a power door opener including an actuator having a housing with an electrically powered actuator shaft that can be extended from a closed to an extended position . in one embodiment , a movable push plate is affixed to the actuator shaft and a fixed push plate is fixed in its position with respect to the housing . in the closed position of the actuator shaft , the fixed and movable push plates are aligned to form a combined edge for insertion into the space between a door and door jamb . the actuator shaft extends to move the movable push plate apart from the fixed push plate to spread the space and release the door from the door jamb . alternatively , a double ended power door opener is located between opposite door jambs and the extending of the actuator shaft forces the door jambs apart to release the door from the door jamb .