If you are dealing with musculoskeletal pain or a chronic health condition, I use the Activator Technique along with other natural methods of care. The office serves Ave Maria, Immokalee, and Naples.
A gentler adjustment
Some people picture chiropractors twisting the body and forcing a joint to “crack.” Some techniques do use twisting and hands-on thrusts. Chiropractic care is not limited to that picture.
If that image is what has kept you away, it helps to know there are gentler methods. The Activator Technique is one of them.
What the Activator Technique is
This technique, also called the Activator Method, uses a handheld device called the Activator Adjusting Instrument. It is spring-loaded and delivers a force similar to a hands-on thrust, without twisting or turning the body.
Why I use it
There are three practical benefits. First, people who do not want a twisting, hands-on adjustment can still receive chiropractic care. Second, the instrument can be aimed at a small area, which makes the force more precise. Third, patients often tense when they feel hands on the spot being adjusted, and that tension can get in the way. The Activator thrust is quick, so there is less time to brace against it.
Conditions it is often used for
I use the Activator Method in many plans. The most common reasons include:
Back pain
Neck pain
TMD
Headaches
After an examination, I will tell you whether this technique fits what you need.
If you live in Ave Maria, Immokalee, or Naples, call (239) 763-7016 to schedule an appointment.
Research you can read
These are the studies listed on the Activator Methods research pages, grouped by topic. Open a topic, then select a title. There are 182 studies here. A clinical trial, a report about one patient, and a laboratory study do not carry the same weight. None of these notes is a promise about your own visit.
Neck pain, headaches, and the jaw
23 studies
A randomized controlled trial comparing different sites of high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust on sensorimotor integration Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy: A [18F]FDG PET Study Manual and Instrument Applied Cervical Manipulation for Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial Chiropractic Treatment of Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Retrospective Case Series A pilot study of a chiropractic intervention for management of chronic myofascial temporomandibular disorder Cerebral Metabolic Changes in Men After Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation for Neck Pain Relative effectiveness and adverse effects of cervical manipulation, mobilisation and the activator instrument in patients with sub-acute non-specific neck pain: results from a stopped randomised trial Immediate effect of activator trigger point therapy and myofascial band therapy on non-specific neck pain in patients with upper trapezius trigger points compared to sham ultrasound: A randomised controlled trial Chiropractic Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders Using the Activator Adjusting Instrument and Protocol Chiropractic Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders Using the Activator Adjusting Instrument: A Prospective Case Series Lateral Cervical Curve Changes in Patients Receiving Chiropractic Care After A Motor Vehicle Collision: A Retrospective Case Series Chiropractic Treatment of Postsurgical Neck Syndrome With Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted Short-Lever Spinal Adjustments A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial on the Relative Effect of Instrumental Versus Manual Thrust Manipulation in the Treatment of Cervical Spine Dysfunction Treatment of Cervical Disc Protrusions Via Instrumental Chiropractic Adjustment Safety in chiropractic practice. Part II: Treatment to the upper neck and the rate of cerebrovascular incidents Comparison of Two Chiropractic Techniques on Pain and Lateral Flexion in Neck Pain Patients: a Pilot Study Manipulation and mobilization of the cervical spine. A systematic review of the literature Three-Dimensional Head Kinematics and Cervical Range of Motion in the Diagnosis of Patients with Neck Trauma Instantaneous Helical Axis Estimation From 3-D Video Data in Neck Kinematics for Whiplash Diagnostics Biomechanical Characterization (fingerprinting) of Five Novel Methods of Cervical Spine Manipulation Three-Dimensional Head Axis of Rotation During Tracking Movements: A Tool for Assessing Neck Neuromechanical Function Three-dimensional Head Kinematics and Clinical Outcome of Patients with Neck Injury Treated with Spinal Manipulative Therapy: a Pilot Study Cervical spine: manipulative skill and performance considerations
Back pain, sciatica, and the pelvis
35 studies
Urinary TNF-α as a potential biomarker for chronic primary low back pain Comparing Outcome Measures in Lumbar Spine Manipulations: Dynamic X-Rays and Oswestry Index Use of localized human growth hormone and testosterone injections in addition to manual therapy and exercise for lower back pain: a case series with 12-month follow-up Comparison of spinal manipulation methods and usual medical care for acute and subacute low back pain: a randomized clinical trial Comparison of paraspinal cutaneous temperature measurements between subjects with and without chronic low back pain Diagnostic Accuracy of the Clinical Examination in Identifying the Level of Herniation in Patients with Sciatica Intermittent low back pain referred from a uterine adenomyosis: a case report Inflammatory response following a short-term course of chiropractic treatment in subjects with and without chronic low back pain Mechanical vs manual manipulation for low back pain: an observational cohort study A Hypothesis of Chronic Back Pain: Ligament Subfailure Injuries Lead to Muscle Control Dysfunction A Randomized Clinical Trial of the Relative Effectiveness of Manual Versus Mechanical Force Chiropractic Adjustments in the Management of Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome Active Trunk Extensor Contributions to Dynamic Posteroanterior Lumbar Spinal Stiffness Neuromechanical Characterization of in Vivo Lumbar Spinal Manipulation. Part II. Neurophysiological Response Neuromechanical Characterization of In Vivo Lumbar Spinal Manipulation. Part I. Vertebral Motion Comparison of Dynamic Posteroanterior Spinal Stiffness to Plain Film Radiographic Images of Lumbar Disk Height Force-deformation response of the lumbar spine: a sagittal plane model of posteroanterior manipulation and mobilization Stiffness and Neuromuscular Reflex Response of the Human Spine to Posteroanterior Manipulative Thrusts In Patients With Low Back Pain Rating Specific Chiropractic Technique Procedures for Common Low Back Conditions The diagnostic performance of vertebral displacement measurements derived from ultrasonic indentation in an in vivo model of degenerative disc disease In Vivo Transient Vibration Assessment of the Normal Human Thoracolumbar Spine Lumbar Erector Spinae Reflex Responses to Mechanical Force, Manually- Assisted Thoracolumbar and Sacroiliac Joint Manipulation in Patients with Low Back Pain Correlation of L5 Dynamic Posteroanterior Spinal Stiffness to Plain Film Radiographic Images of Lumbosacral Disc Height Dynamic Response of the Human Lumbar Spine: A 5 DOF Lumped Parameter Time and Frequency Domain Model Chiropractic Treatment of Coccygodynia via External Instrumental Adjusting Procedures utilizing Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique Muscular and Mechanical Behavior of the Lumbar Spine in Response to Dynamic Posteroanterior Forces Grand Rounds Discussion: Patient with acute low back pain Treatment of Symptomatic Lumbar Disc Herniation Utilizing Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique A Biomechanical Model of the Lumbar Spine During Upright Isometric, Flexion, Extension, and Lateral Bending The Immediate Effect of Activator vs. Meric Adjustment on Acute Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial Leg Length Inequality and the Side of Low Back Pain – A Pilot Study Measurement and Analysis of the In Vivo Posteroanterior Impulse Response of the Human Thoracolumbar Spine: A Feasibility Study Treatment and biomechanical assessment of patients with chronic sacroiliac joint syndrome Treatment of Chronic Sciatica by Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted, Short Lever Adjusting and a Video Assisted Stretching Program: A Quantitative Case Study Interexaminer Reliability of Eight Evaluative Dimensions of Lumbar Segmental Abnormality Low Force Chiropractic Care of Two Patients with Sciatic Neuropathy and Lumbar Disc Herniation
