Gentle Infant Adjustments Using the Activator Technique
The Activator Method is one of the most widely researched chiropractic techniques and the only instrument-adjusting technique with 26 clinical trials to support its efficacy. Activator Methods has published hundreds of clinical and scientific peer-reviewed papers, worked with major academic research institutions, and received grants from recognized entities like the National Institutes of Health.
“As you can imagine, labor can be very stressful for mother and baby. The pressure from contractions puts a lot of stress on the head and neck of the baby. Especially if the baby is not lined up perfectly straight. Ninety-nine percent of infants have a cervical subluxation directly after birth. This goes for all methods of delivering. Both C-section and vaginal birth have equal chances of having a misalignment.”
The Activator Method can be used for anyone, but especially infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Any time a traditional adjustment may be too much force, as with infant adjustments, the activator is a great option. At Bronson Heritage Chiropractic, our infants are our most delicate patients, so it’s important to keep their adjustments gentle.
Common Questions and Answers About Infant Adjustments and the Activator Technique:
What does an infant adjustment look like?
Infant adjustments appear in many different forms- your baby may be placed face down, face up, placed on you, being held, or for our tots, they may be adjusted while playing with toys (especially great for busy kiddos!)
What is that tool you always use?
The activator is a chiropractic technique using a spring loaded tool for gentle and accurate adjustments. It can be manual or electronic, but has the same effect. Fast and gentle.
The activator makes it’s appearance at almost every adjustment! Many of our patients love the activator because it uses very little pressure. We love it so much we have both a manual and electronic versions. Plus, Dr. Bronson is trained in how to use it effectively on patients from newborn through adults.
The activator adjusts the spine by using speed instead of force, and is very gentle.
What Happens During an Activator Adjustment?
During a typical adjustment with the Activator instrument, the chiropractor applies the device to the tissues at or near the affected joint. A small initial pressure is followed by a quick thrust from the device, which feels much like having one’s reflex tested by tapping the knee.
The patient remains still, with no twisting or turning as there often is for a traditional chiropractic adjustment. After this, the doctor will examine the patient to check for improvement of signs and symptoms associated with the complaint.
Two Advantages of the Activator:
- High Speed – The instrument is so quick that the body’s muscles are less likely to tense in response, and resist the treatment. The lack of muscle resistance may facilitate the treatment’s effectiveness.
- Controlled Force – The applied force is localized and does not put the joint in any compromised positions, such as bending or twisting.
The activator helps adjust sensitive areas, like pubic bones on pregnant mamas (ouch!) and tiny spines. The intent is to facilitate the necessary spinal adjustments in an extremely gentle way.
How soon can I bring my baby in after birth?
As soon as you feel comfortable! We can see the tiniest and freshest newborns, there is no waiting period for a healthy nervous system. When the spine is out of alignment it puts pressure on the nervous system, including the brain and nerves that go into the organs. Any pressure decreases the function of the affected organ. For example, pressure on nerves going to the colon could cause decreased bowel function and lead to constipation, gas, or colic. Spinal misalignments, or subluxations, manifest in many different ways, especially in children. They could be fussy, spitting up, get ear infections, coughing and congestion, bed-wetting, colic, latching issues and more. Chiropractic can help regulate the nervous system to minimize pressure and inflammation so the body can operate at its best.
We like seeing babies as soon as possible to make sure they are not stuck in a stressed state. Stress can make it hard for their bodies to adapt to this big world! See our article on developmental milestones.
What are some questions you have??
To schedule a new patient visit or for more info call 888-333-0491