Methods and Tools in Chiropractic Care
As an alternative medical practice, chiropractic care involves placing pressure on and using other techniques to manipulate the body’s joints. These methods — including manual forms and via tools like a chiropractic activator — realign the spine, reduce pressure placed on the nerves and help lessen pain throughout the body. Patients may start seeing a chiropractor as a medicine-free solution for pain management or in conjunction with traditional care to address an issue often related to movement and the skeletal system.
Common areas addressed via chiropractic care include:
· Spinal and joint alignment
· Improving joint motion and stiffness
· Pain management
· Improving muscle tone and form
· Digestive issues and headaches related to a nervous system issue
· Lower back pain
· Neck pain
· Head and jaw pain, including TMJ
Precise and Localized Approach in Two Forms
There are many advantages for professionals to reach for a chiropractic adjustment tool. Years of technological advancements have led to the innovation of these handheld devices that offer a gentle approach to spinal adjustments without bending or twisting the body. These handheld chiropractor machines are available in spring-loaded and electronic versions. Both provide complete pressure control, which is a bonus. Since chiropractors may have difficulty regulating pressure control during manual manipulation.
By design, the small tip of a chiropractic activator delivers precise and controlled adjustments. The predetermined pressure settings combined with a smaller size allow the chiropractor to place the force at the desired area along the spine or another joint.
Innovation continues to improve these chiropractic adjustor tools, resulting in multiple spring-loaded and electronic impulse variation options. The following are examples of handheld tools providing controlled force for professional adjustments.
Spring-Loaded CAT Adjusting Instrument
Spring-Loaded. These non-electronic variations use a spring-loaded mechanism that activates a quick thrust against the spine with controlled force. The Original CAT is an ergonomic example of a spring-loaded chiropractic activator, with finger and thumb pads to comfortably hold and one-hand activation requiring minimal hand strength. This type of instrument doesn't have to be charged for use. Each spring-loaded version offers variable pressure settings.
Electronic CAT Adjusting Instrument
Electronic. These corded or battery-powered models are programmed with variable pressure settings. An example is the Activator V, a cordless device with four pre-programmed pressure settings ranging from nine to 41 pounds. It's lightweight, easy to hold and has a nonslip grip to deliver the pulse effectively. Electronic chiropractic adjustment tools tend to be easier to hold and have fewer replacement parts than spring-loaded versions.
Provides an Alternative Adjustment Plan for Patients
Because this modality eliminates the need for the patient to bend and twist, it opens up adjustment opportunities for patients with physical challenges due to injuries or limited mobility. It also alleviates fear for some patients who steer clear of manual neck adjustments since there are no jarring movements or cracking noises.
These FDA-approved diagnostic tools are safe and effective for the majority of patients. They should not be used on patients with neurological disorders, fractures in the treatment area, or open wounds.
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