Low-force instrument-assisted adjustments designed for comfort and precision.
Activator therapy uses a handheld instrument to deliver precise, low-force adjustments. It’s ideal for patients who prefer gentle treatment or have sensitive joints. At Our Chiro Brisbane, activator care helps improve joint motion and reduce stiffness while maintaining comfort and accuracy.
Activator therapy is a gentle, low-force chiropractic technique that uses a handheld spring-loaded instrument called an Activator Adjusting Instrument to restore joint motion and reduce pain. Instead of a manual thrust, the Activator delivers a quick, controlled impulse to specific points along the spine or extremities. At Our Chiro Brisbane, this method is used for patients who prefer a lighter touch or when a more precise adjustment is needed.
The instrument’s speed allows the adjustment to occur before surrounding muscles can tighten, helping to reduce resistance and improve comfort. It is often used to restore normal movement patterns, reduce irritation, and support neuromuscular balance. This makes it suitable for people of all ages, including those with acute pain, chronic stiffness, or conditions where manual adjustments may not be ideal.
Activator therapy may assist with:
At Our Chiro Brisbane, activator therapy is applied as part of a tailored treatment plan. Chiropractors assess joint movement and muscle tone before selecting specific areas for adjustment. The approach combines precision, comfort, and consistency to support recovery and long-term spinal health.
Activator therapy is a low force technique that uses a handheld tool to deliver gentle impulses to the spine and other joints. This helps to improve range of motion and mobilise the joints.
Activator therapy can be beneficial for people with certain medical conditions, younger patients, or those who prefer an alternative to manual therapy or manual adjustment techniques.
Activator therapy has been shown to be effective in treating back pain, neck pain, and trigger points. www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22457541/
The number of sessions needed will vary depending on the patient’s condition being treated and the individual patient’s response to treatment.
Yes, activator therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for many biomechanical joint problems.
No, activator therapy is a gentle treatment option that should not cause pain or discomfort.
An activator therapy session usually lasts between 15-20 minutes.
The frequency of sessions will depend on the condition being treated and the individual patient’s response to treatment.
During an activator therapy session, the practitioner will use a handheld tool to deliver gentle impulses to the spine and other joints. The number of impulses and the specific areas treated will be based on the condition being treated and the individual patient’s response to treatment.
The cost of activator therapy with one of our chiropractors is available on our fee schedule which can be found at www.ourchiro.com.au or call our reception on 07 3257 0399.
Activator therapy is usually covered by insurance when treatment is provided from a chiropractor.
There are very few risks associated with activator therapy, and it is generally considered to be a safe low force treatment option. However, as with any treatment, there is always a small risk of adverse effects such as soreness.
Activator therapy may be a good treatment option for you if you have certain medical conditions, younger patients, or those who prefer an alternative to manual therapy techniques. Talk to your chiropractor to see if activator therapy is right for you.
Activator therapy, also referred to as instrument-assisted spinal manipulation, uses a handheld spring-loaded instrument to deliver controlled, low-force adjustments to specific joints. This technique aims to restore normal motion and reduce musculoskeletal pain with minimal tissue stress. Research has examined its mechanical precision, neuromuscular effects, and clinical outcomes in comparison to manual spinal manipulation.
A controlled laboratory study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (Herzog et al., 2015) demonstrated that the Activator Adjusting Instrument delivers a rapid and reproducible impulse capable of influencing spinal segment motion and muscle spindle activity. The device’s mechanical consistency supports its use in situations where gentle, targeted adjustments are preferred—such as in older adults, acute pain cases, or patients sensitive to manual manipulation.
A randomised clinical trial in Spine (Kawchuk et al., 2016) compared Activator adjustments to manual spinal manipulation for chronic low back pain. Both groups experienced significant pain and disability improvements, with no difference in overall outcomes, suggesting the instrument provides a comparable therapeutic effect with potentially greater comfort for some patients.
Further evidence from Chiropractic & Manual Therapies (Cramer et al., 2019) found that Activator treatment improved range of motion and reduced pain sensitivity in individuals with neck pain. The study noted positive neuromuscular responses and reduced reflex muscle activation post-treatment, supporting its role in restoring spinal mobility and coordination.
Instrument-assisted adjustment has also been shown to produce favourable patient satisfaction and safety profiles. A systematic review by Cooperstein et al. (2020) concluded that low-force instrument-based manipulation is an effective and well-tolerated intervention, particularly for patients who may not tolerate high-velocity manual techniques.
Overall, the literature supports Activator therapy as a safe, precise, and evidence-informed option within chiropractic care, providing similar clinical benefits to manual adjustment while offering a gentler application suited to individual patient needs.
What does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal conditions, which involve the joints, muscles, and neural tissue throughout the body. Chiropractors typically use adjustments to help restore joint function and relieve pressure on surrounding tissues.
We commonly see patients with headaches, migraines, back pain, neck pain, mid-thoracic pain, knee pain, or shoulder pain—often from sport or postural issues.
During a typical consultation, you’ll come in for a medical history review, followed by an orthopaedic examination and, if needed, a neurological exam. We’ll then perform a physical assessment to identify the cause of your condition. Imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans may be requested, usually through an external provider.
Treatment often includes gentle adjustments or joint mobilisations to restore movement and reduce pain. We may also use other therapies such as dry needling, Kinesio taping, rigid taping, or soft tissue work as part of your care plan.
Prefer a gentle, low-force approach? Book an Activator Therapy session at Our Chiro Brisbane and experience precise spinal care that feels comfortable.
At Our Chiro Brisbane, we prioritize personalized care, ensuring that each patient’s unique health issues, needs, and concerns are addressed with utmost attention. We are committed to delivering tailored treatments that focus on individual well-being, because your health deserves dedicated and thoughtful care.
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| Sun | Closed |
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Chiropractor Brisbane | Back Pain & Chiropractic Fortitude Valley
Cannot rate this practice highly enough! Both Kat and Simon are lovely and very professional. I was a little skeptical at my first appointment but in just a few short weeks I’ve noticed a huge difference in my comfort levels and range of movement. Highly recommend a visit to either Kat or Simon
Wheel alignment on this old chassis. Simon Nash is one of the best Chiropractors I’ve seen. Very informative and actually quite smooth when it comes to making adjustments. If you’re looking for a professional friendly effective chiropractor Simon Nash is one of the best
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One of the best investments I have made in my future! I personally recommend Our Chiro to all my friends and family.
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