What is the Activator technique?
The Activator is a small handheld spring-loaded device used to adjust bones/joints in the spine. It is used to deliver a controlled force to move each individual vertebra back into the correct position. It is gentle and carries minimal, to no soreness after care.
Why should I choose the Activator technique?
The activator technique is a precise and gentle approach to care. This is because the impulse delivered from the instrument is only to a specific joint. When a joint is out of alignment in the spine, it can impinge on nerve roots and cause pain. The device sends gentle force into the joint and moves it into the proper position.
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 force so the joint moves effortlessly. Our patients love the activator method because it is less stressful on your body than manual adjustments.
Are there any side effects associated with the Activator technique?
There are no side effects associated with the Activator technique. Unlike a manual chiropractic adjustment, the only joints that move are the ones that are being adjusted. This makes the activator method more comfortable and effective for patients. Usually, after three adjustments with the activator method, the patient experiences decreased pain and discomfort.
​
Benefits of Activator Method
The activator uses gentle impulse force to restore mobility in a targeted area. It serves as an alternative to more aggressive chiropractic techniques. Its spring-loaded mechanism provides low-force impulses, which is just one of its many benefits:
​
-
Gentle on joints and the spine. That makes it particularly useful for patients who are pregnant or have arthritis or osteoporosis.
-
Precise. The activator can precisely target an area to restore mobility and reduce inflammation and stiffness.
-
Painless. It’s appropriate for use on older patients and children.
-
Promotes joint stability over time. The speed of this instrument treats joints without triggering muscle tensing, which can encourage stability in joints and ligaments.
-
Effective for specific conditions. Issues like TMJ and certain neurological conditions respond well to the activator method.
More About Activator
Activator technique is a noninvasive chiropractic treatment that targets trigger points to reduce pain and other symptoms. Chiropractic care has been an effective way to treat different chronic conditions for decades. Spinal manipulation can be done using a variety of techniques.
Until recently, most people have always known that chiropractic adjustment had to be done by the chiropractor's hand. However, in this current century, things are changing. Most common chiropractic treatments are also evolving with technological advancements.
One of the more popular methods involves a small device called an Activator. It is "activated" by the chiropractor and then used to aid in adjustments. As you read about this method, you will learn that it can be considered an extension of our chiropractor's hands.
In a nutshell, the activator method is a type of treatment for various types of pain and injuries. Similar to other forms of chiropractic care but with some added advantages.
Activator methods are old; the first was developed in 1967. Four instruments were used separately, but only one is being used now.
To the chiropractor, there are two very different meanings of the word “activator”:
1.) A device that can adjust a dysfunctional joint.
2.) An assessment procedure to make sure you get the most appropriate adjustment you need without the use of excessive force.
The device gently applies impulse forces to the spine in order to restore mobility. This is used as an alternative to a more traditional manual adjustment done by the chiropractor's hands.
The activator adjusting instrument is the second most common device in chiropractic care. It's also been approved by Medicare.
How Activator Works
The activation methods used in spinal adjustment may include manipulation as well as mobilization of the joints. It is a handheld, spring-loaded instrument that provides low-intensity pulses to targeted areas.
The instrument releases rapid pulses that the muscles aren’t able to tense. Thus the muscles cannot resist the treatment. The force applied is usually limited to one area, which means it does not add any additional torque to the joint.