Why Does My Chiropractor Use an Instrument During an Adjustment?

If Dr. Nate has ever reached for a small handheld instrument during your appointment, you might have wondered what it is. And if there’s no twisting or familiar “pop,” you may wonder whether it’s doing the same job as a hands-on adjustment.

At Keystone Chiropractic, the Activator Methods® instrument is one of several tools Dr. Nate may use during chiropractic care. It offers a lower-force alternative to a traditional hands-on adjustment and can be useful in a variety of situations.

What is the Activator Methods Instrument?

The Activator is a small, spring-loaded chiropractic instrument designed to deliver a quick, controlled impulse to a joint. You’ll typically feel a brief tap when it’s used.

Because very little movement is required, there’s usually no twisting involved. You also may not hear the popping sound sometimes associated with a hands-on adjustment. That sound comes from a change in pressure within a joint and isn’t required for an adjustment to take place.

Why Might Dr. Nate Choose Instrument Adjusting?

No single adjustment works for every person or every visit. Dr. Nate chooses a technique based on his examination findings, your individual needs, and your comfort level.

Instrument adjusting may be considered if you’re particularly sore or sensitive, have limited mobility, or simply prefer a lighter approach. This method may also be considered for children when appropriate, based on their individual needs and examination findings.

“Some patients are more comfortable with a lighter approach, and that’s okay. The Activator gives me a way to be very specific while using less force, so I can adapt the adjustment to what that patient needs.”—Dr. Nate

Concerns We May Address with Instrument Adjusting

Depending on your examination, Dr. Nate may incorporate instrument adjusting into chiropractic care for concerns such as:

• Neck, mid-back, and low back pain
• Headaches associated with neck or muscle tension
• Sciatica
• Arthritis and joint stiffness
• Postural strain
• Sports-related aches and injuries
• Whiplash and auto accident injuries
• General joint or musculoskeletal discomfort

Having one of these concerns doesn’t automatically mean we’ll use an Activator instrument. Dr. Nate may recommend instrument adjusting, a hands-on technique such as Gonstead or Diversified, or another approach based on what he finds.

Questions About How You’ll Be Adjusted?

It’s natural to have preferences or questions about chiropractic adjustments, especially if you haven’t experienced instrument adjusting before. Dr. Nate can explain why he’s recommending a particular technique and what you can expect before he gets started.

If you’re nervous about being adjusted, have had a previous experience you didn’t like, or simply prefer a lower-force technique, bring it up during your visit. It’s all useful information when deciding how to approach your care.