Main Chiropractic Technique

‍Does the Activator Really Work?

During my years of clinical experience being a chiropractor, I’ve had numerous patients that have had their doubts about the Activator. It’s too light; my old chiropractor says it doesn’t work; it doesn’t “pop” the bones, etc. Well I can tell you from firsthand experience as a chiropractor and a patient that the Activator works and gets patients better. In this blog, we will explore what the activator is, how it works, and why it can benefit you as a patient.

What is Activator?

In the chiropractic profession, Activator means two distinct things: 1) An adjusting instrument used to manipulate or correct joints that are not functioning properly. 2) An assessment procedure using leg-length analysis to determine where, when and when not to perform an adjustment. More simply put, the Activator instrument is a part of the overall Activator Method technique which includes an objective system of analysis for the body.

Any licensed chiropractor or chiropractic student can purchase an Activator. However, training and certification in the use of the instrument are voluntary. This means that although most chiropractors own an Activator or claim to use one, where, when, and why they use the Activator instrument varies immensely.

The Supportive Evidence

Clinical consensus of experts trained in Activator Methods indicates that one thrust or “click” works best when adjusting a dysfunctional spinal joint. There have been over 20 clinical trials published comparing the effects of Activator Methods to traditional manual chiropractic care. All of these trials have shown equal outcomes for Activator compared to manual adjusting. That means the Activator really does work based on the research evidence.

I do have to share the interesting results of one clinical trial using Activator. In this trial, the patients treated with the Activator experienced an increase in temporary adverse effects compared to manual adjusting. The interesting part, however, was that “the analytical procedure associated with Activator Methods was not used.” This shows that the Method in which the Activator is used matters.

The Activator Works When Used Correctly

The Activator works by providing a controlled, fast thrust that is comfortable for the patient. Adjustments with the device are so quick and measured that the body’s muscles are less likely to resist, allowing for a more gentle and effective adjustment.

Activator is not Activator unless the system of analysis is used. Specific protocols focused on analyzing leg-length inequality and testing neurological reflexes help to determine where, when and when not to perform an adjustment. In addition, the Activator Method uses only one thrust per area of contact to restore spinal balance. If your Activator Methods experience did not include leg-length testing, or if it involved repeated or multiple thrusts with the Activator on each area, you did not have a true experience.

Activator is not Activator unless you have had an Activator Methods adjustment from a doctor who has a current Proficiency Rating in the Activator Methods chiropractic technique. In order to get qualified for Proficiency Rating, a chiropractor must be licensed, attended an Activator Methods seminar in the past year, and have successfully passed written and practical examination. The Activator website maintains a current worldwide directory of qualified chiropractors.

If you haven’t already, you owe it to yourself to try the world’s #1 instrument adjusting technique with a doctor who knows how to use it. Owning a hammer doesn’t make one a carpenter, right? Neither does owning an Activator mean your chiropractor knows how to use it effectively.