Chiropractic Methods: Activator
The Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT) evolved from 35 years of empirical study and 15 years of clinical research. AMCT uses the latest advances in orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic examinations to pinpoint fixations in the spine. The Activator Adjusting Instrument gives consistent low-force, high-speed chiropractic adjustments to correct fixations in the spine and extremities. Over 35,000 doctors have been trained in AMCT & 2,100 doctors are Proficiency Rated, making AMCT the most widely used technique worldwide; a testament to patient satisfaction with low force adjustments.
Testing procedures developed by Activator Methods utilizes a system of body mechanics, neurological reflexes and leg length tests to check your overall spinal balance and help locate the misalignments in your spinal column. These vertebral misalignments may be the source of irritation to your nervous system, causing pain and problems in your body.
The first feature is a very specific way of locating subluxations. This involves "leg length checking", in which the chiropractor carefully compares the relative lengths of the patient's legs while the patient is lying face down on a special adjusting table. The patient is asked to move certain body parts in certain ways. For example, turning the face one way and then the other. This places stresses on related areas of the spine.
When a subluxation is present in the area being tested, the movement causes an abnormal nerve reaction in that area which leads to tightening of associated muscles. Muscles on one side of the body contract and shorten relative to the other side, and the chiropractor can detect this by noting a shortening of one of the legs relative to the other.
The chiropractor uses these tests to determine which areas of the body, particularly the spine, need adjusting at any particular time.
Joint propriceptors (the nerve endings around the joints) are stimulated by the force transmitted by the Activator adjustment. By stimulating the appropriate areas, normal nervous system is restored. When the nervous system is functioning correctly, it facilitates healing and health.
The activator is a hand-held instrument that was scientifically designed to give you a very specific "low force" adjustment. The activator instrument delivers a controlled, light, and fast thrust, without causing undue strain to you. One of the unique features of the Activator instrument is that we can zero in on the exact area that is causing your health problem without interrupting the body mechanics of nearby vertebrae. Your body may have a tendency to tighten up and resist the thrust of a manual adjustment. Because Activator adjustments are so quick and controlled, your body's reflexes are less likely to resist, allowing for a more precise and exact adjustment. By pinpointing and correcting the exact area of spinal joint dysfunction with the Activator Technique, your problem is less likely to return!
