As far back as 1899, instruments have been used in the practice of chiropractic to deliver a chiropractic adjustment. While this has caused a huge division among practicing chiropractors for well over 100 years, chiropractic instruments have become increasingly popular with doctors and patients.
What Are Chiropractic Adjusting Instruments?
Chiropractic instruments and chiropractor tools can be as simple as a spring-loaded, manual device that easily fits in the doctor’s pocket to as complicated as a high-tech machine that requires extremely precise set-ups and has a very large office footprint.
Some of the most common instruments include:
- Activator
- ProAdjuster / Ultralign
- Impulse IQ
- Arthrostim
- Pulstar FRAS
- Atlas Orthogonal Percussion Instrument
While all chiropractic adjustments have the same goal, improving spinal joint function, each of the chiropractic adjusting instruments in use today has unique benefits and drawbacks that have doctors divided as to which is best.
#1 – Activator by Activator Methods International, Ltd.
The Activator is a gentle instrument that is often used for neck and extremity adjustments. It is a good choice for patients who are new to chiropractic care or who have sensitive areas. However, the Activator may be less effective for more severe conditions and is too light for others who like to “feel” their adjustments immediately. The Activator is also the least advanced of all of the options yet has been a pillar of chiropractic technique for decades.
Learn more about the Activator…
#2 – ProAdjuster 360 by ProAdjuster Group / Ultralign G2 by Sigma Instruments
The ProAdjuster is a fast-acting instrument that is effective for more severe conditions. It is a good choice for patients who need immediate relief from pain or discomfort. This advanced technology uses a probe-style device to deliver computer-guided percussions to the spine.
This technique has an analysis feature that makes it a more precise option than many of the others. The force can be adjusted to accommodate the most sensitive patients, however, struggles at times to apply enough force for large patients.
Doctors using this technique must be highly skilled in its use and in the interpretation of the objective findings. While one of the most advanced in this group, the ProAdjuster is lacking any recent advancements and is quickly becoming outdated.
The Ultralign is virtually identical to the ProAdjuster. The on-again, off-again relationship between the two companies has made it confusing to follow exactly who owns what machine. In the end, each machine delivers exactly the same adjustment, using the exact same technology.
Learn more about the ProAdjuster…
#3 – Impulse IQ / Impulse by Neuromechanical Innovations, Inc.
The Impulse IQ is quickly becoming a favorite among instrument-adjusting fans. Impulse is a precise and gentle instrument that is versatile and can be used for a variety of adjustments. It is a good choice for patients who want the most precise and effective adjustment possible.
The science behind the technology in this compact, travel-ready device puts it above all of the competition. The “gun-style” tool can be made to be extremely gentle but can be adjusted to impact with more force than any of the other devices. The technology inside the device is the most sophisticated of the instruments and virtually eliminates the chance of human error.
Learn more about the Impulse IQ…
#4 – Arthrostim by IMPAC, Inc.
The Arthrostim is a handheld chiropractic adjustment instrument that uses a combination of pressure and vibration to deliver rapid, gentle thrusts. It is often used to adjust the spine, pelvis, and extremities. While the Arthrostim is a bit more forceful than the other instruments on the market, it is gentler than many manual techniques.
Often used with higher force techniques such as Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP), this “adjusting gun” uses various tips to percuss the spine and to improve global spinal mobility. This technique may be too rough for smaller patients or patients who are in severe pain.
#5 – Pulstar FRAS
The Pulstar is a versatile instrument that can be used for pain relief, muscle relaxation, and a variety of other adjustments. It is a good choice for patients who want a comprehensive chiropractic treatment. However, the Pulstar is much less popular than its cousins, the ProAdjuster and Ultralign. The adjustments are delivered with a very similar probe-like device and the analysis and treatment is based on an analysis provided by the integral computer.
#6 – Atlas Orthogonal Percussion Instrument
The AO instrument uses a stylus that is precisely placed on the C1 vertebra only. This is an instrument-adjusting alternative to upper cervical chiropractic methods. The x-ray analysis is very complicated and the impulse is direct and singular in most cases. The adjustment can seem underwhelming, however, has a proven track record of success. AO practitioners are not as common as other instrument-based chiropractors and may be difficult to locate.
Chiropractic Instrument Adjusting Is A Low Force Alternative
With the variety of different options available for low-force chiropractic adjusting, there is sure to be an instrument that works for your specific needs. While some chiropractors do not incorporate instrument adjusting in their practices, it can be a vital tool to ensure that patients who can not tolerate manual adjusting can experience the benefits of chiropractic care.