Logan College of Chiropractic/University Programs graduate Arlan
Fuhr, DC, and the late W.C. Lee, DC, developed Activator
Methods. Initially, the doctors used thumb thrusts, delivered at
rapid rates of speed generated by elbow movement. They developed
the Activator instrument to avoid injuries to doctors, resulting
from the thumb thrusts, and to ensure consistency from one
adjustment to the next. The instrument is patented and was
approved in 1984 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for
use in adjustive procedures. The spring-loaded instrument is
used with a specific line of drive and can be set to deliver
force ranging from nine to 33 pounds per square inch. Before an
adjustment is administered, leg length checks and isolation
tests of joint motion are performed to identify joints to be
adjusted, and these tests can be used to check adjustment
effectiveness afterwards. Activator Methods adjustments also can
be used on extremity joints. Activator Methods Lead Instructor