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.
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.
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.
There are a lot of benefits to TRT over traditional chiropractic techniques. It allows your body to heal itself. With minimal force, this technique encourages the nervous system to correct itself. Eventually, your spine will move to its proper alignment and a host of other health benefits will follow.
Torque Release Technique (TRT), developed by Dr. Jay Holder D.C, M.D, is a newer chiropractic method that uses a specialized handheld recoil tool called the Integrator, which is gentle on patients spines and targets pain points with more precision while in a relaxed face down position.
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Palpation is arguably the most common technique used by chiropractors when diagnosing which areas to adjust. It involves using the hands or fingers during a physical examination to pinpoint any stiff or misaligned areas of the spine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After a chiropractic adjustment, your body goes through a healing process to realign and adjust itself. This process often involves detoxification, where your body flushes out any toxins or waste products.
Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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