Activator methods chiropractic technique
What is the Activator Technique?
The Activator Technique is a device-assisted method of spinal and joint manipulation. Categorized as a mechanical force manual assisted (MFMA) instrument, the Activator Technique consists of a small handheld device known as an Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI), or simply, an Activator.
Also referred to as the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique, the Activator Technique delivers a controlled and reproducible impulse force to the vertebrae (the small bones that make up the spine) as well as the joints that connect them. Originally, the Activator was a spring-loaded instrument but it has evolved into an electronic tool which delivers a mechanical force. Both forms of the instrument are known for delivering targeted and gentle impulses to the spine.
What is the Purpose of the Activator Technique?
The Activator Technique is known as a softer, or more gentle method of spinal adjusting. As opposed to a traditional chiropractic adjustment which uses the hands to manually manipulate the specified vertebrae or joint, the Activator instrument completes the action on behalf of the chiropractor. Of course, a chiropractor is still the one holding and controlling the device, however, the impulse delivered to the targeted area is derived from the mechanical force of the Activator instrument as opposed to hands.
When a vertebra or joint shifts out of its respective alignment in the spine, the bone will intrude the space in the spinal canal that’s designated for nerve and blood flow. The intrusion of the misaligned structure creates a blockage that can impinge on nerve roots, creating sensations of pain and numbness. Chiropractors refer to this misalignment as a Vertebral Subluxation Complex (or simply, subluxation).
The Activator Technique produces enough gentle force to shift the subluxation back into its respective alignment within the spine without causing further injury.
How Does the Activator Technique Work?
When a patient is experiencing a subluxation in the vertebrae, cranium or extremity joints, the resulting side effects can radiate throughout the entire body. In addition to compressing spinal nerves, a subluxation can create significant inflammation which can limit range of motion and create stiffness. Surrounding muscles and tendons which are connected to the vertebrae or joint will shift along with the bone, altering posture and creating a tight, painful sensation.
The Activator Technique uses gentle impulses to nudge the subluxation to its correct place within the spine, releasing pressure from spinal nerves and eliminating the strain from spinal muscles. The Activator gives off no more than 0.3 J of kinetic energy in a 3-millisecond pulse. This process is more rapid than a manual chiropractic adjustment but is just as targeted, and can be repeated as necessary without causing injury.
How Does a Chiropractor Know Where to Use the Activator?
To administer the technique, activator chiropractors compare functional leg lengths. Even when not evident to the naked eye, a subluxation in the vertebrae will contract muscles so that the overall posture is altered throughout the body. Activator chiropractors ask a patient to lie flat and complete a series of muscle movements, such as moving their arms in a certain position in order to activate the muscles attached to specific vertebrae.
When leg lengths are not the same, that is taken as an indication that the subluxation is located at that vertebra. Your activator chiropractor will move progressively along the spine in the direction from the feet toward the head, identifying problem-areas as he or she goes.
Who Can Benefit from the Activator Method?
By correcting subluxations in the spine, the Activator Method can help to restore motion, combat inflammation, and alleviate pain. Likewise, the Activator can remove blockages in nerve flow, restoring proper function and sensation to the affected area. Much like a chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation, the Activator Technique can benefit those with back or neck pain as well as chronic headaches.
However, subluxations can cause much more far-reaching effects than just localized pain. Effectively removing subluxations can be beneficial for those suffering:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Insomnia
- Nerve pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Ear infections
- Low immunity
- Stress or anxiety
- Organ dysfunction
- Digestive disorders
- High blood pressure
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)
Patients of all ages can benefit greatly from an Activator Methods adjustment
The adjustment is quick and comfortable without undue strain to the patient resulting in the body’s muscles less likely to resist. This is because of its effectiveness and gentle nature. The Activator Method of adjusting the spine is highly effective for babies and children who may have trouble laying still. It is also effective for pregnant women who can safely and comfortably be adjusted throughout the pregnancy.
This technique is also great for elderly patients who suffer with arthritis or osteoporosis. These patients benefit from this method and enjoy relief from the low-force thrust of the Activator instrument. Senior patients experiencing chronic ailments associated with the aging process enjoy no pain involved with the adjustment. This helps improve mobility for older people to live a longer and healthier life.
Latest Advances in Orthopedic, Neurological & Chiropractic Examinations
▪️ Identifies Dysfunction in the Spinal Joint (subluxation)
▪️ Analyzes Leg Length Inequality
▪️ Detects Problems in Body Mechanics
▪️ Incorporates Testing for Neurological Reflexes
Efficient. Comfortable. Effective. Safe.
▪️ Meets the needs of the entire family by restoring proper spinal balance.
▪️ Controlled, light and fast without undue strain.
▪️ Improves health, promotes healing, relieves pain quickly.
▪️ A truly gentle, extremely safe and precise chiropractic adjustment.
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Bryson Langel has served families in the South Sound area for over 20 years. Dr. Langel is a Veteran of the US Marine Corps. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Missouri.
Dr. Langel is Advanced Proficiency Rated in the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique, which is a high speed light-force chiropractic technique that utilizes a hand-held instrument. It is the number one light-force technique used worldwide. The Activator helps alleviate pain without any discomfort. This technique is used safely on babies, children, adults and elderly because of the low impact and effective results.
Dr. Langel is married and active in our community. Schedule an appointment to make the Activator Method a part of your healthy lifestyle. We sincerely welcome new patients.
Cranial care
To correct cranial subluxations, Dr. Langel uses the "Blye Cranial Technique" which is a neurologically-based, subluxation specific cranial adjusting technique. It produces very dramatic results on physical, neurological and mental conditions, many which were previously thought to be incurable.
Blye Cranial Technique IS NOT craniosacral therapy.
Blye Cranial Technique was developed by Dr. John Blye, a chiropractor from Lynnwood, WA and is based on the E/R Model of Dis-ease ("dis-ease" means "lack of coordinated function"). When a cranial bone is subluxated it causes neurological dysfunction. The purpose of a cranial adjustment is to remove the subluxation and restore normal neurological function.
The cranium (skull) houses 80% of the central nervous system. Cranial bones are interlinked via cranial articulations. These joints are called “sutures”. The proper movement of cranial bones is critical to proper brain function. This movement allows the normal brain to expand and contract as necessary to maintain normal intracranial pressure. This motion also circulates cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain.
A Cranial Subluxation is a condition where movement of the cranial articulations is reduced or absent. Like vertebral subluxations, cranial subluxations cause health problems due to nerve pressure. Cranial Subluxations increase intracranial pressure and cause abnormal brain function at the location of the cranial subluxation. An increase in intracranial pressure can cause a disruption of proper brain function due to increased nerve pressure to the delicate brain tissue. These effects can be very profound as the brain controls and coordinates everything in the body and mind.
Cranial Chiropractors have specialized training in the detection, reduction, and elimination of cranial subluxations. Only chiropractors with advanced training can safely correct cranial subluxations. Chiropractic adjustments of the cranium restore proper cranial motion. This removes nerve pressure, restores CSF circulation and intracranial pressure, normalizes brain function, and improves health.
While most other cranial techniques use a very light touch, Blye Cranial Technique utilizes the "Activator" instrument to safely perform the adjustments. This allows us to provide a controlled amount of force, in a specific direction, to accurately correct cranial subluxations.
Dr. Bryson J. Langel
Activator Methods Technique
Advanced Proficiency Rated
Blye Cranial Technique
Advanced Proficiency Rated