Alternative Treatment Instruments in Chiropractic

While chiropractic is widely known for manual adjustments (cracking), there are effective alternatives within the profession. Two such alternatives are pictured in this post.  The larger one, called an Arthrostim, is electric and the smaller one, called an Activator, is operated manually. Pictured in between the two is a single-headed attachment for the Arthrostim that I use for smaller areas of the body.

The Arthrostim can deliver 12-14 beats per second during your adjustment. A chiropractic adjustment stimulates the "neural receptors" in an injured region of the body. These neural receptors then produce nerve impulses to transmit important information to the brain. The brain processes this information and updates its awareness of the area being treated. Once the brain evaluates these changes, it can begin sending out self-correcting commands to begin the healing process. The Arthrostim instrument is a safe way to adjust patients. Most patients love this machine and ask for more treatment time.  

Activator is a technique as well as the name of the instrument. Special certification is required to be considered Activator Proficient. I don't practice the technique but I use the instrument to adjust my patients depending on the situation. This instrument is spring-loaded and provides low force impulses to targeted areas in a safe and specific way.  

Both of these instruments release rapid pulses for which muscles aren’t able to tense. This means that the muscles don't resist the treatment which is especially helpful for patients with increased pain levels. The forces applied are localized, meaning that they don't add any additional torque to the joints. In many cases, my patients will have a combination of manual and instrument adjustments. 

As always, be open with your chiropractor about your concerns and preferences. The goal is to get you feeling better through natural methods.