What is Activator Method?
The Activator Method is one of the best researched Chiropractic Techniques on the planet! When patients talk about the Activator Method - they tend to think it is all about the machine the Chiropractor uses, however the machine is only a tiny part of it. The really important part is how the Chiropractor analyses the spine; this allows them to decide which vertebrae needs to be adjusted.
The Activator Method was developed by Dr Warren Lee and Dr Arlan Fuhr, Lee and Fuhr drew on the best elements of several other techniques, including Logan Basic, Van Rumpt, Truscott and Derefield. This together with the innovation of the Activator adjusting instrument makes Activator Method what is it.
The Activator
My patients give the Activator numerous different names, from 'Thor's Hammer' to the 'Sonic Screwdriver'. The Activator is a really precise way of treating the spine, much more accurate than other techniques. There are no big cracks and pops coming from the spine. The most important thing about the Activator is that it's safe and it doesn't hurt.
The Activator has undergone numerous evolutions over the years. The first Activator being born in 1976. My first Activator was the Activator II, I bought this when I was in University and I was over the moon with it, I look back now and realise how much we have moved on from these early instruments.
Development of the Activator has continued. I have gone through numerous Activators over the years, you will probably find some Chiropractors still using these old machines even now.
At Chiropractic First using the best and most effective equipment is important to us, so we have been using the newest incarnation of the Activator. The Activator V is the world first cordless electronic chiropractic adjustment instrument. The Activator V is much more effective than the previous models, due to the way it transmits force into the spine, patients are always surprised by how gentle the Activator is but how much of an effect it has.
The Method
Activator Method assessment for neuroarticular dysfunction is based on faulty biomechanical behaviour of articulations being reflected in difference in leg length. - Activator Methods
The Activator Methods description of the technique is great, but not very understandable to everyone. A more unstandable explaination is that the technique relies on the fact that if one body part isn't working correctly then other body parts will try to compensate for that. You will often see an example of this where people limp or walk in a strange way because they have hurt their back. The first time Activator Method can feel a bit like doing the 'okey cokey', the Chiropractor will ask the patient to move their arms up, down, left and right. The Chiropractor is looking to see how the body changes (especially leg lengths) and adapts when these movement happen, this allows the Chiropractor an insight into how the spine is functioning. Activator Methods have spent years researching this way of assessing the spine and has been found to be extremely accurate and much more precise than other techniques.
I have been practicing the Activator for a number of years now, there are various levels of certification and I have achieved an advanced certification in Activator Methods. This requires years of study and the Activator Methods requires practitioners to pass various tests but also maintain their skills at the highest level to remain certified. We view it like Tiger Woods, you train and train to become the best in the world, but if you don't keep practicing your skills will slip.
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