Instrument Adjusting

Instrument adjusting techniques have been becoming mainstream for the past 45 years with the Activator Adjusting instrument being the most recognized of the instruments. The "Activator" co-developed by Arlan Fuhr, DC, was the first FDA recognized instrument for the purpose of changing spinal alignment. It was first thought that the Activator Adjusting Instrument was a muscle reflex stimulating instrument until early research showed the actual movement of vertebra in relationship to the vertebra above and below the one being adjusted. This adjustment did not require the patient to be "twisted or popped" to be adjusted. Later research would show the soft tissue structures supporting the vertebra were also resetting to a new position as the joint realigned. The skill of the Chiropractic provider to know the anatomy of each joint and the proper bio-mechanical alignment is the "why, where and when" of the adjustment. The instrument is the device which provides a constant measurable metered force, which does not get tired or get weak. The specificity, consistency and safety of the instrument assisted Chiropractic adjustment is the key to treating complicated and difficult cases. Dr. Dearth illustrated the first Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique College Manual in 1987, after which he was asked to become part of the Activator Methods teaching team as an Associate Clinical Instructor. He taught Activator Methods to Chiropractic Physicians in the Southwest for 18 years. In 2003 the Impulse Adjusting Instrument was developed by Christopher Colloca, DC, with the assistance of Dr. Tony Keller, the PhD engineer who made the improvements to each generation of Activator Instruments. The new Impulse instrument was designed to provide a repeated adjustment pattern of multiple thrusts at 6 hertz, which 29 years of ligament and tendon research by Moshea Somonow, PhD, of the University of Colorado, caused a reset of the sensing mechanisms of the soft tissue surrounding the joints. We know we are moving the joint's bone and soft tissue components. The newest Impulse IQ Adjusting Instrument from Dr. Colloca of Neuromechanical Innovations, has "auto-sense technology", developed with NASA research to measure spinal stiffness. This Impulse IQ will give audible and visual feedback to the Doctor of Chiropractic to know when the adjusted joint is moving freely, three consecutive times in a row. No more guess work or assuming the joint is moving after it is adjusted, with no twists or pops. The effectiveness and safety for the patient, coupled with the career extending potential for the Chiropractor with less wear and tear makes for a great system.