Shoulder, arm, chest, and other joints
9 studies
A clinical trial of a mechanical force at C5 for shoulder pain referred from the neck Management of Non-cardiac Chest Pain With Chiropractic Care: A Case Report and Brief Review Clinical presentation and chiropractic treatment of Tietze syndrome: A 34-year-old female with left-sided chest pain Chiropractic Management Of Chronic Chest Pain Using Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted Short-Lever Adjusting Procedures A Novel Method For Assessing Elbow Pain Resulting From Epicondylitis Posterior Calcaneal Subluxation: An Important Consideration in Chiropractic Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Spur Syndrome) Instrumental Chiropractic Treatment of Frozen Shoulder Associated With Mixed Metastatic Carcinoma Chiropractic Treatment of Frozen Shoulder Syndrome (Adhesive Capsulitis) Using Mechanical Force Manually Assisted Short Lever Adjusting Procedures Conservative Treatment of Torn Medial Meniscus via Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted Short Lever Chiropractic Adjusting Procedures
Older adults
13 studies
Improvement in physical functioning, quality of life, and drug reduction in a 75-year-old woman: a case report Improved Ambulation, Quality of Life and Decreased Pain in a 64-Year-Old Female with Polymyalgia Rheumatica & Multiple Neuromusculoskeletal Symptoms Undergoing Chiropractic Care Improved Spinal Range of Motion, Quality of Life, Dysponesis & Dysautonomia in a 75-year-old male Following Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique for the Correction of Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report Improvement in Chronic Musculoskeletal Arm Pain and Headaches in an 89- Year-Old Male Receiving Chiropractic Care Involving Torque Release Technique and Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique: A Case Report Changes in Quality of Life in 7 Older Adult Patients Receiving Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique Resolution of Morton’s Neuroma in an Elderly Patient Receiving Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique to Correct Subluxation: A Case Study Resolution of Cervicalgia, Paraesthesia and Chronic Adhesive Capsulitis in a 67-Year-Old Male: A Case Study Improvement in Mobility, Emotional Wellbeing & Quality of Life in an Older Adult Following Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care: A Case Report Chiropractic management of a veteran with lower back pain associated with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hypertrophy and degenerative disk disease Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for a geriatric patient with low back pain and comorbidities of cancer, compression fractures, and osteoporosis Fall Risk Profile and Quality-of-Life Status of Older Chiropractic Patients Chiropractic Care for Patients Aged 55 Years and Older: Report from a Practice-Based Research Program Chiropractic Treatment Of Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain In A Geriatric Population: A Practitioner-Scientist Protocol
Children
7 studies
Forces of Commonly Used Chiropractic Techniques for Children: A Review of the Literature Symptomatic & Cognitive Improvement Following Chiropractic Care in a Patient with Concussion and Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report Chiropractic management of a 5-year-old boy with urinary and bowel incontinence Chiropractic care of a 6 year old girl with neck pain; headaches; hand, leg and foot pain; and other nonmusculoskeletal symptoms The safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic: a survey of chiropractors and parents in a practice-based research network Vertebral Subluxation and Otitis Media: A Case Study Activator Adjusting For Acute Torticollis
Pregnancy
2 studies
Resolution of Breech Presentation Confirmed by Ultrasound Following Webster’s Technique Resolution of Breech Presentation Using an Activator Adjusting Instrument to Administer Webster’s Technique in Three Women Undergoing Chiropractic Care
Blood pressure and other body-wide measures
6 studies
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Measure the Effects of Specific Thoracic Chiropractic Adjustments on Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate Measuring the Effects of Specific Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments on Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate: A Randomized Controlled Trial Heart Rate Variability Modulation After Manipulation in Pain-Free Patients vs Patients in Pain Treatment of Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia using Instrument-Assisted Manipulation of the Fourth Rib: A 6 Year Study The effects of spinal manipulation on the intensity of emotional arousal in phobic subjects exposed to a threat stimulus: a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial Effects of Chiropractic Treatment on Blood Pressure and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Muscle pain and trigger points
1 study
Relative Immediate Effect of Ischaemic Compression and Activator Trigger Point Therapy on Active Upper Trapezius Trigger Points: A Randomized Trial
Clinical trials
4 studies
Changes in pressure pain thresholds and Basal electromyographic activity after instrument-assisted spinal manipulative therapy in asymptomatic participants: a randomized, controlled trial Immediate Effects of the Audible Pop from a Thoracic Spine Thrust Manipulation on the Autonomic Nervous System and Pain: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial Effects of a Manually Assisted Mechanical Force on Cutaneous Temperature Mechanical Force Spinal Manipulation Increases Trunk Muscle Strength Assessed By Electromyography: A Comparative Controlled Clinical Trial
Case reports
2 studies
Chiropractic Management of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases Treatment of Bell’s Palsy by Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted Chiropractic Adjusting and High-voltage Electrotherapy
Leg-length checks and examination methods
22 studies
