Manual medicine is the foundation of every thorough orthopedic examination and serves to diagnose and treat reversible functional disorders of the entire musculoskeletal system. A trained sense of touch allows for the detection of blockages, incorrect tension in the muscles and various tissue layers, temperature differences, and other autonomic disturbances in the body that would otherwise be undetectable by imaging techniques (X-rays, MRI). Manual diagnostics are therefore indispensable in analyzing the cause of pain.

The subsequent treatment of the identified dysfunctions is carried out using a wide range of manual medical/chirotherapeutic techniques.

The atlas is the uppermost cervical vertebra. Surrounding it are nerve centers (neck receptor fields) that connect to 95% of the nerve pathways between the brain and the body. Atlas therapy works here to improve the flow of information in the nervous system.

Using the middle finger, a very brief impulse is delivered to the neck receptor field at the level of the transverse process of the atlas. This imperceptibly interrupts the neural control circuit for a very short time and then "re-sorts" it.

Normalization of muscle tension

Improving and accelerating development in infants/children

Improve mobility / coordination

Normalization of vegetative disorders

Atlas therapy does not bring anything new into the body, but rather improves the flow of information in the nervous system: "The brake is released."

The treatment is painless. It is not chiropractic (no adjustment). An X-ray may be taken to determine the direction of treatment. Side effects may include autonomic reactions such as a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, malaise, and headache.

Atlas therapy according to ARLEN is a neurophysiological concept for influencing neuromotor disorders of various causes as well as pain conditions of the musculoskeletal system. It is a treatment method aimed at influencing the balance system, muscle tone, self-perception, pain perception, and autonomic functions, as well as eliminating so-called "blockages."

Atlas therapy has not yet been included in the fee schedule (EBM) of statutory health insurance companies, so there is no obligation to reimburse costs. Private health insurance companies and assistance agencies usually cover it. Billing is based on the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ) under code 2217 (analogous to Section 6(2) GOÄ) at a single rate of €21.57 per treatment. Initially, at least three treatments (with 2-6 impulses) are required within two weeks. Depending on the improvement, further treatments at longer intervals may be advisable. Other therapies and diagnostics continue to be covered by health insurance companies. Following a decision by the Committee of Physicians and Health Insurance Companies, atlas therapy has no longer been covered as of July 1, 2001.

For legal reasons, we would like to point out that atlas therapy is not yet established as a typical conventional medical method. Conventional alternatives include manual therapy and neurophysiological physiotherapy.