Chiropractic

DEFINED

Chiropractic is a system of treatments based on the premise that the nervous system controls all other systems and all physiological functions of the body. Interference with the nerve control of these systems impair their function thereby inducing disease by rendering the body less resistant to infection or to other causes. Restoration of nerve function gives the body its protective powers the opportunity to function normally. The role of chiropractic is to provide direct access and conservative healing, emphasizing the promotion of good health and patient centered diagnosis & management.

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THE ADJUSTMENT

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Chiropractic treatments concentrate on locating, categorizing, correcting and preventing vertebral subluxations with specific adjustments to reduce interference to the nervous system. Motion palpation techniques are used to examine the structure and function of the spine by locating areas that are impaired. An adjustment (manipulation) is a safe and non-invasive manual procedure performed by a skilled chiropractor by applying a specific and controlled force (thrust) to an area of the spine or a joint in a corrective direction.  The goal is to reduce subluxation that causes pain & inflammation, increase range of motion, reduce nerve irritability and improve functionality. Some conditions benefit from soft tissue manipulation or trigger point therapy to reduce muscle spasm and tension when used in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments.

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ACTIVATOR TECHNIQUE

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The Activator Method uses a small, hand-held instrument to deliver a gentle impulse force to the spine at specific points with the goal of restoring motion to the targeted spinal vertebra or joint. The activator is a spring-loaded, hand-held mechanical device that is placed at the affected joint or tissue to deliver a low-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation that feels similar to having a reflex tested.

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Advantages of this method are in the speed of the device to deliver the adjustment quickly before the muscles can tense and resist treatment (which sometimes reduces effectiveness of an adjustment). Another advantage is that the applied force is localized and does not add any additional torque to the joint. The patient remains still, unlike most manual adjustments where the patient is moved into position to deliver a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust. The activator can also be indicated and more suitable in certain patients with acute conditions or in elderly patients or children.

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The Activator Method utilizes researched protocols to detect dysfunction by analyzing leg length inequality and identify issues with body mechanics. The goal is the same as the manual chiropractic adjustment technique.