Determining spinal level using the inferior angle of the scapula: a review of 50 radiographs Review of methods used by chiropractors to determine the site for applying manipulation Interexaminer Reliability of Supine Leg Checks for Discriminating Leg-Length Inequality The relationship between pelvic torsion and anatomical leg length inequality: a review of the literature Interexaminer Reliability of a Leg Length Analysis Procedure Among Novice and Experienced Practitioners Interexaminer Reliability of the Prone Leg Length Analysis Procedure Evaluating Teaching Effectiveness of the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique Leg Check Based on Interexaminer Reliability Interexaminer Reliability of Activator Method’s Relative Leg-Length Evaluation in the Prone Extended Position Measurement of Soft Tissue Strain in Response to Consecutively Increased Compressive and Distractive Loads on a Friction-Based Test Bed Back to Basics…Technology Assessment of the Chiropractic Subluxation Comparison of Leg Length Inequality Measurement Methods as Estimators of the Femur Head Height Difference on Standing X-ray Optoelectric Measurement of Changes in Leg Length Inequality Resulting from Isolation Tests Optoelectric Measurement of Leg Length Inequalities Before, During, and After Isolation Tests Optoelectric Measurement of Leg Length Changes During Isolation Tests Responsiveness of leg alignment changes associated with articular pressure testing to spinal manipulation: the use of a randomized clinical trial design to evaluate a diagnostic test with a dichotomous outcome Reactivity of Leg Alignment to Articular Pressure Testing: Evaluation of a Diagnostic Test using a Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial Approach Motion Analysis as a Means to Objectify Changes in Apparent (Prone) Leg Length Inequality Precise measurement of functional leg length inequality and changes due to cervical spine rotation in pain-free students Interexaminer Reliability of an Isolation Test for the Identification of Upper Cervical Subluxation Interexaminer Reliability of Relative Leg Length Evaluations in the Prone Extended Position Reliability of the Derifield-Thompson test for leg length inequality, and use of the test to demonstrate cervical adjusting efficacy Inter- and intra-examiner reliability of leg-length differential measurement: a preliminary study
How the instrument works
19 studies
Variability of Force Magnitude and Force Duration in Manual and Instrument-Based Manipulation Techniques Does an audible release improve the outcome of a chiropractic adjustment? The Effective Forces Transmitted by High-Speed, Low-Amplitude Thoracic Manipulation Muscular and Soft-Tissue Contributions of Dynamic Posteroanterior Spinal Stiffness The mechanics of spinal manipulation Theory of small vertebral motions: an analytical model compared to data Validation of the Force and Frequency Characteristics of the Activator Adjusting Instrument: Effectiveness as a Mechanical Impedance Measurement Tool Engineering ─ In Vivo Transient Vibration Analysis of the Normal Human Spine Oscillations of the Vertebrae in Spinal Manipulative Therapy On Sounds and Reflexes of Cavitation The Audible Release Associated with Joint Manipulation Dependence of the Delivered Force on the Force Setting on the Activator Adjusting Instrument Relationship between Preload and Peak Forces during Spinal Manipulative Treatments Measurement and Analysis of Interspinous Kinematics Evaluating Mechanical Force Manually Assisted Short Lever adjusting using an Anthropomorphic model Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted, Short Lever Chiropractic Adjustment Skin Accelerometer Displacement and Relative Bone Movement of Adjacent Vertebrae in Response to Chiropractic Percussion Thrusts Accuracy of Piezoelectric Accelerometers Measuring Displacement of a Spinal Adjusting Instrument The Force of the Activator® Adjusting Instrument
Nerve and muscle responses
6 studies
Spinal Manipulation Alters Electromyographic Activity of Paraspinal Muscles: A Descriptive Study Neurophysiological Response to Intraoperative Lumbosacral Spinal Manipulation Electromyographic Responses To Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted Spinal Manipulative Therapy Reflex Responses Associated with Activator Treatment Reflex Responses Associated with Manipulative Treatments on the Thoracic Spine: A Pilot Study Effects of altered afferent articular input on sensation, proprioception, muscle tone and sympathetic reflex responses
Animal and laboratory studies
14 studies
Beneficial effects of a chiropractic adjusting instrument in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis Chiropractic manipulation and bone and muscle in rats after ovary removal How paraspinal muscle sensors respond to instrument-assisted manipulation Spinal tissue loading from different methods of manipulation Attenuation Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Neuropathic and Postoperative Pain Through Activating Endogenous Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Interleukin 10 in Rat Spinal Cord Neural Response During a Mechanically Assisted Spinal Manipulation in an Animal Model: A Pilot Study In Vitro Biomechanical Evaluation of Single Impulse and Repetitive Mechanical Shockwave Devices Utilized for Spinal Manipulative Therapy Neural responses to the mechanical parameters of a high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation: effect of preload parameters Effects of thrust amplitude and duration of high velocity low amplitude spinal manipulation on lumbar muscle spindle responses to vertebral position and movement Evaluation of Mechanical Allodynia in an Animal Immobilization Model using the Von Frey Method Three-Dimensional Vertebral Motions Produced by Mechanical Force Spinal Manipulation Spinal Manipulation Reduces Pain and Hyperalgesia after Lumbar Intervertebral Foramen Inflammation in the Rat Movements of Vertebrae During Manipulative Thrusts to Unembalmed Human Cadavers Spinal learning: central modulation of pain processing and long-term alteration of interneuronal excitability as a result of nociceptive peripheral input
Safety, surveys, and reviews
19 studies
What patients said about chiropractic care after a public spinal screening Safety & Effectiveness: The Foundations of Success The Activator Story: Development of a New Concept in Chiropractic Clinical effectiveness of the Activator adjusting instrument in the management of musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of the literature Technique Systems used by post-1980 graduates of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College practicing in five Canadian provinces: a preliminary survey Activator as a theraputic instrument: Survey of usage and opinions amongst members of the British Chiropractic Association Status of Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique, Theory and Practice A review of the literature pertaining to the efficacy, safety, educational requirements, uses and usage of mechanical adjusting devices. Part 2 of 2 A review of the literature pertaining to the efficacy, safety, educational requirements, uses and usage of mechanical adjusting devices. Part 1 of 2 Chiropractic Name techniques in Canada: a continued look at demographic trends and their impact on issues of jurisprudence A Review of Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique Chiropractic “Name Techniques”: A Review of the Literature Name techniques in Canada: current trends in utilization rates and recommendations for their inclusion at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College Technique Overview: Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique Description and Analysis of Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique Non-Specific Short and Long Lever Chiropractic Adjusting: Principles and Practice The current status of Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique, theory, and training A model for the evaluation of chiropractic methods
Close
Where the thrust is aimed
Scientific Reports, 2024
Ninety-six adults with mild, recurring neck pain each received one thrust from an Activator instrument. When the thrust was aimed at a neck segment the clinician judged to be the relevant one, a nerve-signal measure changed right away. A thrust aimed at a segment that was not chosen that way did not produce the same change. The authors said this shows that the site of the thrust matters for that measurement. They also said it does not yet show a change in symptoms.
