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.
In This Article:
Activator Method Chiropractic Technique
Activator Method Practitioners
Activator Method: What to Expect
Activator Method Efficacy and Risks
Activator Adjustment Instrument Research
When compared to the use of high-velocity, low-amplitude manual manipulation (Diversified technique), the benefits of the Activator adjusting instrument were not proven to be better or worse. 1Huggins 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 a low back pain study, 3 treatment methods were compared 2National 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.:
Manual-thrust manipulation using high-velocity low amplitude thrust
Mechanical-assisted manipulation using the Activator instrument
Usual medical care consisting of over-the-counter analgesic and NSAID medications and advice
At 4-weeks post-treatment, the study found a statistically significant advantage of manual-thrust manipulation for reducing pain and disability compared to either mechanical-assisted manipulation or usual medical care. At 3 and 6 months, however, none of these treatment groups were found superior to the others.
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While the Activator Method is a widely researched chiropractic technique, most of the research has been funded by the method's developer. Additionally, most of the studies were conducted in small groups of patients with a relatively brief follow-up period and lack of control groups. Independent studies with large patient groups are needed to determine efficacy with any significance.
As with any spinal manipulation or mobilization treatment, a careful clinical examination is required to ensure that the Activator method is not performed on a person who has pain being caused by:
Infection
Cancer
Fracture in the treatment area
Open wound in the treatment area
Serious neurological disorder
These conditions and other problems could potentially be worsened by using the Activator Method.
Activator Method Risks
When performed by a qualified medical professional on an appropriately selected patient, the Activator Method is relatively safe. 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.
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While there is at least one documented case in the literature of a person experiencing a cerebral hemorrhage after receiving an Activator method treatment at the top of the neck, this risk is currently thought to be exceedingly 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 For anyone concerned about having the Activator Method or other spinal manipulation performed on the neck (where more neural tissues and critical arteries are located closer to the surface), it is reasonable to request that this treatment not be performed in the cervical spine region.
See Gentle Chiropractic Techniques for Neck Pain
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 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.
2 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.
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.
The Activator Method is one of the most widely researched chiropractic techniques and the only instrument adjusting technique with clinical trials to support its efficacy. The Activator Method Chiropractic Technique uses a spring-loaded, hand-held mechanical instrument called the Activator Adjusting Instrument.
There are no side-effects associated with the Activator method of chiropractic adjustment. In fact, it is gentler than the traditional hands-on method of manipulation because there is no extra movement of the joint. The only area that moves is the area that is being adjusted.
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.
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.
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.
In the chiropractic field, the Activator Method refers to a gentle manual manipulation treatment that can be used to treat different kinds of pain complaints in one's extremities or in the neck or the back.
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.
In a review by Haldeman et al of 64 patients with cerebrovascular events after spinal manipulation, the timing of presentation ranged from 2 days to 1 month, but 63% of patients developed symptoms immediately following the manipulation (2, 4).
A growing list of research studies and reviews demonstrate that the services provided by chiropractors are not only clinically effective and safe but also cost effective. Following are excerpts and summaries from several studies.
The device sends a gentle impulse into the joint and moves it into 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 impulse so the joint moves easily.
Your chiropractor will use pressure to manipulate joints in your body to realign your spine and reduce pain and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments complement traditional medical care you receive.
This is important because when the spine is misaligned or not moving correctly, it can put pressure on the nerves and interfere with the body's ability to function properly. By popping the neck, chiropractors are actually re-aligning the spine and releasing pressure from any trapped nerves.
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.
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.
That clicky tool is called the Activator and it is a spring loaded, handheld tool that stimulates a release but without putting excess pressure or twisting through the joint. When used, the patient hears the click of the spring mechanism releasing, and no noise will come out of their joints.
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.
Our chiropractor uses a handheld device called an Activator to apply quick, low-amplitude bursts of force to your spine. If the sciatic nerve roots are restricted by a specific spinal problem, we may use this treatment method.
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.
Introduction: My name is Jeremiah Abshire, I am a outstanding, kind, clever, hilarious, curious, hilarious, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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