Activator method
Functioning, rationale and indications
The use of different tools in chiropractic is a “hot” subject. Adjustment philosophy gravitates around two poles: on one side, there are “traditional” chiropractors, who (as the word says, chiro = hand and praktikos = practice) use their hands and only their hands to deliver adjustments and optimise the functioning of the nervous system. The Gonstead system – for example – belongs to this group. On the other side, there are chiropractors that make use of all sorts of tools: straps, blocks, lasers, massage guns and so forth. The “diversified” approach – which we use at Alive Chiropractic – often includes elements from each group with no particular limitations.
Activator uses and function
The activator is a hand-held instrument (it looks a bit like a syringe made of metal) which delivers a fast and low aplitude force impulse to spinal joints with the goal of restoring proper joiny motion to the targeted area. In addition to the mechanical stimulus, there is also an involuntary neuro-physiological response from the body (this is why the activator is also great to simply correct posture).
In the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand it is one of the most common interventions used by chiropractors. The force is adjustable and it can go from a very mild impulse (almost imperceptible) to a quite strong impulse. There is no electricity, no chemical compund. The output is purely mechanical and it comes from a spring which can be regulated before delivering the adjustment. In a few words, what this instrument does is allowing chiropractors to provide a quick, low-force impulse at specific points.
Advantages
The main advantage of using the Activator are related to speed. The speed reached by the activator is not replicable by human hand. As a consequence, the client’s muscles are much less likely to get tense “waiting” for the adjustment. In other words, there is much less resistance and less resistance coincides with more effectiveness.
Moreover, this tool is very precise. If – as an example – I need to move the spinous process of the T2 segment towards the right, after I localise the segment the activator allows me to move that segment and that segment only. I will not touch any other segments, as often happens when using hands only.
Research on th Activator is limited, but there are a few studies that shows positive and promising results.
You can read more about it here:
Richard
12:52 03 May 24
Fantastic informative straightforward information looking forward to working with Edo
Linda Jukes
18:07 01 May 24
I have had back pain for many years and tried lots of different ways to ease it, with no success. From my first appointment at Alive Chiropractic Clinic, I could feel an improvement. I am so pleased with the results after a 12 week course. The clinic is superb and Edo is friendly and supportive. I will continue to visit the clinic and recommend to everyone!
Gary Rolls
19:48 24 Apr 24
I have been a patient of the Alive Chiropractor clinic for the last six weeks. Following a stroke in March 2022 I had been suffering with a walking imbalance and general lack of mobility. I would say that my improvement stands somewhere between 60-70% already. I would happily recommend the clinic to anyone that is suffering to book themselves an appointment.
Peter Waller
11:29 15 Apr 24
After visiting Dr. Edoardo at the Alive chiropractic clinic, I booked a block booking of 12 sessions. From start to finish he made me feel very comfortable, and as each session went on i began to feel much better within myself.As well as the work he done with me in the clinic, he has taught me many different exercises to help me with the problems in which i suffer with, as well as explaining to me how my diet can also help me going forward.He has been a great help, and i shall continue to see him in the future so that he can help me maintain ( and improve) my well being.RegardsPeter
leonie macdonald
16:15 18 Mar 24
I was greeted by an interested and professional person. I was helped to deal with a recent trauma, not only with deep breathing techniques and compassion but also accurate chiropractic treatment. Every time I left my appointment I felt a profound sense of healing.
Emma Simmons
20:34 07 Jan 24
My experience from the very first consultation has been excellent! Edo is extremely knowledgeable and a great professional. His holistic outlook and advice brings benefits beyond his chiropractic adjustments, which is an added bonus! I would highly recommend his practice.
olly morency
09:16 21 Nov 23
An excellent service; Edo helped me with corrections for my back, and advice on how to improve my health span with breath work and improved movement. Strong recommend!
Moira Priestley
20:18 15 Oct 23
I found the treatment I received very beneficial. My sciatica has eased a lot and I am sleeping much better. I would highly recommend Alive Chiropractic.
Ben Boughton-White
06:04 15 Oct 23
A fantastic chiropractic experience!Dr Edo provides a whole body approach to resolving chiropractic issues. His care plan to help solve your unique issues is fantastic, short and simple adjustments rather than long sessions of big adjustments has worked brilliantly for me. Communications are easy and booking ahead is brilliant for me and my schedule.I can’t recommend Alive highly enough!
Benny Clifford
15:53 25 Sep 23
Dr Edo has been a great help in getting me moving again, and he is a trustworthy pair of hands in his field of work. Top man!The reception is also very welcoming. I very much recommend this place!
Jane Bygraves
12:30 14 Sep 23
I have a better range of movement and am moving more freely after a course of gentle, thorough treatment with Alive Chiropractic. My energy levels have improved.
Sarah Spadon
18:48 10 Sep 23
I’ve been adjusted by Dr Edoardo for a number of years now, since I’ve been under care I’ve never had any problems but most importantly he helps me keep my nervous system healthy through maintenance care which allows me to be more in control in all of my day to day activities and keeps my mind healthy. His adjustments are gentle and precise and he is really kind and makes you feel at ease in any moment. Highly recommend!
Morgex
11:05 10 Sep 23
This is my first experience with chiropractic ever, and it has been life changing! I have a slipped lumbar disc and I was in lots of pain and had very limited mobility. I saw Edo for a few appointments and not only did my back get better, it has stayed that way since! I am doing the exercises he prescribed and now I am only seeing him for maintenance and I feel better than ever, more relaxed and aware of my posture overall . He is a good listener, very informative, professional and communicative.