Read the published paper
Close
A study of nerve and muscle signals
Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy: A [18F]FDG PET Study
This study measured nerve or muscle signals around the time of a thrust. It looks at how the body responds in the moment. It did not test whether pain improved for a group of patients.
Open this listing
Close
A clinical trial
Manual and Instrument Applied Cervical Manipulation for Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
Open this listing
Close
A case report
Chiropractic Treatment of Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Retrospective Case Series
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
Open this listing
Close
A clinical trial
A pilot study of a chiropractic intervention for management of chronic myofascial temporomandibular disorder
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient. It was a pilot study, small enough to test whether a larger study is worth doing.
Open this listing
Close
A study of nerve and muscle signals
Cerebral Metabolic Changes in Men After Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation for Neck Pain
This study measured nerve or muscle signals around the time of a thrust. It looks at how the body responds in the moment. It did not test whether pain improved for a group of patients.
Open this listing
Close
A clinical trial
Relative effectiveness and adverse effects of cervical manipulation, mobilisation and the activator instrument in patients with sub-acute non-specific neck pain: results from a stopped randomised trial
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient. Part of the question was safety, including unwanted effects that were counted.
Open this listing
Close
A clinical trial
Immediate effect of activator trigger point therapy and myofascial band therapy on non-specific neck pain in patients with upper trapezius trigger points compared to sham ultrasound: A randomised controlled trial
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient. A sham or placebo group was part of the comparison, so some people received a look-alike procedure that was not the real thrust.
Open this listing
Close
A case report
Chiropractic Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders Using the Activator Adjusting Instrument and Protocol
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
Open this listing
Close
A clinical trial
Chiropractic Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders Using the Activator Adjusting Instrument: A Prospective Case Series
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
Open this listing
Close
A case report
Lateral Cervical Curve Changes in Patients Receiving Chiropractic Care After A Motor Vehicle Collision: A Retrospective Case Series
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
Open this listing
Close
A case report
Chiropractic Treatment of Postsurgical Neck Syndrome With Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted Short-Lever Spinal Adjustments
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
Open this listing
Close
A clinical trial
A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial on the Relative Effect of Instrumental Versus Manual Thrust Manipulation in the Treatment of Cervical Spine Dysfunction
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient. It was a pilot study, small enough to test whether a larger study is worth doing.
Open this listing
Close
A listed study
Treatment of Cervical Disc Protrusions Via Instrumental Chiropractic Adjustment
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
Open this listing
Close
A review of earlier work
Safety in chiropractic practice. Part II: Treatment to the upper neck and the rate of cerebrovascular incidents
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care. Part of the question was safety, including unwanted effects that were counted.
Open this listing
Close
A clinical trial
Comparison of Two Chiropractic Techniques on Pain and Lateral Flexion in Neck Pain Patients: a Pilot Study
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient. It was a pilot study, small enough to test whether a larger study is worth doing.
Open this listing
Close
A review of earlier work
Manipulation and mobilization of the cervical spine. A systematic review of the literature
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care.
Open this listing
Close
A study of force and motion
Three-Dimensional Head Kinematics and Cervical Range of Motion in the Diagnosis of Patients with Neck Trauma
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
Open this listing
Close
A study of force and motion
Instantaneous Helical Axis Estimation From 3-D Video Data in Neck Kinematics for Whiplash Diagnostics
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
Open this listing
Close
A study of force and motion
Biomechanical Characterization (fingerprinting) of Five Novel Methods of Cervical Spine Manipulation
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
Open this listing
Close
A listed study
Three-Dimensional Head Axis of Rotation During Tracking Movements: A Tool for Assessing Neck Neuromechanical Function
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
Open this listing
Close
A study of force and motion
Three-dimensional Head Kinematics and Clinical Outcome of Patients with Neck Injury Treated with Spinal Manipulative Therapy: a Pilot Study
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
Open this listing
Close
A listed study
Cervical spine: manipulative skill and performance considerations
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
Open this listing
Close
A urine marker and low back pain
Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 2023
People with chronic primary low back pain had higher amounts of an inflammation-related protein in their urine than people without that pain. The amount also differed between people whose pain stayed and people whose pain came and went. After four weeks of spinal manipulative therapy, changes in the urine measure lined up with changes in pain and disability. The authors said the finding is a reason for more research. It is not a lab test used in this office.
Read the published paper
Close
A clinical trial
Comparing Outcome Measures in Lumbar Spine Manipulations: Dynamic X-Rays and Oswestry Index
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
Open this listing
Close
A case report
Use of localized human growth hormone and testosterone injections in addition to manual therapy and exercise for lower back pain: a case series with 12-month follow-up
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result. The care in this report included injections. It is not a test of the Activator instrument by itself.
