It happened again the other day. A new patient came into the office for an evaluation and chiropractic adjustment. She’d been a long time chiropractic consumer, and had visited several other chiropractors in the past. She and her family recently moved to the area, so she was looking for a new chiropractor. I love this type of new patient.

They are in essence “pre-qualified” before they walk through the door. They love chiropractic care, and want to pick up where they left off with their last chiropractor. But I’ve learned to ask one last question before they begin their care at our office. “Are you aware that I use the Activator Method exclusively?” “Yes, I saw it on your website,” she said. “One of my other chiropractors used it on my neck sometimes.” But, I could tell by the expression on her face she was somewhat apprehensive. “Was it a good experience?” I asked. “Not exactly,” she said.

Many of the Chiropractic Colleges and Universities teach the basics of the Activator Methods® technique and so many Doctors will claim to use the Activator technique. This article describes how chiropractors are trained in the Activator Technique, as well as the requirements for certification.

“It didn’t seem to really work.” “Was the doctor?” “I don’t know,” she replied. “Does that matter?” “Absolutely,” I said. “Activator Methods certifies and re-credentials its doctors regularly to ensure that the technique is applied with the latest advances.” My patient looked at me quizzically. And there it was. I had just encountered yet another patient who thought they had an Activator experience, when in reality they did not.

What Is Activator? 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. Lifespan Development 6th Edition Denise Boyd Helen Beedle. Patients often confuse the two.

But, it’s not really the patient’s fault. Chiropractors often confuse the two as well. 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. Why Does a Doctor Use an Activator Instrument? Chiropractors generally use an Activator instrument to perform a spinal adjustment.

But, there are two major schools of thought when it comes to determining why a person needs a spinal adjustment. 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. Depending on the chiropractor’s clinical experience or where they went to chiropractic school, they tend to have more clinical confidence in detecting one versus the other. If the chiropractor has more of a “joint dysfunction” perspective, he/she will ultimately rely on tests for spinal misalignment or loss of spinal joint mobility to diagnose where to make a spinal adjustment. As a result, he/she will often thrust multiple times on one area in an effort to “move the bone” or increase spinal joint mobility. Sort of like you would use a hammer to break loose or free something that is stuck.

Saints Of The Underground Rar. The Maffetone Method Ebook Store here. However, if the chiropractor has more of a “nerve interference” perspective, he/she will ultimately rely on tests for interference with the nervous system (leg length analysis, neurological reflexes) to diagnose where to make a spinal adjustment. As a result, he/she will thrust one time on an area in an effort to “reset the nervous system” or restore spinal balance. Sort of like you reset a GFIC outlet by simply pushing in a RESET button. The Preponderance of Evidence Research and the clinical consensus of experts trained in using the Activator adjusting instrument indicate that if you are manipulating a dsyfunctional joint, one thrust per area works best.