If you have either received chiropractic care for a while or become a chiropractic student or practicing chiropractor, you may have come across a funny little hand tool that resembles a mini-pogo stick. This is what is known as an Activator tool, used in Chiropractic to perform the appropriately named Activator Technique. By nature and by design, Chiropractic is very hands-on to feel and understand what subluxations may be present in the body in order to deliver adjustments that facilitate the body’s innate healing ability. Therefore, some chiropractors are wary of using tools such as an Activator to deliver an adjustment. However, it is included as an elective chiropractic technique class at Life University (Life U) because it is a gentle, effective chiropractic technique that produces consistent results regarding applied force.
Generally speaking, the Activator tool has been shown to perform on par with high-velocity, low-amplitude manual manipulation, also known as the Diversified technique. Spinal-Health by Veritas published an article titled “Activator Method Chiropractic Technique” that defines Activator Technique as a chiropractic technique using the spring-loaded, handheld Activator tool to provide quick, low-force adjustments at specific points. Like any chiropractic adjustment, it should only be performed by a licensed chiropractor or by a trained chiropractic student under the supervision of a licensed chiropractor. Newer models are also showing up in the market that may be electronic rather than spring-loaded, but they perform the same or better. Further study with larger patient bases would also be ideal to better demonstrate what the Activator tool is capable of.
Benefits and Considerations for the Activator Method
Utilizing an Activator during an adjustment allows for high speed, which means the body has less time to tense up in response and potentially resist or nullify the desired effect of the adjustment. Less muscle resistance can contribute to some of the method’s success. The force applied is also a controlled and targeted force, not needing to bend and twist the body awkwardly in a way that might aggravate joints. Like other chiropractic techniques, it can help relieve neck, back and joint pain, as well as promote overall well-being. And like other chiropractic methods, prior analysis is required to determine its appropriateness. Activator should not be used in cases of pain caused by infection, serious neurologic disorder, cancer, or in cases of open wounds or fractures in the area of care.
From a DC’s perspective, it can be used in the event of a chiropractor’s injury to the hands or other extremities to ensure the same quality of care as the chiropractor’s range of motion heals. Also, it can be helpful in cases where patients seek to hear a noise, such as the click sound that the Activator creates, to reassure them that an adjustment is being applied, though of course this is more of an emotional benefit than a tangible one.
Conversely, in regard to research, Activators can sometimes be utilized in “sham” research studies, setting the force to “0” to see if patients can notice the difference between a true chiropractic adjustment or the mimic of one in order to rule out a placebo effect. Overall, Activator is a useful tool that should not be feared or looked down on by doctors or patients. Like any tool, it is most important that it is applied with a solid care plan in mind with full consideration of the patient.
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