Open this listing
Close
A clinical trial
Comparison of spinal manipulation methods and usual medical care for acute and subacute low back pain: a randomized clinical trial
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
Open this listing
Close
A clinical trial
Comparison of paraspinal cutaneous temperature measurements between subjects with and without chronic low back pain
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
Open this listing
Close
A listed study
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Clinical Examination in Identifying the Level of Herniation in Patients with Sciatica
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
Open this listing
Close
A case report
Intermittent low back pain referred from a uterine adenomyosis: a case report
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
Open this listing
Close
A clinical trial
Inflammatory response following a short-term course of chiropractic treatment in subjects with and without chronic low back pain
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
Open this listing
Close
A clinical trial
Mechanical vs manual manipulation for low back pain: an observational cohort study
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
Open this listing
Close
A study of force and motion
A Hypothesis of Chronic Back Pain: Ligament Subfailure Injuries Lead to Muscle Control Dysfunction
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
Open this listing
Close
A clinical trial
A Randomized Clinical Trial of the Relative Effectiveness of Manual Versus Mechanical Force Chiropractic Adjustments in the Management of Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
Open this listing
Close
A study of force and motion
Active Trunk Extensor Contributions to Dynamic Posteroanterior Lumbar Spinal Stiffness
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
Open this listing
Close
A study of nerve and muscle signals
Neuromechanical Characterization of in Vivo Lumbar Spinal Manipulation. Part II. Neurophysiological Response
This study measured nerve or muscle signals around the time of a thrust. It looks at how the body responds in the moment. It did not test whether pain improved for a group of patients.
Open this listing
Close
A study of nerve and muscle signals
Neuromechanical Characterization of In Vivo Lumbar Spinal Manipulation. Part I. Vertebral Motion
This study measured nerve or muscle signals around the time of a thrust. It looks at how the body responds in the moment. It did not test whether pain improved for a group of patients.
Open this listing
Close
A study of force and motion
Comparison of Dynamic Posteroanterior Spinal Stiffness to Plain Film Radiographic Images of Lumbar Disk Height
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
Open this listing
Close
A study of force and motion
Force-deformation response of the lumbar spine: a sagittal plane model of posteroanterior manipulation and mobilization
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
Open this listing
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A study of force and motion
Stiffness and Neuromuscular Reflex Response of the Human Spine to Posteroanterior Manipulative Thrusts In Patients With Low Back Pain
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A listed study
Rating Specific Chiropractic Technique Procedures for Common Low Back Conditions
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A study of force and motion
The diagnostic performance of vertebral displacement measurements derived from ultrasonic indentation in an in vivo model of degenerative disc disease
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
In Vivo Transient Vibration Assessment of the Normal Human Thoracolumbar Spine
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Lumbar Erector Spinae Reflex Responses to Mechanical Force, Manually- Assisted Thoracolumbar and Sacroiliac Joint Manipulation in Patients with Low Back Pain
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Correlation of L5 Dynamic Posteroanterior Spinal Stiffness to Plain Film Radiographic Images of Lumbosacral Disc Height
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Dynamic Response of the Human Lumbar Spine: A 5 DOF Lumped Parameter Time and Frequency Domain Model
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A case report
Chiropractic Treatment of Coccygodynia via External Instrumental Adjusting Procedures utilizing Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A study of force and motion
Muscular and Mechanical Behavior of the Lumbar Spine in Response to Dynamic Posteroanterior Forces
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A case report
Grand Rounds Discussion: Patient with acute low back pain
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Treatment of Symptomatic Lumbar Disc Herniation Utilizing Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A study of force and motion
A Biomechanical Model of the Lumbar Spine During Upright Isometric, Flexion, Extension, and Lateral Bending
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A clinical trial
The Immediate Effect of Activator vs. Meric Adjustment on Acute Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A listed study
Leg Length Inequality and the Side of Low Back Pain – A Pilot Study
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A study of force and motion
Measurement and Analysis of the In Vivo Posteroanterior Impulse Response of the Human Thoracolumbar Spine: A Feasibility Study
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A clinical trial
Treatment and biomechanical assessment of patients with chronic sacroiliac joint syndrome
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A case report
Treatment of Chronic Sciatica by Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted, Short Lever Adjusting and a Video Assisted Stretching Program: A Quantitative Case Study
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A study of an examination method
Interexaminer Reliability of Eight Evaluative Dimensions of Lumbar Segmental Abnormality
This paper tests whether different examiners reach the same finding when they repeat a measurement. It is about the examination method, not about whether symptoms improved.
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A case report
Low Force Chiropractic Care of Two Patients with Sciatic Neuropathy and Lumbar Disc Herniation
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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Shoulder pain and a force at C5
Spine, 2017
One hundred twenty-five people had shoulder pain thought to come from the neck. One group received a mechanical force at the fifth cervical bone. The other group had the same instrument held in place but turned off. Six months later, extreme shoulder pain was less frequent in the treated group, and internal rotation of the shoulder was stronger. The severity of the pain, and most other measures, were not different between the groups.
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A case report
Management of Non-cardiac Chest Pain With Chiropractic Care: A Case Report and Brief Review
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Clinical presentation and chiropractic treatment of Tietze syndrome: A 34-year-old female with left-sided chest pain
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Chiropractic Management Of Chronic Chest Pain Using Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted Short-Lever Adjusting Procedures
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
A Novel Method For Assessing Elbow Pain Resulting From Epicondylitis
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Posterior Calcaneal Subluxation: An Important Consideration in Chiropractic Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Spur Syndrome)
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Instrumental Chiropractic Treatment of Frozen Shoulder Associated With Mixed Metastatic Carcinoma
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result. The person in this report also had cancer. The report does not describe a cancer treatment.
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A case report
Chiropractic Treatment of Frozen Shoulder Syndrome (Adhesive Capsulitis) Using Mechanical Force Manually Assisted Short Lever Adjusting Procedures
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Conservative Treatment of Torn Medial Meniscus via Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted Short Lever Chiropractic Adjusting Procedures
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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One patient’s case report
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, April 2018
This report describes one 75-year-old woman. She had neck and shoulder pain for more than 20 years, trouble sleeping, and was taking codeine. She received Activator Methods care. Afterward she reported easier movement, a higher rating of her physical health, and more neck motion on measurement. A report about one person can show what happened in that case. It cannot show that the same result will happen for someone else.
