The scientific explanation of what an activator is, if my "weird little device" wasn't enough for your curious mind...

The Activator Method Chiropractic Technique is a chiropractic treatment method and device created by Arlan Fuhr as an alternative to manual manipulation of the spine or extremity joints. The device is categorized as a mechanical force manual assisted (MFMA) instrument which is generally regarded as a softer chiropractic treatment technique.^[1]

The traditional Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI), or more simply, Activator, is a small handheld spring-loaded instrument which delivers a controlled and reproducible impulse to the spine.^[2] With the release of the Activator V this process has changed from a spring-loaded grip to an electronic tool which delivers the mechanical force. It was found to give off no more than 0.3 J of kinetic energy in a 3-millisecond pulse.^[2] The aim is to produce enough force to move the vertebrae, but not enough to cause injury.^[3] The design of the tool was based on a dental impactor.^[2]

Activator I was the first product patented by Activator Methods International on September 26, 1978.^[2][4]

In 1994 the Activator II was first released when research at the University of Vermont found that when the initial instrument was given an impedance head it produced a "significant improvement in the frequency content" of the force delivered to the spine. This led to a better activation of mechanoreceptors when adjusting a specific segment of the spine.^[2]

So there you have it ... and now you know: the activator is your friend!

Schedule a complimentary initial assessment with Dr. Roger at Gulph Mills Chiropractic Center & tell him you're ready for the activator & its marvelous spring-loaded activation.

484-751-5037 or contact us via email. Don't forget to check our website to see what our current patients love about Gulph Mills Chiropractic! 

^Sources:

1.  Chiropractic: An Illustrated History. Mosby. 1995. ISBN 978-0-8016-7735-9.
2. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e} Fuhr, Arlan W.; Colloca, Christopher J.; Green, John R.; Keller, Tony S. (1997). Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (1st ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby. ISBN 0-8151-3684-6.
3. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d} Fuhr, Arlan W.; J. Michael Menke (February 2005). "Status of Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique, Theory, and Practice". Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 28 (2): e1–e20. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2005.01.001. PMID 15800504.
4. "United States Patent - Chiropractic Adjusting Instrument". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved 3 September 2017
5. "Patent Images". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
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