The activator treatment technique is a diagnostic and treatment tool used by chiropractors to treat various musculoskeletal complaints such as neck pain, back pain and headaches. The activator technique is ideal for babies, adults and geriatrics because of its low-impact delivery and effective results.
An activator is a small spring loaded hand held device that provides a quick, low impact pulse directly to a specific vertebrae or joint. This quick and low impact application targets specific points with the goal of restoring motion to the targeted joint.
The Activator technique is an alternative to the traditional manual form of spinal manipulation that implements the high velocity low amplitude thrust and it is the second most widely used technique after the Diversified technique worldwide by chiropractors. The Activator provides a controlled, comfortable fast thrust to the patient that is 200x faster than the traditional adjustment and delivers a thrust in 3 milliseconds.
The activator adjusting instrument is used to identify dysfunction that may be present within the spinal joints, it tests for leg length differences and may identify problems with your body mechanics whilst also testing your reflexes. Once the evaluation and examination if completes, your chiropractor will set up a treatment plan that will best suit you and your needs. The activator treatment is gentle and painless ensuring your comfort throughout. The adjustments performed by this device are fast and measured which means that your muscles won’t have time to react and resist the treatment.
Your chiropractor will apply the instrument to the tissues that are surrounding the joints to be manipulated. It is applied with a small amount of pressure and then followed by a fast, thrusting sensation from the instrument.
As the Activator method is the most highly-researched chiropractic treatment, it offers many benefits. There are two advantages the activator is theorized to have over traditional manual therapy. The first is based on the speed of the device, the instrument is so fast that the muscles surrounding the joints to be adjusted are less to tense in response, and resist the treatment. The lack of muscle resistance may facilitate the effectiveness of the treatment. The second advantage is the force that is applied to the joint is localized and specific, therefore it does not add any additional torque or bending movements that can aggravate the joint.
There are a number of conditions that the Activator Technique can treat, which include TMJ, herniated disc, neurological conditions, inflammation and many others. The Activator method is considered to be low-risk to the individual and has been shown to be particularly beneficial for children and elderly patients who prefer a low-force treatment that is safe and painless without causing any stress on the joints.
The activator method has been proven effective for most patients and for patients of all ages. If you have considered chiropractic treatment however felt that you may not be comfortable with a diversified HVLA manipulation, you may consider a chiropractor who also utilizes the activator instrument that can deliver a low-force manipulation instead. Discuss the options with your chiropractor and find a treatment that best suits you and your needs.
Here at Lakeside Chiropractic with have a multimodal approach to various conditions throughout the body, Located at 3/45 Central Walk, Joondalup, which is central to Perth northern neighbouring suburbs such as: Heathridge, Ridgewood, Tapping, Carramar, Sinagra, Burns Beach, Sorrento and Hillary’s. With HiCAPs facilities available on site for most major Health Providers (NIB, HIC, HIF, AHM, and HBF), we are a medibank preferred practitioner and now a part of the Bupa Members first network. If you would like further information feel free to give us a call 9300 0095 or visit www.lakesidechiro.com.au
