The design of the tool was based on a dental impactor. The aim is to produce enough force to move the vertebrae, but not enough to cause injury. It was found to give off no more than 0.3 J of kinetic energy in a 3-millisecond pulse. With the release of the Activator V this process has changed from a spring-loaded grip to an electronic tool which delivers the mechanical force. The traditional Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI), or more simply, Activator, is a small handheld spring-loaded instrument which delivers a controlled and reproducible impulse to the spine. Activator V Chiropractic Adjusting Instrument Activator Adjusting Instrument An Activator II instrument
The device is categorized as a mechanical force manual assisted (MFMA) instrument which is generally regarded as a softer chiropractic treatment technique. The Activator Method Chiropractic Technique is a chiropractic treatment method and device created by Arlan Fuhr as an alternative to manual manipulation of the spine or extremity joints.
