Consistent & Reliable Adjustments

A couple of months ago I had the privilege of attending a couple of presentations on recent chiropractic research.  Dr. Walter Herzog of the University of Calgary and Dr. Greg Kawchuk from the the University of Alberta outlined the various investigations they are conducting to demonstrate both the effectiveness and the safety of chiropractic.  As they outlined each project and the methodology they were using I was stuck by the fact that both researchers were using the Activator Adjusting Instrument.  This is the same instrument we use in our office.

Both Dr. Herzog and Dr. Kawchuk stated matter-of-factly that they used the Activiator Adjusting Instrument because of it's consistency.  The could rely upon this instrument to produce the exact same thrust each and every time.  The force is consistent, the depth is consistent, and the line of drive is consistent.  The instrument has been validated by several previous research studies.  By using this instrument they reduce variables which makes their research more valid. 

As a clinician I have to constantly ask my self how does any given research apply to how I can better serve my patients.  While it's nice that the Activator Instrument is so valuable for research purposes, how does that translate to clinical practice?  The answer to that is pretty straight forward.  An instrument that produces a consistent and reliable adjustment in the lab will also produce a consistent and reliable adjustment in clinical practice.  As a matter of fact the instrument was developed for a clinical setting and was later proven to be reliable enough to be used for research purposes.

The benefit for patients is that every chiropractic adjustment with an Activator Instrument is the same as every other adjustment.  It is consistent from visit to visit.  It is consistent from doctor to doctor.  It is consistent whether the doctor is having a good day or a bad day.  (Can you believe that I occasionally have a bad day?)  That is not to say that the application of the instrument does not vary, but the instrument itself is consistent and reliable.  It is one variable in the care process that has been eliminated.  That is good news from a therapeutic standpoint.  That is good for patient care.  Patients can depend upon the Activator Instrument to provide the necessary force to create proper motion in joints.  Nerve function is restored and the healing process can proceed.

Researchers depend on the consistency and reliability of the Activator Instrument to produce the best research results.  Patients also can trust this instrument to provide consistent and effective chiropractic adjustments.