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A case report
Improved Ambulation, Quality of Life and Decreased Pain in a 64-Year-Old Female with Polymyalgia Rheumatica & Multiple Neuromusculoskeletal Symptoms Undergoing Chiropractic Care
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Improved Spinal Range of Motion, Quality of Life, Dysponesis & Dysautonomia in a 75-year-old male Following Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique for the Correction of Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Improvement in Chronic Musculoskeletal Arm Pain and Headaches in an 89- Year-Old Male Receiving Chiropractic Care Involving Torque Release Technique and Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique: A Case Report
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Changes in Quality of Life in 7 Older Adult Patients Receiving Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Resolution of Morton’s Neuroma in an Elderly Patient Receiving Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique to Correct Subluxation: A Case Study
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Resolution of Cervicalgia, Paraesthesia and Chronic Adhesive Capsulitis in a 67-Year-Old Male: A Case Study
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Improvement in Mobility, Emotional Wellbeing & Quality of Life in an Older Adult Following Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care: A Case Report
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Chiropractic management of a veteran with lower back pain associated with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hypertrophy and degenerative disk disease
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for a geriatric patient with low back pain and comorbidities of cancer, compression fractures, and osteoporosis
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result. The person in this report also had cancer. The report does not describe a cancer treatment.
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A listed study
Fall Risk Profile and Quality-of-Life Status of Older Chiropractic Patients
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A listed study
Chiropractic Care for Patients Aged 55 Years and Older: Report from a Practice-Based Research Program
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A listed study
Chiropractic Treatment Of Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain In A Geriatric Population: A Practitioner-Scientist Protocol
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A review of earlier work
Forces of Commonly Used Chiropractic Techniques for Children: A Review of the Literature
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care. The question involves children. Care for a child is planned differently from care for an adult.
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A case report
Symptomatic & Cognitive Improvement Following Chiropractic Care in a Patient with Concussion and Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result. The question involves children. Care for a child is planned differently from care for an adult.
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A case report
Chiropractic management of a 5-year-old boy with urinary and bowel incontinence
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result. The question involves children. Care for a child is planned differently from care for an adult.
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A case report
Chiropractic care of a 6 year old girl with neck pain; headaches; hand, leg and foot pain; and other nonmusculoskeletal symptoms
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result. The question involves children. Care for a child is planned differently from care for an adult.
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A review of earlier work
The safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic: a survey of chiropractors and parents in a practice-based research network
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care. Part of the question was safety, including unwanted effects that were counted. The question involves children. Care for a child is planned differently from care for an adult.
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A case report
Vertebral Subluxation and Otitis Media: A Case Study
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result. The question involves children. Care for a child is planned differently from care for an adult.
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A case report
Activator Adjusting For Acute Torticollis
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result. The question involves children. Care for a child is planned differently from care for an adult.
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A report about pregnancy
Resolution of Breech Presentation Confirmed by Ultrasound Following Webster’s Technique
This report is about pregnancy, not a child’s visit. It describes care related to a breech presentation. A report like this cannot show what will happen in another pregnancy.
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A report about pregnancy
Resolution of Breech Presentation Using an Activator Adjusting Instrument to Administer Webster’s Technique in Three Women Undergoing Chiropractic Care
This report is about pregnancy, not a child’s visit. It describes care related to a breech presentation. A report like this cannot show what will happen in another pregnancy.
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A clinical trial
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Measure the Effects of Specific Thoracic Chiropractic Adjustments on Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A clinical trial
Measuring the Effects of Specific Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments on Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A clinical trial
Heart Rate Variability Modulation After Manipulation in Pain-Free Patients vs Patients in Pain
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A case report
Treatment of Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia using Instrument-Assisted Manipulation of the Fourth Rib: A 6 Year Study
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result. The question involves children. Care for a child is planned differently from care for an adult.
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A clinical trial
The effects of spinal manipulation on the intensity of emotional arousal in phobic subjects exposed to a threat stimulus: a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A clinical trial
Effects of Chiropractic Treatment on Blood Pressure and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A clinical trial
Relative Immediate Effect of Ischaemic Compression and Activator Trigger Point Therapy on Active Upper Trapezius Trigger Points: A Randomized Trial
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A clinical trial
Changes in pressure pain thresholds and Basal electromyographic activity after instrument-assisted spinal manipulative therapy in asymptomatic participants: a randomized, controlled trial
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A clinical trial
Immediate Effects of the Audible Pop from a Thoracic Spine Thrust Manipulation on the Autonomic Nervous System and Pain: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A clinical trial
Effects of a Manually Assisted Mechanical Force on Cutaneous Temperature
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A clinical trial
Mechanical Force Spinal Manipulation Increases Trunk Muscle Strength Assessed By Electromyography: A Comparative Controlled Clinical Trial
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A case report
Chiropractic Management of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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A case report
Treatment of Bell’s Palsy by Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted Chiropractic Adjusting and High-voltage Electrotherapy
This report describes what happened for a particular patient, or a small number of patients, during care. The changes belong to that case. They do not show that every person with the same problem will have the same result.
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Finding a spinal level from the shoulder blade
Review of 50 full-spine radiographs
Clinicians sometimes use the bottom tip of the shoulder blade to estimate which spinal bone they are touching. On these 50 X-rays, that tip most often lined up near the ninth thoracic bone, but it ranged from the seventh to the tenth. It also sat slightly lower in men than in women. The authors concluded that the shoulder blade is not a precise landmark by itself.
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A listed study
Review of methods used by chiropractors to determine the site for applying manipulation
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A study of an examination method
Interexaminer Reliability of Supine Leg Checks for Discriminating Leg-Length Inequality
This paper tests whether different examiners reach the same finding when they repeat a measurement. It is about the examination method, not about whether symptoms improved.
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A review of earlier work
The relationship between pelvic torsion and anatomical leg length inequality: a review of the literature
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care.
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A study of an examination method
Interexaminer Reliability of a Leg Length Analysis Procedure Among Novice and Experienced Practitioners
This paper tests whether different examiners reach the same finding when they repeat a measurement. It is about the examination method, not about whether symptoms improved.
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A study of an examination method
Interexaminer Reliability of the Prone Leg Length Analysis Procedure
This paper tests whether different examiners reach the same finding when they repeat a measurement. It is about the examination method, not about whether symptoms improved.
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A study of an examination method
Evaluating Teaching Effectiveness of the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique Leg Check Based on Interexaminer Reliability
This paper tests whether different examiners reach the same finding when they repeat a measurement. It is about the examination method, not about whether symptoms improved.
