chiropractor uses?

The Activator Method chiropractic technique uses a spring-loaded, hand-held mechanical instrument called the Activator adjusting instrument. This instrument allows chiropractors to provide a quick, low-force impulse at specific points.

How do you use Activator adjusting instruments?

0:464:25How to Use the Activator Adjusting Instrument - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen you reach the end of the preload. Begin to squeeze the instrument to allow the remainder of theMoreWhen you reach the end of the preload. Begin to squeeze the instrument to allow the remainder of the preload to automatically. Reach its end point.

Does the Activator Method hurt?

When performed by a qualified medical professional on an appropriately selected patient, the Activator Method is relatively safe. Some people may experience an increase in discomfort or stiffness after the initial treatment.

What is the most effective chiropractic technique?

The Gonstead technique, named after its founder, is an adjustment method used to realign the spine. It is known as one of the most precise and effective methods to relieve pain and promote optimal alignment of the spine. It is a manual (hands-on) technique in which a chiropractor adjusts the lower back or pelvis.Jul 13, 2020

What is the activator method?

The Activator Method uses specific protocols to detect spinal joint dysfunction that focus on analyzing leg-length inequality and testing neurological reflexes to determine where, when and when not to perform an adjustment. In addition, the Activator Method uses only one thrust per area of contact to initiate the process of restoring spinal balance in the patient.

What is the principle of chiropractic?

Chiropractic is based on the principle that spinal joint dysfunction interferes with the nervous system. Therefore, chiropractic doctors test for spinal joint dysfunction and/or interference with the nervous system to determine if the person needs a spinal adjustment.

Can a chiropractor use an activator?

While any licensed chiropractor or chiropractic student can purchase an Activator, training and certification in the use of the instrument are voluntary. This means that although most chiropractors own an Activator (or claim to use one), where, when, and why they use the Activator instrument varies immensely.

What is the advantage of activator instrument?

There are two theoretical advantages of an Activator instrument-assisted treatment: High speed. The instrument is so quick that the body's muscles are less likely to tense in response, and resist the treatment.

What is the activator method?

The Activator Method chiropractic technique is a type of manual manipulation treatment used by chiropractors to treat various types of back and neck pain, as well as extremity complaints . This treatment method uses the Activator adjusting instrument, which is an alternative to traditional manipulation utilizing a high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust, such as the Diversified technique.

What is the instrument used to adjust a spinal joint?

Some chiropractors use a small, hand-held instrument called the Activator Adjusting Instrument to deliver a quick, low-force impulse to spinal joints with the goal of restoring motion to the targeted joint. Next to the Diversified technique, the Activator adjusting instrument is reported to be one of the more common therapeutic interventions used ...

Is the activator method safe?

When performed by a qualified health professional for back or neck pain, the Activator Method is a relatively safe treatment.

What is activator method?

The Activator Method Chiropractic Technique is a chiropractic treatment method and device created by Arlan Fuhr as an alternative to manual manipulation of the spine or extremity joints. The device is categorized as a mechanical force manual assisted (MFMA) instrument which is generally regarded as a softer chiropractic treatment technique.

When was the first activator invented?

The design of the tool was based on a dental impactor. Activator I was the first product patented by Activator Methods International on September 26, 1978.

How many chiropractors use AMCT?

The majority of US chiropractic schools and some schools in other countries teach the AMCT method, and an estimated 45,000 chiropractors worldwide use AMCT or some part of the technique.

What is an AAI instrument?

The traditional Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI), or more simply, Activator, is a small handheld spring-loaded instrument which delivers a controlled and reproducible impulse to the spine.

When was the Activator II first released?

In 1994 the Activator II was first released when research at the University of Vermont found that when the initial instrument was given an impedance head it produced a "significant improvement in the frequency content" of the force delivered to the spine.

Is AMCT effective for back pain?

A few studies suggest that the activator may be as effective as manual adjustment in treatment of back pain.

The Best 5 Instrument Adjustment Tools in Chiropractic

As your Chiropractic practice continues to evolve to best meet the needs of your patients, resolve their pain, and provide exceptional treatment, so does your repertoire of tools used to achieve these things.

What Are Instrument Adjusting Tools?

Like manual adjusting, instrument adjusting has the goal of providing relief, offering treatment and helping your patient feel their healthiest. The difference? Instrument adjusting uses tools—not just your physicality—to make these things happen.

The 5 Best Instrument Adjusting Tools That Every Doctor of Chiropractic Should Know About

Like most things that become important to the chiropractic process, plenty of instrument adjusting tools are available on the market. But like most other circumstances, not every instrument adjustment tool is created equal.

PulStar: The Best of the Best Instrument Adjustment Tool

Of all the fine instrument adjustment tools of the market, PulStar is the premium choice for Doctors of Chiropractic. Why? Because, unlike its competitors, PulStar offers advantages like:

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1.Videos of What Is An Activator adjusting Instrument

Url:/videos/search?q=what+is+an+activator+adjusting+instrument&qpvt=what+is+an+activator+adjusting+instrument&FORM=VDRE

14 hours ago Activator® I. The original Activator Instrument. The first high-speed, low-force instrument for chiropractic adjustment of the spine and extremities. This traditional design is still a favorite with many practitioners because it provides reliability and results their patients desire. Intricately designed to offer high-speed and low force Chiropractic adjustments to the spine and …

2.Clinical effectiveness of the activator adjusting ...

Url:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3280118/

20 hours ago The Activator adjusting device is held in the doctors hand and is completely maneuverable. It is able to reach all the specific body contact points for an excellent contact and transfer of force. It delivers a fast, short and controlled thrust.

3.Does That Activator Thing Really Work?

Url:https://hartvillehealthandwellness.com/chiropractic-care/does-that-activator-thing-really-work-2/

7 hours ago What is the Activator Met hod and How Does It Work? This chiropractic treatment involves using a hand-held instrument that, when pressed on the spine, sends mild impulses. It helps adjust the joints in a gentle manner than HVLA and therefore, is considered a better approach than the manual manipulation of the spinal column.

4.Activator Method Chiropractic Technique - Spine-health

Url:https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/activator-method-chiropractic-technique

1 hours ago With the notable exception of the manual Diversified technique, which involves high velocity and low amplitude (HVLA) thrusting spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) (also commonly referred to as spinal adjustments), the therapeutic intervention most commonly used for patient care by chiropractors is instrumented-adjusting using the Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI).

5.Activator technique - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activator_technique

30 hours ago Jun 22, 2020 · In the chiropractic profession, Activator means two distinct things: 1) An adjusting instrument used to manipulate dysfunctioning joints, 2) An assessment procedure using leg-length analysis to determine where, when and when not to perform an adjustment. Patients often confuse the two. But, it’s not really the patient’s fault.

6.The Best 5 Instrument Adjustment Tools in Chiropractic ...

Url:https://pulstar.us/the-best-5-instrument-adjustment-tools-in-chiropractic/

23 hours ago The Activator Method chiropractic technique uses a spring-loaded, hand-held mechanical instrument called the Activator adjusting instrument. This instrument allows chiropractors to provide a quick, low-force impulse at specific points. There are two theoretical advantages of an Activator instrument-assisted treatment: High speed.

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