How You Can Benefit From Low-force Options in Chiropractic Care

Staff Writer

Have you been manually adjusted by a chiropractor before and felt like it was too much force? Do you have osteopenia (losing bone mass) or suffer from osteoporosis and wonder if you can be adjusted? Have you had surgery and want to know more about chiropractic care for specific musculoskeletal pain or conditions?

Talk to Your Chiropractor About Options

The specific chiropractic techniques recommended for your chiropractic care are based on the condition indicated by a physical assessment. Be assured that your chiropractor will discuss all technique options available and work with you according to your preference and comfort level.

Low-force techniques such as activator and sacro-occipital technique (SOT) might be the perfect solutions for you. These methods are gentle and proven to relieve pain and increase motion in the joints effectively.

The Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI) is a small spring-loaded tool that provides a quick, low-force impact to specific points. It is in use by more than 150,000 practitioners worldwide, making it one of the most commonly used low-force chiropractic techniques. The results of Activator methods have been widely researched and proven to provide a decrease in spinal pain and muscle trigger points.

SOT was developed by Major Bertrand DeJarnette, D.O., D.C., in the 1920s. He recognized that humans have certain patterns of imbalances and dysfunction and developed a system to determine these patterns for individual patients.

SOT treatment involves small blocks placed under certain parts of the body to help normalize these patterns. There is no thrusting or manual adjusting involved with this technique, and it is a very safe and effective alternative for patients who might need or prefer a lower force technique. 

When Low-force Techniques are Useful

• To alleviate fears. Some people feel uneasy about “cracking” noises that may happen while being treated with higher force manual techniques. When your chiropractor uses the Activator and Sacro-Occipital Techniques, there are no audible cracking sounds.
• May be good for painful or sensitive areas. Some patient conditions may cause them to be in a considerate amount of pain. It is often very uncomfortable for these areas to be touched, let alone manipulated with force. In a systematic review of eight clinical trials using the Activator Adjusting Instrument, patients with spinal pain and trigger points found it beneficial.
• Use in post-surgical care. As a way of possibly treating areas (or areas around them) following a previous surgical procedure, low force techniques can be considered. A study of a 35-year old female with neck fusion history showed the patient adjusted using the Activator showed resolution of all chronic symptoms within 30 days of instituting care with the adjusting instrument.
• Managing extremity complaints. In a study involving a patient with adhesive capsulitis – commonly called “frozen shoulder” ­ use of the Activator technique led to a successful resolution of presenting symptoms after physical therapy regimens did not.
• Can be more effective than manual therapy. Another case study suggested, “the use of an AAI, combined with Activator methods, may provide definitive benefits over side-posture manipulation of the lumbar spine in treatment of resistive disc lesions.” This is because instrumental spinal adjustment resulted in less torsional stress imposed on the disc. 

Both Activator Methods and SOT are taught in the College of Chiropractic at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC). Students in our Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program have the option to become certified in these chiropractic care techniques.

CUKC Chiropractic Health Center

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC), founded in 1922, is a private, nonprofit, chiropractic and health science-focused university in Overland Park, Kansas. The CUKC on-campus Chiropractic Health Center is open to the public and treats patients from Kansas City’s 15-county metro area. Our goal is to provide care and solutions for a better, more productive life for our patients.

If you prefer a low-force technique for your chiropractic care, ask for an appointment with a chiropractic intern who is certified in one of these techniques.