Chiropractic care using adjusting instruments, which provides a less physically stressful experience for the chiropractor and patient, has become the second most commonly used chiropractic technique in the United States. Which adjusting instruments are available for your consideration?

Neuromechanical Innovations

Neuromechanical Innovations, Chandler, Ariz, announces the August 1, 2008, debut of its latest advancement in chiropractic instrument adjusting technology: the Impulse iQ® Adjusting Instrument. While conducting original research on the Impulse Adjusting Instrument, important discoveries were made that identified a target frequency that maximized vertebral motion repeated impulsive thrusts. Derived from this work, the Impulse Adjusting Instrument was given an overhaul by adding an accelerometer (motion sensor) to its nosepiece and reprogramming its internal computer algorithm to give birth to Impulse iQ. Impulse iQ was designed to monitor the patient's biomechanical response during the adjustment and subsequently vary the frequency of adjustments in real time based on the patient's response. To assist the clinician in determining when the adjustment has been accomplished, "maximized mobility" is sensed within the patented Impulse iQ computer algorithm. By examining the peak-to-peak acceleration responses of the spine during the adjustment, the spine's mobility can be examined and stopped when the motion has been optimized. This methodology produces optimum spinal motion and simultaneously prevents so-called "overadjusting." Additionally, because the computer is inside the instrument, no extra computer hardware investment is necessary.

(888) 294-4750
www.neuromechanical.com

Access Equipment Corp

Access Equipment Corp, Sylacauga, Ala, offers its Erchonia Electric Precussor and Adjusting Instrument deluxe combo package. The Erchonia Adjustor comes with a variable speed and three tips. The variable pulse feature allows the practitioner to select a "constant" or "pulse" wave force and to change force output. Optional Items include a wall-mount instrument and tip holder, a roll-around instrument and tip stand with a power plug-in, a spinal roller, and a flat roller. The Erchonia Adjusting Instruments are handheld mechanical devices with CE and UL approval, and they are available in 220V or 110V versions. No assembly is required.

(800) 463-1381
www.chirocity.com

Scrip-Hessco

Scrip-Hessco, Bolingbrook, Ill, offers its Chiropractic Adjusting Tool (CAT). The CAT features finger and palm pads that reduce impact to the hand and arm while performing adjustments. It has a soft tip that is easily replaced to keep the instrument looking new for all patients. The instrument features a 0- to 32-pound adjustable thrust range and includes a 6-month warranty.

(800) 747-3488
www.scriphessco.com

Sense Technology Inc

Sense Technology Inc, Murrysville, Pa, offers the PulStar graphic display, which allows the chiropractor to show each patient their condition as well as the results of their adjustment. The PulStar measures the resistance of the vertebrae, muscles, and ligaments during the assessment and displays the results for the patient and practitioner. The measurements allow the chiropractor to select the points for adjustment. PulStar allows analysis and adjustment under gravitational loading while positioning the patient to prestress each vertebral location. A patient view screen allows the patient to view the same screen as the chiropractor while undergoing assessment and adjustment. PulStar features a default force level for each patient, which allows the practitioner to set a preferred force level for each segment of the spine. It integrates with billing software. SOAP notes and reports can be incorporated with the PulStar automatically. A last-visit display compares the new and last patient visit. A preload indicator displays the preload force the practitioner is using during the adjustment.

(800) 628-9416
www.pulstar.us

Activator Methods International

Activator Methods International, Phoenix, offers its Activator IV adjusting instrument. The Activator IV provides a consistent duration of force and magnitude of force, independent of whether the operator is a novice or an experienced adjuster. A new number one setting treats cervicals, TMJ, children, and small body frames. The instrument features a complete range of force (settings one to four). A lighter preload spring may be used on the tender areas of the body.

(800) 598-0224
www.activator.com

The Pettibon System

The Pettibon System, Gig Harbor, Wash, introduces its Negative Z™ instrument, which mobilizes the skull and lower cervical spine in extension. Negative Z features a patented drop mechanism with a cocking arm, which allows application of multiple toggles (usually three toggles or more per session are required to reestablish joint motion). The atlas-blocking sling includes a head halter to adjust small children or older patients who have difficulty holding the head and neck in the flexed position during the adjusting process. Negative Z also may be used to mobilize the knees and feet.

(888) 774-6258
www.pettibonsystem.com