WHAT IS THE ACTIVATOR (“CLICKY GUN”) CHIROPRACTIC TECHNIQUE?

The Activator is a gentle low-force approach to Chiropractic care. The technique has been used safely on patients of all ages since the 1960s, bringing relief to people with a variety of health concerns.

Incorporating the latest advances in orthopaedic, neurological and Chiropractic examination, this unique system of administering spinal adjustments can help restore spinal alignment, especially for those who may be a bit nervous with the pop sound associated with traditional manual Chiropractic manipulation. The pop sound is simply gas escaping from the joint, similar to a pop heard when opening a can of soft drink, however some clients don’t like the sound. The majority of our clients enjoy the manual adjustments and receive extraordinary relief from their symptoms.

Due to its effectiveness and gently nature, Activator adjusting technique has grown to become the world’s most widely-used instrument adjusting technique.

How does the Activator work?

The technique utilises specific protocols to detect spinal joint dysfunction, analyse leg length inequality, identify issues with body mechanics and test neurological reflexes. This unique hand-held instrument has been studied extensively with results published in hundreds of peer-reviewed research papers.

The Activator applies a controlled fast thrust into a joint, to help stimulate the nervous system activity in that joint. Similar to a GPS (global positioning system), your brain sends and receives signals to every joint in your body to know where it is supposed to be. Sometimes these signals become distorted or lost and that joint can become misaligned. An adjustment with the Activator is similar to recalibrating that GPS for that joint so your brain has more accurate control over exactly where that joint is and how it is to move.

The low-force thrust of the Activator, and the doctor’s ability to pinpoint the exact location of the source of the problem enables us to treat your spinal issues systematically and efficiently.

Is the Activator right for you?

Patients of all ages can enjoy the benefits of an Activator adjustment. The technique is especially helpful for children who sometimes have trouble lying still or may be nervous with the pop sound from manual adjustments. We jokingly refer to the Activator as the ‘tickle gun’ with children and they can’t wait to get back on the table for their next visit as the whole experience is so enjoyable to them.

Older patients, or those with arthritis, osteoporosis, or any other bone weakening conditions often seek a more low-force Chiropractic technique such as the Activator. In conjunction with our primary technique at Karrinyup Wellness Centre, N.O.T. (Neural Organisation Technique), which incorporates kinesiology and neurological based treatment, we find Activator an invaluable addition to our low force approach to Chiropractic.

Make Activator part of your health and wellness program

Karrinyup Wellness Centre is proud to bring you the benefits of the Activator technique. As your partner and coach in wellness, we are committed to your good health.

Our modern-day lifestyle, stress and old injuries can cause your spine to lose their correct position or motion. This dysfunction can irritate your nervous system, causing pain and nervous system interference through your body.

Ask your Chiropractor Karrinyup today how treatment can help you and your family return to, or even better, continue, enjoying life as we are supposed to be.

Dr Barry Smith
Doctor of Chiropractic​
B.Sc. (Chiro), B.Chiro. (Hons), I.C.S.S.D.

References

1. Clinical effectiveness of the activator adjusting instrument in the management of musculo-skeletal disorders: a systematic review of the literature. Huggins T, Boras AL, Gleberzon BJ, Popescu M, Bahry LA. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2012 Mar;56(1):49-57.
2. AMCT Brochure – revised 2013

Nov 10, 2020 By Dr Barry Smith

B.Sc. (Chiro), B.Chiro(Hons), I.C.S.S.D. DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC

Dr Smith is one of the directors of Karrinyup Wellness Centre where he has been practising since 2007. He graduated from Murdoch University with honours and has worked in multi-disciplinary clinics that emphasise paediatric and family care around Australia as well as here in Perth.

In practice, Dr Smith treats families, pregnant mums and children. His enthusiasm and energy give him the ability to work with, engage and captivate the children under his care. He has broad training in a range of chiropractic techniques and extensive training in Neural Organisation Technique and Applied Kinesiology.