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A study of an examination method
Interexaminer Reliability of Activator Method’s Relative Leg-Length Evaluation in the Prone Extended Position
This paper tests whether different examiners reach the same finding when they repeat a measurement. It is about the examination method, not about whether symptoms improved.
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A listed study
Measurement of Soft Tissue Strain in Response to Consecutively Increased Compressive and Distractive Loads on a Friction-Based Test Bed
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A listed study
Back to Basics…Technology Assessment of the Chiropractic Subluxation
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A listed study
Comparison of Leg Length Inequality Measurement Methods as Estimators of the Femur Head Height Difference on Standing X-ray
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A listed study
Optoelectric Measurement of Changes in Leg Length Inequality Resulting from Isolation Tests
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A listed study
Optoelectric Measurement of Leg Length Inequalities Before, During, and After Isolation Tests
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A listed study
Optoelectric Measurement of Leg Length Changes During Isolation Tests
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A clinical trial
Responsiveness of leg alignment changes associated with articular pressure testing to spinal manipulation: the use of a randomized clinical trial design to evaluate a diagnostic test with a dichotomous outcome
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A clinical trial
Reactivity of Leg Alignment to Articular Pressure Testing: Evaluation of a Diagnostic Test using a Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial Approach
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A listed study
Motion Analysis as a Means to Objectify Changes in Apparent (Prone) Leg Length Inequality
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A listed study
Precise measurement of functional leg length inequality and changes due to cervical spine rotation in pain-free students
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A study of an examination method
Interexaminer Reliability of an Isolation Test for the Identification of Upper Cervical Subluxation
This paper tests whether different examiners reach the same finding when they repeat a measurement. It is about the examination method, not about whether symptoms improved.
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A study of an examination method
Interexaminer Reliability of Relative Leg Length Evaluations in the Prone Extended Position
This paper tests whether different examiners reach the same finding when they repeat a measurement. It is about the examination method, not about whether symptoms improved.
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A study of an examination method
Reliability of the Derifield-Thompson test for leg length inequality, and use of the test to demonstrate cervical adjusting efficacy
This paper tests whether different examiners reach the same finding when they repeat a measurement. It is about the examination method, not about whether symptoms improved.
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A study of an examination method
Inter- and intra-examiner reliability of leg-length differential measurement: a preliminary study
This paper tests whether different examiners reach the same finding when they repeat a measurement. It is about the examination method, not about whether symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Variability of Force Magnitude and Force Duration in Manual and Instrument-Based Manipulation Techniques
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Does an audible release improve the outcome of a chiropractic adjustment?
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
The Effective Forces Transmitted by High-Speed, Low-Amplitude Thoracic Manipulation
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Muscular and Soft-Tissue Contributions of Dynamic Posteroanterior Spinal Stiffness
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
The mechanics of spinal manipulation
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Theory of small vertebral motions: an analytical model compared to data
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Validation of the Force and Frequency Characteristics of the Activator Adjusting Instrument: Effectiveness as a Mechanical Impedance Measurement Tool
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Engineering ─ In Vivo Transient Vibration Analysis of the Normal Human Spine
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Oscillations of the Vertebrae in Spinal Manipulative Therapy
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
On Sounds and Reflexes of Cavitation
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
The Audible Release Associated with Joint Manipulation
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Dependence of the Delivered Force on the Force Setting on the Activator Adjusting Instrument
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Relationship between Preload and Peak Forces during Spinal Manipulative Treatments
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Measurement and Analysis of Interspinous Kinematics
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Evaluating Mechanical Force Manually Assisted Short Lever adjusting using an Anthropomorphic model
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted, Short Lever Chiropractic Adjustment
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Skin Accelerometer Displacement and Relative Bone Movement of Adjacent Vertebrae in Response to Chiropractic Percussion Thrusts
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
Accuracy of Piezoelectric Accelerometers Measuring Displacement of a Spinal Adjusting Instrument
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of force and motion
The Force of the Activator® Adjusting Instrument
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of nerve and muscle signals
Spinal Manipulation Alters Electromyographic Activity of Paraspinal Muscles: A Descriptive Study
This study measured nerve or muscle signals around the time of a thrust. It looks at how the body responds in the moment. It did not test whether pain improved for a group of patients.
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A study of nerve and muscle signals
Neurophysiological Response to Intraoperative Lumbosacral Spinal Manipulation
This study measured nerve or muscle signals around the time of a thrust. It looks at how the body responds in the moment. It did not test whether pain improved for a group of patients.
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A study of force and motion
Electromyographic Responses To Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted Spinal Manipulative Therapy
This study measured force, motion, or how the instrument behaves. It helps explain the tool. It did not test whether a patient’s symptoms improved.
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A study of nerve and muscle signals
Reflex Responses Associated with Activator Treatment
This study measured nerve or muscle signals around the time of a thrust. It looks at how the body responds in the moment. It did not test whether pain improved for a group of patients.
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A study of nerve and muscle signals
Reflex Responses Associated with Manipulative Treatments on the Thoracic Spine: A Pilot Study
This study measured nerve or muscle signals around the time of a thrust. It looks at how the body responds in the moment. It did not test whether pain improved for a group of patients.
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A study of nerve and muscle signals
Effects of altered afferent articular input on sensation, proprioception, muscle tone and sympathetic reflex responses
This study measured nerve or muscle signals around the time of a thrust. It looks at how the body responds in the moment. It did not test whether pain improved for a group of patients.
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An arthritis study in rabbits
Scientific Reports, 2020
This was a laboratory study, not a study of patients. Rabbits had knee arthritis created by surgery. One knee received an Activator force three times a week for eight weeks. The other knee received a sham, with the instrument fired in the air. The treated knees showed less damage in the bone under the joint, the cartilage, and the joint lining than the sham knees.
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A bone study in rats
Calcified Tissue International, 2017
This was a laboratory study, not a study of patients. Female rats had their ovaries removed, which led to bone loss. An Activator force was applied to the shin three times a week for six weeks and compared with a sham. The authors reported less of that bone loss in the treated limbs.
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Muscle sensors in an animal study
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2017
Researchers recorded nerve signals from muscle sensors beside the spine in six cats while two clinical instruments, including the Activator, delivered a short thrust. The thrust reduced the sensors’ firing, and many of those signals took several seconds to return to their usual pattern. The authors said the meaning of that change for patient care still needs more study.
