Does the Activator really do anything?

The Activator chiropractic adjusting instrument is a spring-loaded, handheld device that chiropractors use to deliver a quick, low-force adjustment to specific points on the body. The instrument is placed against the skin and then activated, releasing a spring-loaded force that restores the alignment and movement of the vertebrae and reducing the resultant nerve interference.

The Activator instrument works by applying a very specific amount of force and torque to the joint being adjusted. This force and torque is applied in a very short period of time, typically less than a millisecond. This rapid application of force and torque helps to reduce muscle resistance and makes the adjustment more comfortable for the patient.

Safety and Effectiveness of the Activator Adjusting Instrument

The Activator adjusting instrument is a safe and effective chiropractic treatment method. It is particularly well-suited for kids, pregnant ladies, patients who are sensitive to pain or who have other conditions that make manual adjustments difficult or uncomfortable.

A number of studies have shown that the Activator adjusting instrument is just as effective as manual adjustments in reducing pain and improving function. For example, a 2012 study published in the journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association reported benefits to patients with spinal pain and trigger points.

Another study, published in the journal Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 1998, found that conservative chiropractic treatment may provide an effective therapeutic intervention in selected cases of cervical disc protrusion. Instrument-delivered adjustments may provide benefit in cases in which manual manipulation causes an exacerbation of the symptoms or is contraindicated altogether

Force and Torque Ratio of the Activator Adjusting Instrument Compared to a Manual Adjustment

The Activator adjusting instrument delivers a lower force and torque than a manual adjustment. This is because the instrument uses a spring-loaded mechanism to deliver the force, rather than the chiropractor's muscles.

A study published in the journal a 140 Newton (N) Activator thrust that will move a bone 0.3 to 1.6 mm, while a standard 540 N manual thrust results in 1.1 mm of movement.

Dr Arlan Fuhr the creator of the Activator suggests that it achieves equal or greater movement than a manual thrust with far less force through two factors. Speed and the ideal waveform.

Conclusion

The Activator chiropractic adjusting instrument is a safe and effective chiropractic treatment method that is well-suited for patients who are sensitive to pain or who have other conditions that make manual adjustments difficult or uncomfortable. The instrument delivers a lower force and torque than a manual adjustment, which makes it more comfortable for the patient but is still able to achieve the desired result.

References:

Clinical effectiveness of the activator adjusting instrument in the management of musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of the literature

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22457541/

Treatment of cervical disc protrusions via instrumental chiropractic adjustment

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9502067/

Validation of the force and frequency characteristics of the activator adjusting instrument: effectiveness as a mechanical impedance measurement tool

https://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754(99)70111-9/fulltext

Treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation using activator methods chiropractic technique. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9567239/