The Activator adjusting instrument is approved in the United States for use by licensed health care practitioners. Most commonly, chiropractors use the Activator Method for treating back and/or neck pain.

Chiropractors typically use a range of 5 to 6 different manipulation techniques in their practice. Selection of which technique to use is based on some combination of the patient's condition, patient preference, and the chiropractor's preference and experience.

The Activator method is typically one of a number of techniques a chiropractor may use; practices that only use the Activator technique (or any single technique) are not the norm.

Provider Training

The Activator Method Basic Proficiency course is taught at most chiropractic colleges in the United States as an elective course.

Read about Chiropractic Education

There are two levels of training certification:

Basic Proficiency: Requires successful completion of a written and practical exam at the college level or 12 hours of post-graduate training, followed by a written and practical exam. This track introduces the basic body scan protocol, including leg length analysis.

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Advanced Proficiency: Requires successful completion of a written and practical exam at the college level or 24 hours of post-graduate training, followed by a written and practical exam. This track provides hand-on training on how to adjust patients using the Activator instrument.

Both the Basic and Advanced Proficiency courses are taught at scheduled seminars throughout the world.

Verify the Provider’s Experience

Some questions that a patient can ask a practitioner of the Activator Method to learn more about their experience level include:

  • Have you received training and certification in the Activator method?
  • Have you used the Activator method on patients who have health issues that are similar to mine?
  • Do you have any testimonials from patients who have received the Activator method treatment?

A reputable health care practitioner will gladly answer these questions.

Dr. Emma Minx is a chiropractor and founder of Minx Wellness. Additionally, she is the clinic director for Advanced Care Specialists. Dr. Minx is a certified chiropractic sports physician and also one of the team chiropractors for the Chicago Bears.

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