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.
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 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.
These instruments, such as the Activator or Impulse Adjusting Instrument, allow chiropractors to apply precise and consistent force to the spine or joints without relying on manual techniques. One of the primary benefits of instrument-based adjustments is their accuracy and the reduced amount of force required.
The Activator Methods Adjusting Instrument is a handheld spring-loaded tool that delivers a consistent low-force, high-speed thrust. Because it's many times faster than adjustments delivered by hand, the body rarely tightens to resist, making adjustments comfortable and effective.
The Activator device is designed to mimic the effects of a manual spinal adjustment. 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.
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.
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.
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.
ART may help treat acute and chronic injuries. This specialized technique releases scar tissue and adhesions in soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. And it's been shown to relieve pain and stiffness and restore motion.
Manual Therapies - In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractors may also use other manual therapies to treat back pain. These include trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and massage. Each of these therapies works to release tension in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons around the spine.
The clicker thing is called an Activator and is a small handheld tool that we use to adjust our patients. In addition to the Thompson drop table that we use, the Activator is another tool we use to help your body function better.
Self chiropractic isn't possible; chiropractors can't even adjust themselves. Most people are under the assumption that a chiropractic adjustment is just "cracking" your back. But those people don't understand the purpose that the adjustment serves.
Instrument adjusting has been shown to be equally effective at easing pain and increasing range of motion as traditional chiropractic care. The force of each carefully applied thrust radiates through the surrounding tissue and joints, where the patient feels the effects immediately.
The Gonstead technique is believed to be one of the most effective chiropractic techniques. It was named after its founder, Clarence Gonstead. It is a concept of chiropractic care that uses various examination methods to study pain-causing factors.
Synovial fluid is full of dissolved gas and when the joints of the spine are opened or corrected in a rapid movement it creates a vacuum in the joint. This vacuum sucks the gas out of the lubricant, forming the lubricant into foam. The release of gas is what creates the noise of the pop or click.
The study found that spinal manipulation and home exercise with advice resulted in greater improvements in pain and function compared to home exercise with advice alone. Overall, these studies provide evidence supporting the efficacy of chiropractic manipulation as a treatment option for low back pain.
This tool mainly aims to treat the back, neck, and joints. The activator is an alternative to traditional methods of manual therapy. It means that patients do not experience any pain or discomfort. While the patient lies comfortably, the chiropractic clicker tool creates movement in the sick area.
Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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