Check the official Activator Methods* website
for certified chiropractors in your area.
The Activator Method Chiropractic Technique is a gentle, low-force approach to chiropractic care. The technique has been used safely on patients of all ages since the late 1960s, bringing relief to people with a variety of health concerns. Thousands of patients throughout the world enjoy safe and effective chiropractic care with this specific technique. It helps those with:
balance issues, neck pain, disc problems, low back pain, headaches, knee pain, shoulder pain, whiplash, hip pain, carpal tunnel pain, sciatica.
It is also excellent for those with degeneration, arthritis and osteoporosis.
How does the Activator Method work?
It was scientifically designed to give a specific “low-force” adjustment that is controlled, light and fast, without causing undue strain to patients.
Since the adjustments are so quick and controlled, your body’s muscles are less likely to resist, which allows for a more precise and exact adjustment. (Scroll to the bottom of this page to see a video of an actual adjustment.)
How does it help you stay active?
It is recommended for people as they age and is the preferred method for those with decreased bone density to severe osteoporosis, special sensitivities or those who just don’t like the “crack” feel or sound. It is a gentle, effective way to get the benefits of chiropractic care. This method incorporates the latest advances in neurological, orthopedic and chiropractic exams to help restore spinal balance, safely and comfortable.
What to expect
The initial visit consists of a thorough neurological, orthopedic and chiropractic exam. Our goal is always to treat you on your first visit, however when clinical judgement indicates that further testing is needed, it may be necessary to wait.
A first adjustment may take as long as 20-30 minutes. A patient who has stabilized their care may have an adjustment take as little as 5-10 minutes.
What does it look like?
To the right is Dr. Juul adjusting a long time patient using the Activator Technique. Leg lengths are checked and should be even when legs are straight and when legs are bent. Dr. Juul will guide you through certain movements that trigger a neurological response in different aspects of your skeletal system. A change in the leg lengths indicates that an adjustment is needed in that area.
An alternate assessment is used for people who experience knee or ankle pain/discomfort when having their knees bent.
For active men and women
While active people of all ages benefit from such a specific adjustment (especially those involved in dance or yoga), it is active women and men in their mid to late 30s and above who really notice the benefits most.
It is around this time when our ligaments and tendons stop being as secure as they used to be. (The ligaments and tendons work to keep our muscles and joints in their optimal functioning positions.) Our bones stop lining up as efficiently and can cause subtle misalignment issues that prevent optimal movement and/or function and often lead to degenerative joint disease.
They can also cause nerve damage that can cause long lasting and undetected problems. Often the symptoms are pain, discomfort or the inability to be as active as you once were.
For children.
Activator is an excellent tool for adjusting children. Healthy children benefit from adjustments every 4-6 weeks. This helps take care of the falls and stresses their bodies undergo as they play, explore, rough-house and grow. Because the bones of children are still being formed, chiropractic for children is very gentle and specific. The activator is especially good for children who move a lot and have trouble sitting still.