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How much load different techniques create
Spine, 2017
This was a laboratory study on animal spines, not a trial of patients. A hands-on thrust and a motor-driven thrust loaded the spinal tissues more than a handheld instrument. The authors said each method creates its own pattern of load, which may help explain why results and safety can differ from one method to another.
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A laboratory study
Attenuation Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Neuropathic and Postoperative Pain Through Activating Endogenous Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Interleukin 10 in Rat Spinal Cord
This was a laboratory or animal study. An adjusting instrument was used to look at tissue, bone, motion, or nerve signals. It was not a study of patients, so it cannot show how a person will feel after care.
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A laboratory study
Neural Response During a Mechanically Assisted Spinal Manipulation in an Animal Model: A Pilot Study
This was a laboratory or animal study. An adjusting instrument was used to look at tissue, bone, motion, or nerve signals. It was not a study of patients, so it cannot show how a person will feel after care.
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A laboratory study
In Vitro Biomechanical Evaluation of Single Impulse and Repetitive Mechanical Shockwave Devices Utilized for Spinal Manipulative Therapy
This was a laboratory or animal study. An adjusting instrument was used to look at tissue, bone, motion, or nerve signals. It was not a study of patients, so it cannot show how a person will feel after care.
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A laboratory study
Neural responses to the mechanical parameters of a high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation: effect of preload parameters
This was a laboratory or animal study. An adjusting instrument was used to look at tissue, bone, motion, or nerve signals. It was not a study of patients, so it cannot show how a person will feel after care.
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A laboratory study
Effects of thrust amplitude and duration of high velocity low amplitude spinal manipulation on lumbar muscle spindle responses to vertebral position and movement
This was a laboratory or animal study. An adjusting instrument was used to look at tissue, bone, motion, or nerve signals. It was not a study of patients, so it cannot show how a person will feel after care.
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A laboratory study
Evaluation of Mechanical Allodynia in an Animal Immobilization Model using the Von Frey Method
This was a laboratory or animal study. An adjusting instrument was used to look at tissue, bone, motion, or nerve signals. It was not a study of patients, so it cannot show how a person will feel after care.
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A laboratory study
Three-Dimensional Vertebral Motions Produced by Mechanical Force Spinal Manipulation
This was a laboratory or animal study. An adjusting instrument was used to look at tissue, bone, motion, or nerve signals. It was not a study of patients, so it cannot show how a person will feel after care.
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A laboratory study
Spinal Manipulation Reduces Pain and Hyperalgesia after Lumbar Intervertebral Foramen Inflammation in the Rat
This was a laboratory or animal study. An adjusting instrument was used to look at tissue, bone, motion, or nerve signals. It was not a study of patients, so it cannot show how a person will feel after care.
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A laboratory study
Movements of Vertebrae During Manipulative Thrusts to Unembalmed Human Cadavers
This was a laboratory or animal study. An adjusting instrument was used to look at tissue, bone, motion, or nerve signals. It was not a study of patients, so it cannot show how a person will feel after care.
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A laboratory study
Spinal learning: central modulation of pain processing and long-term alteration of interneuronal excitability as a result of nociceptive peripheral input
This was a laboratory or animal study. An adjusting instrument was used to look at tissue, bone, motion, or nerve signals. It was not a study of patients, so it cannot show how a person will feel after care.
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What patients said after a spinal screening
Chiropractic Journal of Australia, 2017
Ninety-four people who first met chiropractic through a public spinal screening later answered a survey at a teaching clinic. Before care, 65 percent thought chiropractic would help their main complaint. After a course of care, 94 percent said it had helped. Most also described other changes, such as sleep, energy, or a general sense of well-being. This is a report of what those patients said. It did not compare chiropractic with another treatment, and it did not test the Activator instrument by itself.
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A review of earlier work
Safety & Effectiveness: The Foundations of Success
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care. Part of the question was safety, including unwanted effects that were counted.
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A review of earlier work
The Activator Story: Development of a New Concept in Chiropractic
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care.
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A clinical trial
Clinical effectiveness of the Activator adjusting instrument in the management of musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of the literature
This was a clinical trial. People were compared across a treatment, another treatment, or a sham, and the authors measured what changed. The result belongs to the group that was studied. It is not a promise for any one patient.
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A survey
Technique Systems used by post-1980 graduates of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College practicing in five Canadian provinces: a preliminary survey
This was a survey of what people reported. It did not assign people to different treatments, so it cannot show that one approach works better than another.
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A survey
Activator as a theraputic instrument: Survey of usage and opinions amongst members of the British Chiropractic Association
This was a survey of what people reported. It did not assign people to different treatments, so it cannot show that one approach works better than another.
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A review of earlier work
Status of Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique, Theory and Practice
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care.
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A review of earlier work
A review of the literature pertaining to the efficacy, safety, educational requirements, uses and usage of mechanical adjusting devices. Part 2 of 2
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care. Part of the question was safety, including unwanted effects that were counted.
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A review of earlier work
A review of the literature pertaining to the efficacy, safety, educational requirements, uses and usage of mechanical adjusting devices. Part 1 of 2
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care. Part of the question was safety, including unwanted effects that were counted.
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A review of earlier work
Chiropractic Name techniques in Canada: a continued look at demographic trends and their impact on issues of jurisprudence
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care.
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A review of earlier work
A Review of Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care.
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A review of earlier work
Chiropractic “Name Techniques”: A Review of the Literature
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care.
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A review of earlier work
Name techniques in Canada: current trends in utilization rates and recommendations for their inclusion at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care.
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A review of earlier work
Technique Overview: Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care.
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A listed study
Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A review of earlier work
Description and Analysis of Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care.
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A listed study
Non-Specific Short and Long Lever Chiropractic Adjusting: Principles and Practice
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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A review of earlier work
The current status of Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique, theory, and training
This paper gathers earlier research, or describes how the technique is taught and used. It does not follow a new group of patients through care.
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A listed study
A model for the evaluation of chiropractic methods
This paper is one of the studies Activator Methods lists on its research page. The link opens that listing, which points to the original report when one was published.
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