Activator Method
What is the "Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique?"
In the late 1960's, this revolutionary chiropractic technique was developed to improve the safety and comfort of the chiropractic patient. Since then, the technique has grown to be the most widely used "low force" chiropractic technique in the world. The Activator Technique incorporates the latest advances in orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic examinations along with a unique system of administering spinal adjustments. Using the Activator analysis and the Activator instrument, we can restore proper spinal balance, safely and comfortably.
There is no "popping" or "crunching" of the joint with this technique. Special tables are used to lower the patient into position and patients are in a comfortable face down position during the adjustment. The Activator instrument delivers a controlled, light, and fast thrust, without causing you undo strain. One of the unique features of the Activator instrument is that we can zero in on the exact area that is causing your health problems without interrupting the body mechanics of nearby vertebrae.
Doctors who use the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique receive extensive training, and must take a yearly exam to become certified. Dr. Sansen is Advanced Proficient rated and is also an Activator Methods instructor. For more information on the Activator Technique and for a list of certified DCs around the world, please visit www.activator.com.
History of the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique
The Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT) is a chiropractic treatment method developed in the late 1960s by Dr. Arlan W. Fuhr and Dr. Warren C. Lee. This technique was born out of a desire to find a gentler and more precise method of chiropractic adjustment compared to traditional manual techniques.
The Genesis of Activator Methods
Dr. Fuhr and Dr. Lee sought to address several key concerns in chiropractic care:
- Gentleness and Comfort: They aimed to create a technique that would be comfortable for patients, minimizing the discomfort sometimes associated with manual adjustments.
- Precision and Consistency: The goal was to develop a method that could deliver precise and consistent adjustments, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of treatments.
- Objectivity: They wanted to reduce the variability in chiropractic adjustments and make the process more objective, relying on measurable criteria to determine the need for and the effectiveness of adjustments.
Development of the Activator Adjusting Instrument
Central to the AMC T is the Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI), a hand-held, spring-loaded device that delivers a controlled, low-force impulse to the spine. This instrument was developed to address the goals of gentleness and precision. The AAI provides a rapid, targeted thrust that is quicker than the body's reflexes, ensuring the adjustment is effective without causing undue strain on the patient.
Clinical Validation and Research
The Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique has been subjected to significant clinical research and validation. Early studies focused on the safety and efficacy of the technique, demonstrating that it could effectively address various spinal and musculoskeletal conditions. Over the decades, numerous research studies and clinical trials have supported the use of AMC T, helping to establish its credibility within the chiropractic community.
Certification and Training
To ensure the proper use of the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique, Dr. Fuhr and his team developed a comprehensive training and certification program for chiropractors.
Practitioners undergo rigorous training to learn the correct application of the technique, including the use of the AAI and the diagnostic procedures specific to AMCT. Certification is maintained through ongoing education and adherence to established clinical protocols.
