Instrument Assisted Chiropractic Adjusting in Holland Park, Brisbane
If you are exploring different approaches within chiropractic care available in Holland Park, Brisbane, you might be interested in techniques that utilise handheld adjusting instruments. Instrument assisted adjusting is a method used by some chiropractors as an alternative or complement to traditional manual adjustments. This approach involves using specialised mechanical or electronic devices to apply controlled impulses to specific areas of the spine or other joints. At Silky Oak Chiropractic, Dr. Jan Jones is experienced in using such instruments as part of a tailored approach to patient care, offering an option that some individuals may prefer.
Understanding Instrument Assisted Adjusting: Characteristics and Approach
Instrument assisted adjusting employs specialised tools to achieve the goals of chiropractic care, primarily focused on influencing joint function and mobility. Here are some key characteristics of this approach:
1. Controlled, Low-Force Impulse Delivery: Chiropractic adjusting instruments are designed to deliver a quick, precise, and localised force. The impulse generated is typically very fast but shallow (low amplitude). This high speed means that the overall force required to potentially influence joint movement can be lower than that used in some manual adjusting techniques. The aim is to stimulate the joint and surrounding tissues with a controlled mechanical input.
2. Specificity in Application: These instruments usually have a small contact tip, allowing the chiropractor to apply the impulse to a very specific point on a joint or spinal segment identified during the assessment. This precision helps target the application of force accurately.
3. Alternative Sensation and Patient Preference: The sensation experienced by the patient during instrument adjusting is typically described as a distinct ‘tap’ or ‘click’ rather than the broader pressure or movement sometimes felt with manual adjustments. There is usually no audible ‘pop’ (cavitation) from the joint itself. Due to the localised nature of the force and the frequent absence of twisting or bending movements, some patients report finding instrument adjusting particularly comfortable. It may be considered a suitable option for individuals who prefer a lower-force technique, are apprehensive about manual thrusts, or have specific clinical reasons where less force is indicated.
4. Consistency of Input: As mechanical or electronic devices, adjusting instruments provide a consistent and repeatable impulse force with each application. This consistency can be a factor considered by the practitioner during the course of care.
5. Versatility: Adjusting instruments can be adapted for use on various parts of the body, including the joints of the spine (neck, mid-back, lower back, pelvis) as well as peripheral joints like the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, or ankle, depending on the clinical findings.
6. Role within a Comprehensive Chiropractic Care Plan: Using an adjusting instrument is one method among several that a chiropractor might employ to address musculoskeletal issues. It is applied based on a thorough assessment and integrated into an overall management strategy. The goal remains aligned with general chiropractic principles: aiming to improve joint mobility, reduce discomfort, enhance function, and support the body’s natural recuperative abilities. Instrument adjusting is often used alongside other manual therapies, exercise advice, postural education, and lifestyle recommendations.
7. Evidence Considerations: Instrument assisted adjusting provides an alternative way to deliver a mechanical stimulus to the musculoskeletal system and is utilised by practitioners globally. When comparing instrument adjusting to traditional manual spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), scientific research has produced mixed results regarding effectiveness for certain outcomes. Some studies suggest manual SMT might offer slightly greater benefits for pain reduction in specific conditions, while others indicate instrument adjusting may yield comparable results for factors like disability or range of motion, or that it is a generally well-tolerated alternative (Reference 1, 2). It is considered a valid tool within chiropractic practice, and the decision to use it is based on clinical judgment, the patient’s specific presentation, patient preference, and the available evidence. Dr. Jones will discuss the rationale for any recommended technique with you.
Our Process: Instrument Assisted Adjusting at Silky Oak Chiropractic
If instrument assisted adjusting is determined to be an appropriate part of your care plan, the process typically involves these steps:
1. Thorough Assessment: Your care always starts with a comprehensive consultation, including a detailed discussion of your health history, symptoms, and goals. This is followed by a thorough physical examination, assessing posture, movement, neurological function, and using palpation to evaluate joint mobility and muscle tone to identify areas needing attention.
2. Identifying Target Areas: Based on the assessment findings, specific joints or areas exhibiting restricted movement or dysfunction relevant to your condition are identified as suitable points for applying the instrument adjustment.
3. Informed Consent: Dr. Jan Jones will discuss the examination findings and the proposed management plan with you. If instrument adjusting is recommended, the technique, its purpose, and what to expect will be explained so you can make an informed choice about your care.
4. Performing the Instrument Adjustment: You will be positioned comfortably on the chiropractic table. The chiropractor will place the tip of the adjusting instrument at the precise contact point. The instrument is then activated to deliver one or more quick impulses. You will typically feel a tapping sensation and hear the sound of the instrument functioning. The procedure is generally quick and involves minimal patient movement.
5. Re-Assessment: Following the application of the instrument, Dr. Jones may re-assess specific movements, tenderness levels, or other relevant indicators to evaluate your immediate response to the input.
6. Integration and Supportive Care: Instrument adjusting is part of your overall care plan. You will receive personalised advice on home care, such as specific exercises, stretches, postural adjustments, or ergonomic considerations, designed to support the treatment and help you achieve your health goals.
References:
(Note: These references relate to instrument adjusting and manual therapy comparisons, acknowledging mixed evidence where applicable, alongside general references for context, consistent with AHPRA guidelines.)
- Instrument vs. Manual (Example Systematic Review Finding): Hondras MA, Long CR, Cao Y, Rowell RM, Meeker WC. A randomized controlled trial comparing 2 types of spinal manipulation and minimal conservative medical care for adults 55 years and older with subacute or chronic low back pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009;32(5):330-343. (Example study comparing approaches; outcomes can vary across literature).
- Systematic Review (General Manual Therapy Context): Coulter ID, Crawford C, Hurwitz EL, et al. Manipulation and mobilization for treating chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Spine J. 2018;18(5):866-879. (Provides context on manual therapies, though specific instrument comparisons within such reviews may be limited or show varied results).
- Patient Preference & Tolerance: Research often notes patient preference and tolerance as factors in choosing between manual and instrument techniques, although this doesn’t equate to superior efficacy. (General principle, specific citation needed if making a strong point on preference evidence).
- General Manual Therapy Mechanisms: Bialosky JE, Bishop MD, Price DD, Robinson ME, George SZ. The mechanisms of manual therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain: a comprehensive model. Man Ther. 2009;14(5):531-538. (Discusses potential neurophysiological effects relevant to applying mechanical force via various methods).
- General Chiropractic Guideline (Neck Pain): Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2014;37(1):42-63. (Contextualises manual therapy, including various techniques, within evidence-based guidelines).
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page describes Instrument Assisted Chiropractic Adjusting as utilised within our practice and is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or chiropractic advice or guarantee specific outcomes. The effectiveness and suitability of any chiropractic technique depend on the individual patient, the condition being addressed, the practitioner’s skill, and other factors. Scientific evidence comparing the effectiveness of instrument adjusting to other forms of manual therapy is mixed. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a registered chiropractor, for a thorough assessment, diagnosis, and discussion of appropriate treatment options based on your individual circumstances and health status. Do not disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. All healthcare interventions carry potential risks and benefits. Treatment outcomes can vary between individuals.
