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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The Activator is FDA approved. Prior to its approval, the theory and function of the device was researched for more than 30 years. It was then tested on numerous individuals with back and neck pain for 15 years. It was found to be safe and effective for performing chiropractic adjustments.
There is no one chiropractic technique that is best universally. However, according to the 2023 review, the diversified technique is the most common. Since chiropractic techniques aim to improve joint function and motion, the best technique may be the one that best succeeds for the individual.
Torque Release Technique (TRT) is a chiropractic method used to gently correct subluxation or spinal misalignments in a non-invasive manner. Rather than physically manipulating the joints, TRT aims to encourage the body to naturally heal itself.
The Activator is the most widely used chiropractic instrument. Studies show improvement with the Activator Method. It also has been compared to other techniques and proven to be just as effective. This means that for many patients an Activator adjustment could very well lead to the same outcome as a manual adjustment.
Some people may experience an increase in discomfort or stiffness after the initial treatment. This feeling is typically similar to what is felt after receiving thrust manipulation or exercising, and it typically tends to subside within a day.
Each and every one of these trials demonstrated equivalent outcomes regardless of which method was used. That means based on the evidence, the “Activator thing” really does work.
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.
How often should you get adjusted by a chiropractor? A proper treatment plan will range from two times per week through only when needed. Acute pain treatment generally requires several appointments that start weekly. Chronic pain appointments can occur weekly, every two weeks, or monthly.
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.
But, some people want to skip the office visit and often wonder if they can adjust themselves. The easiest answer to this question is no. Self chiropractic isn't possible; chiropractors can't even adjust themselves.
Why Choose the Activator Method? Gentle: It's an excellent alternative for patients who might find manual adjustments too forceful or intimidating. Precision: The device can target specific vertebrae, allowing for a more localized approach to problem areas.
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.
Activator treatment, an instrument that produces a high-velocity, low-amplitude impact to the spine, is considered especially safe. There are no prior reports of intracerebral hemorrhage resulting from a chiropractic activator 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.
Some chiropractors use the device because they find it is a more precise way of manipulating the spine. Due to the speed of the instrument, muscles are less likely to tense during treatment. Evidence suggests that the Activator is also capable of localizing treatment to a small area, such as a single vertebrae.
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 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.
The review found moderate-quality evidence that the short-term (1 month) pain relief from manipulation or mobilization was similar to that produced by the other recommended therapies. For back function, there was moderate-quality evidence that manipulation or mobilization was slightly better than other therapies.
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