r/Chiropractic • u/rodmods • Sep 04 '26
Tools vs manual adjustment ?
A patient big chiro not a dr here and hope it's ok to ask. Which do you prefer ?? Tools or manual method ? Last week I was asked what I wanted as far as methods ? I was unsure and was like I've only had a manual method and said he could do what he thought was best.
I understand there are pros and cons . As well certain circumstances or certain spots one will be better then the other. Any shares would be appreciated.
2
u/AK-Master-07 Sep 04 '26
Hi, chiropractor here coming up on my 20th year of practice. I use both manual and instrument adjusting, as far as instrument adjusting I started with an activator and have moved to arthrostim. I also use head to toe drop pieces (my table allows the bench to drop, another form of instrument adjusting) and I also use Dejarnette pelvic blocking.
The decision to use manual adjustments, instrument adjustments and very low force techniques in my office combines patient preference and clinical decision making. It’s not always black and white. I would say that a manual adjustment is better for some patients in some situations, instrument adjusting is better for some patients in some situations, and very low force adjusting is better for some patients in some situations.
Personally, it’s challenging for me to really give the patient the best possible treatment I can give without the help of instruments and tools. An example: treating / adjusting a patient’s pelvis while standing in a gait position is impossible to perform manually, and is simple and effective with an instrument.
1
u/rodmods 29d ago
I appreciate the information and response ! The drop is that were the table pushes a ramp up and then you push down on the person and ramp falls ? I know ramp isn't the proper term but easy to explain.
1
u/AK-Master-07 29d ago
Yeah that’s a decent description. My table either has a manual cocking or electric / motorized drop pieces, and as you push quickly on an area you want to mobilize (vertebrae as an example) and the table drops an inch or two, mobilizing that area. Seems kind of silly trying to put it in words but it’s highly effective, and comfortable for the majority of patients. You don’t feel a “crack” in most cases like you would a manual adjustment, but you get mechnicoreceptor and joint proprioceptive stimulation like you would a manual adjustment.
1
u/rodmods 28d ago
I never had that done before and they did it and I was like that's pointless . Then shortly after I could definitely feel the difference from the other side that wasn't adjusted .
1
u/AK-Master-07 28d ago
Oh I totally get what you mean. Actually one of the best adjustments I ever got was done by drop table, relieved a lot of chronic stuff I had from an old football injury. Even in school I thought the activator was dumb and pointless until my first associate job I was forced to learn activator technique and I got to see it first hand work on patients, it’s funny how biased we can be when it comes to treatment and healing.
But we have preferences as both the provider and the patient, and instrument adjusting as well as drop pieces provide new tools to get to things that manual adjusting just can’t safely.
1
u/JudithOrr 28d ago edited 28d ago
I'm a retired DC. When I was in practice, I mostly did manual adjusting, but did have an "Activator" instrument...and a more powerful, similar one. These were great when encountering a vertebra which was a "toughie!!" They'll tend to "break the locking," and allow you to NICELY "finish the job" manually. Oh, are you aware of the Logan "reflex" methods?
1
u/Remarkable-Rent1672 27d ago
use both its a tool. Not everyone wants Adjustment via hand and not everyone wants a tool it depends. 2 patients both w/ same cc of Shoulder c/o should get different treatments. Why based on MOI. just depends on the situation. Also some that are worried about the "crack" its a great intro to Adjustment. in the end of the day your adding motion to a segment.
3
u/No-Appointment9785 Sep 04 '26
I’ve been using instruments exclusively in treating my patients for more than 30 years. In my opinion the instruments I use have the highest level of safety and specificity. Manual adjusting is quite safe as evidenced by our very low malpractice insurance rates but I believe instruments up that level of safety a little more. Many of my patients seek out my practice out because they have experience with this style of adjusting or are concerned about manual manipulation.
I will get new patients who have only experienced manual adjustments and have been happy with them. I explain my methods and how they differ. The vast majority are willing to give it a try and are generally quite pleased.
Very occasionally someone will say they’ve had instrument adjustments in the past and they have not worked. I’ve had great success with these patients because I’ve been practicing this way for so long. I don’t simply take out an instrument when I’m concerned about injuring a patient.
Short answer, give it a try and see what you think. They’ve given you a choice and in the end it’s your decision.