Isabella White
07:15 08 Sep 23
A wonderful experience so far with Dr Edo at his clinic in Poundbury. I have come away from my first six sessions feeling so much more aware and in tune with my body, and I have experienced noticeable changes in my body and mindset also.Dr Edo is professional, knowledge, and believes firmly in his work which he is clearly passionate about. I feel he has an empowering vision, cares deeply, and has a refreshing balance of western and eastern understanding. Because of this, Dr Edo has a deeper, holistic approach by taking into account all aspects of one's lifestyle (diet, exercise, mental/emotional state) in sessions. For someone like myself who values a holistic perspective on health, Dr Edo's approach is invaluable and helped me relax and feel at great ease. Sam in reception is lovely and you instantly feel welcomed when coming in for a session also. Thank you to you both. Highly recommend!
Chris Copeland
20:59 16 Aug 23
Dr. Edo has a very calm temperament and his knowledge aids in your own relaxation, which is a help when your own flexibility, mobility or posture are far from relaxed. Sam, the Chiropractic assistant, is the first person to greet you when you arrive and will explain the fundamentals of the practice. The practice is clean, modern and has ample road side parking. The whole experience has been a success and I am now able to move without pain, the new mobility gained will enable me to get on with life and have new experiences and adventures, for this I thank you.
Sonya Hendry
18:21 16 Aug 23
I have been coming to see Ed at Alive Chiropractic since opening. Visiting regularly is enabling me to have a more comfortable and mobile life. The ambiance and warm welcome, along with total professionalism means so much.
Alison Michele Williams
20:49 30 Jul 23
A great, professional, friendly service. A whole rounded approach to better well being and healthy body.Thank you!
Tessa Aindow
16:58 13 Jul 23
Brilliant experience. My back has improved so much and I don’t have the same aches and pains. Dr Edo is very professional and gives great advice and exercises to help alongside the adjustments at the clinic.
Malwina T
15:56 19 Jun 23
Great and unique treatment. Eased the lower back pain significantly! Changed my outlook on chiropractic treatments and self care. Highly recommend!!!
jill cheng
09:17 16 Jun 23
I visited the clinic after suffering with low back pain for nearly ten years. The chiropractor helped me regain functionality and quality of life. More importantly, he helped me understand and connect some aspects of my life to my body and how it works, strongly recommended 👍🏻
Chirosofia
20:41 14 Jun 23
I have known Edoardo since day one at Chiropractic College, and I have witnessed his growing passion for this profession. His long time experience as a Yoga Instructor, combined to his deep knowledge into the Chiropractic art, science and philosophy, will make your journey towards healthy-living a very pleasant experience. Book that appointment and enjoy feeling better!
Paul Ansell
12:33 08 Feb 23
All my life I’ve had bad posture and bad back I’ve been to doctors specialists and always same outcome I’ve got to live with it. At the age of 58 I went to this practice and he has done wonders this is the best I have ever been since I can remember. Highly recommend
Zoe Ratcliffe
17:05 30 Jan 23
I attended Alive chiropractor after seeing a special offer they were offering and suffering from a bad back for a long time it felt like a good idea to go see what they said. Since this I have been attending twice a week and the improvements are happening. Edo is very knowledgeable and really wants the best for you he doesn't just care about the back or other pains you may be having but also acknowledges the impact these things can have on you emotionally and personally. I can't recommend this service enough.
Michelle Lambell
21:55 24 Jan 23
Regular sessions with Dr Edo at Alive Chiropractic have made such a big difference to my posture, my way of working at my desk and taught me how to manage my breathing, all of which have led to a big shift in my mindset towards looking after myself and my body.I will happily recommend Alive Chiropractic to my friends.
Paul Nicol
08:22 30 Sep 22
I have just finished initial treatment for my back problem. Appointments with the NHS in the past have never resulted in a diagnosis let alone treatment. However at Alive I received a diagnosis and treatment plan on the initial consultation. This set out exactly how I was going to be treated and cost. Following the treatment I could not be healthier or happier. An exceptionally professional service in which Dr Edoardo Elisei seems passionate about what he does. It is more than just a hands on treatment on his 'couch', but a full lifestyle treatment ensuring exercises and diet are in balance to assist recovery and as a preventative for the future. I would be happy to recommend to anyone.
claudia marcela lopez gallardo
08:05 30 Jul 22
Edo is a great professional, very friendly and knowledgeable. He corrected my posture in only few months, he said this was going to happen and I couldn't believe it, it was so fast and happened, the changes not only I could feel them but also you can see them. He did the adjustments with a lot of care, with a lot of patience he took the time to give the advices and exercises that I could benefit my posture in the future. I totally recommend him.
TheLizwalker
10:18 18 Jul 22
When I first met Dr Ed I had problems bending, and worst of all I could hardly move my neck. I was a total painful wreck.Ed takes a very holistic approach, encouraging me to lose weight and work on different rehab exercises to reinforce the manipulations and adjustments he made.Here I am some three months on, I weigh a lot less, I have incredible flexibility in my lower back and can now touch my toes and, best of all. I have full flexibility of my neck.Eds holistic approach really works, he is very approachable and easy to chat about things with.One caveat, Ed knows when you haven't done your exercises so don't cheat. :)I cannot thank him enough for the massive improvements in my health and his encouraging me to make little changes for a healthier long term lifestyle.
Elaine Daniel
13:05 07 Jul 22
I saw Edo in March and he was so informative regarding my spinal issues. I have had many treatments from him over the past few months and feel so much better and have more movement and less pain. He provides exercises for clients to help with strengthening muscles which is all part and parcel of chiropractic healing. I would recommend going to see him anytime.
