The Activator Method chiropractic technique is a type of manual manipulation treatment used by chiropractors to treat various types of back and neck pain, as well as extremity complaints. This treatment method uses the Activator adjusting instrument, which is an alternative to traditional manipulation utilizing a high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust, such as the Diversified technique.
Next to the Diversified technique, the Activator adjusting instrument is reported to be one of the more common therapeutic interventions used by chiropractors. According to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, about half of full-time American chiropractors have used the Activator Method in their practices.1National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Job Analysis of Chiropractic 2005: A project report, survey analysis, and summary of the practice of chiropractic within the United States. Greeley, CO. January 2005. The Activator Method is also commonly used in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.2Huggins T, Boras AL, Gleberzon BJ, et al. Clinical effectiveness of the activator adjusting instrument in the management of musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association 2012;56(1):49-57.
In This Article:
Activator Method Chiropractic Technique
Activator Method Practitioners
Activator Method: What to Expect
Activator Method Efficacy and Risks
Activator Method Treatment
The Activator Method chiropractic technique uses a spring-loaded, hand-held mechanical instrument called the Activator adjusting instrument. This instrument allows chiropractors to provide a quick, low-force impulse at specific points.
There are two theoretical advantages of an Activator instrument-assisted treatment:
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.
Newer Activator adjusting instruments are also on the market that work similarly to the older models. Newer models are cordless and powered electronically rather than being spring-loaded.
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Leg Length Evaluation in the Activator Method
An evaluation of apparent leg length may be performed as part of the Activator Method treatment. This evaluation is based on the theory that apparent differences in leg length may indicate the location of spinal and/or pelvic misalignments. However, this form of evaluation is controversial as there is a lack of clinical evidence to support this assessment approach.
Activator Method treatment providers may or may not use the apparent leg length evaluation method as many rely on routine physical examination approaches such as static and motion palpation of the spine to determine the location to apply the Activator adjustment.
Activator Method Risks
When performed by a qualified health professional for back or neck pain, the Activator Method is a relatively safe treatment. While there is at least one documented case of cerebral hemorrhage following an Activator Method treatment applied at the top of the neck, this type of complication is believed to be extremely rare.3Cerebral hemorrhage following chiropractic activator treatment—case report and review of literature. J Neurol Surg Rep. 2016; 77(4): e162-e167. doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1597626 Moreover, cerebral hemorrhage more commonly occurs spontaneously in the absence of any type of treatment.
It is important to note that the Activator Method may not always help relieve neck or back pain and more research is needed regarding its clinical effectiveness.
Before agreeing to have the Activator Method treatment, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with the chiropractor or other qualified health care professional.
1 National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Job Analysis of Chiropractic 2005: A project report, survey analysis, and summary of the practice of chiropractic within the United States. Greeley, CO. January 2005.
2 Huggins T, Boras AL, Gleberzon BJ, et al. Clinical effectiveness of the activator adjusting instrument in the management of musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association 2012;56(1):49-57.
3 Cerebral hemorrhage following chiropractic activator treatment—case report and review of literature. J Neurol Surg Rep. 2016; 77(4): e162-e167. doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1597626
Dr. Emma Minx is a chiropractor and founder of Minx Wellness. Additionally, she is the clinic director for Advanced Care Specialists. Dr. Minx is a certified chiropractic sports physician and also one of the team chiropractors for the Chicago Bears.
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It was found to be safe and effective for performing chiropractic adjustments. The device is even safe to use on individuals that have degenerative joint disease.
The Gonstead Procedure. Medics believe this to be the most effective form of chiropractic care. Gonstead stands for gold standards that spin the spinal area, and it is the mainly used technique.
Rather than physically manipulating the joints, TRT aims to encourage the body to naturally heal itself. It is an entirely neurological treatment. Torque Release Technique (TRT) is a chiropractic method used to gently correct subluxation or spinal misalignments in a non-invasive manner.
The Activator technique is done by first having the patient lie down in a prone position. Then the chiropractor conducts a series of muscle tests, such as having the patient move their arms in several different positions to activate the muscles attached to specific vertebrae.
The Activator technique corrects the misalignment without excessive force, twisting or cracking. The muscles in the injured area do not have time to guard against the quick impulse so the joint moves easily. Our patients love the activator method because it is ultimately less stressful than a typical manual adjustment.
The Torque Release Technique is a popular method of chiropractic care that has been shown to produce highly effective results in chiropractic patients of all ages and assists the body in functioning correctly so that it can heal itself as intended.
The activator is a tool that may be used during your adjustment (Chiropractic treatment) that will help to mobilise the joint and stimulate the nerves.
A chiropractor pulling your leg realigns your bones and relaxes your muscles. Although pulling on your leg may seem strange, chiropractic treatment restores balance and relieves pain. The chiropractor gently presses and tractions your leg to improve range of motion and alignment.
Some key takeaways around chiropractic adjustment frequency include: Most initial treatment plans start with 2-3 visits per week. Frequency often decreases as the body responds to care. Treatment plans are personalized based on unique needs.
The answer is a definite no. Even chiropractors are not able to adjust themselves. Most people don't understand the purpose that the adjustment serves, they see it as just “cracking” your back. There is much more to the adjustment than just “cracking” your neck or back.
The Integrator provides a quick thrust at the exact same force each time with a rotational component to the thrust. The Activator has variable thrusts depending on how hard the Chiropractor pushes the instrument down. There is also no turning motion with the activator adjustment.
Unlike manual adjustments involving high-velocity thrusts, the Activator technique utilizes an Activator-adjusting instrument to deliver precise, gentle, and controlled impulses to specific body areas. This gentle approach suits individuals who are hesitant or uncomfortable with receiving manual adjustments.
The Activator Method is usually considered safe and is used by chiropractors to treat neck and back pain of spinal origin, as well as pain in the extremities.
Patients lie upon a specially designed, adjustable treatment table. The chiropractor uses his or her hands to apply pressure and stretch the spine. The patient feels a gentle stretching motion which many find relaxing.
The tool's design is based on a dental impactor, a device that taps dental amalgam into cavities in teeth. Activator I was patented by Activator Methods International on September 26, 1978. Activator II was released, with an added "impedance head", in 1994.
What Is Activator? In the chiropractic profession, Activator means two distinct things: 1) An adjusting instrument used to manipulate dysfunctioning joints, and 2) An assessment procedure using leg-length analysis to determine where, when, and when not to perform an adjustment. Patients often confuse the two.
The Pro-Adjuster accurately determines whether the vertebrae is out of position by applying a very light mechanical force to the spine. The amount of this force is equivalent to tapping your fingers on a table.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) Unit
The TENS unit is a widely used tool in chiropractic care, designed to alleviate pain through electrical currents. This portable device delivers mild electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin near the area of pain or discomfort.
The Handheld Adjusting Tool, also know as an Activator, is a spring loaded device that when used applies a very quick, specific force to a joint to help restore movement, and it has been shown to be effective in helping spinal pain and Trigger Point (Muscle) Pain.
Introduction: My name is Velia Krajcik, I am a handsome, clean, lucky, gleaming, magnificent, proud, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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