What is an Activator and How Do Chiropractors Use It In Treatment?
What is a chiropractor’s activator tool?
So glad you asked!
An activator is a handheld device used by our chiropractors David and Courtney as an alternative or complement to manual adjustments. It’s a specialized instrument designed to deliver controlled and quick impulses to specific areas of the body, primarily the spine and joints.
The activator has different force settings that allow our chiropractors to modify the intensity of the impulse. These settings enable customization based on the patient's needs and tolerance and the targeted area being treated.
The activator tool is designed to deliver a quick and low-force impulse to specific joints or areas of the body. The precise and controlled force delivered by the activator aims to:
restore joint mobility
improve alignment
reduce muscle tension
promote overall musculoskeletal health
as a non-invasive and gentle technique to address joint restrictions, musculoskeletal imbalances, and related symptoms
Why would a chiropractor use an activator tool versus doing a manual joint adjustment?
A great question and one that depends very much on the patient and their preferences and the chiropractor and their treatment beliefs.
Here are some factors that weigh in on our chiropractors’ use of an activator:
Patient Preference
Some patients may be uncomfortable with the idea of manual manipulations to joints. In such cases, an activator can be a suitable alternative as it delivers a controlled and gentle force without the use of manual techniques.
Specific Conditions or Limitations
Certain conditions or patient factors may make manual manipulations less appropriate or contraindicated - people with osteoporosis, arthritis, or spinal instability may require a more conservative approach and an activator allows our chiropractors to apply a specific force without excessive stress on the joints or surrounding tissues. Infant chiropractic treatment also involves the use of an activator since their joints are still quite mobile and teensy tiny small!
Precision and Targeted Treatment
The activator provides a high degree of control and precision in targeting specific areas of the body. This can be advantageous when treating localized joint restrictions or specific muscle imbalances or very small joints in the body such as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The controlled force delivered by the activator can help restore joint mobility and alignment without affecting adjacent areas.
Sensitivity or Acute Pain
Some patients may have heightened sensitivity or acute pain in certain areas. In such cases, the activator can be a gentle and more comfortable for the entire body whereas a manual adjustment may require a set up that the patient cannot physically get into.
Chiropractor's Expertise and Preference
Every chiropractor has their own training, experience, and preferred techniques. Some chiropractors may have a particular expertise in using activators and find them effective in their practice. Dr. David Blair treats pregnant women and infants and uses an activator tool with these populations quite often for the reasons listed above!
What does an activator treatment look like during my appointment?
Here’s how treatment may play out using an activator during your chiropractic visit at Flow Physio + Wellness:
Assessment:
Before using the activator, our chiropractors will conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's condition. This may involve reviewing your most recent medical history, performing physical examinations, and reviewing imaging (if any) with you!
Identification of areas for treatment:
Based on the assessment and your conversation together, our chiropractors will identify the specific areas of the body that require adjustment or manipulation. These areas may include the spine, joints, or muscles.
Patient positioning:
You’ll be positioned comfortably on the treatment table to allow for the activator treatment. The good news is positioning for activator use is much more easy going than the specific positioning that’s required to perform manual adjustments!
Activator adjustment:
Our chiropractors will adjust the settings on the activator according to your tolerance and needs.
Using the activator!
The chiropractor will hold the activator against the targeted area and activate the device. When activated, the activator will deliver a quick, low-force impulse to the specific area (it sounds like a loud ‘CLICK!’). This impulse is intended to restore proper joint movement, improve joint alignment, or address muscle tension.
It's important to note that the activator is just one of many tools and techniques that our chiropractors use. The choice to use an activator or manual adjustments depends on various factors, including your comfort with adjustments and preferences and the chiropractor's expertise and judgment.