Skip to main content

The Proadjuster

By Steven Maffei, D.C.

Imagine 30 to 40 years ago if I told you that dentistry would be painless, that doctors would watch television to perform surgeries, that brain surgery for tumors could be done with a laser, that fetuses could be operated on within the uterus, that knife-less surgery could be performed you would not have believed me. By the same token, would you believe me if I told you that Chiropractic treatments and reorientation of the nervous system could be done comfortably, while you were sitting in an upright position without any turning or sudden movements? Would you believe that newborns as well as the elderly with osteoporosis can be treated safely and gently?

Advances in computers and engineering technologies have been able to uniquely blend with Chiropractic in order to both analyze and treat the human body in such a way that was never before realized.

In order to better understand what the Proadjuster is and how it works, let’s first discuss what Chiropractic is. The premise of Chiropractic is that the nervous system is the master control system of the body, and that if the nervous system is compromised, pain, ill-health and disease can ensue. What can interfere with nervous system function is a condition known as vertebral subluxation ( or nerve impingement syndrome). Subluxation occurs when a misalignment of one or more of the joints in the spine places pressure on a ne rve. Nerves communicate from the brain through the spinal cord and nervous system. Pressure on the nerves can cause interference with the transmitted signal. This can cause pain and/or discomfort, as well as other symptoms. Doctors of Chiropractic are trained in the detection and correction of subluxation. Correction of the subluxation is done through a process called an adjustment. Traditionally, these adjustments are done by manual methods, with great results for over 100 years.

Now there’s the Proadjuster. Traditionally, when a Chiropractor palpates your spine, he is checking for joint fluidity, motion or rigidity. In a similar fashion to palpation, the Proadjuster can determine whether the vertebra’s motion is too rigid or too fluid. The spine should not be too rigid (hypomobile). However, instead of utilizing the doctor’s judgment as to what areas are hyper or hypo-mobile, the Proadjuster measures precise levels of motion. Therefore, the Proadjuster can isolate a problem area faster and more accurately than manual procedures.

So how does the Proadjuster work? The doctor analyzes your spine with an instrument called a piezoelectric sensor. The instrument introduces a light force to each spinal joint, which is reflected back to the sensor and then sent to the computer for interpretation. This is the same technology that NASA engineers have used in the space program in order to evaluate the integrity of the ceramic cooling tiles on the outside of the space shuttle, as well as the aviation industry and civil engineers in order to test metal fatigue on aircraft and bridge spans. The computer than shows the doctor which segments of the spine are working correctly, and which ones are not working correctly. Once the analysis is complete, the doctor then uses the instrument to adjust the malfunctioning areas. The instrument is placed on the malfunctioning spinal joint and introduces a light tapping force to free up the fixated joint. The instrument and piezoelectric sensor can detect when the vertebra’s joint is “freed up” and automatically shuts off! This gives the patient a gentle, precise adjustment every time. No longer does the patient have to be manipulated. This is ideal for people who have had a fear of going to the Chiropractor and getting manipulated. This technology is now being taught in Chiropractic colleges throughout the country, and doctors now graduating are trained in its use.

If you are interested in checking out the Proadjuster and what our office has to offer, just give us a call at (908)753-2322. My staff and I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Better yet, stop by and we will give you a free tour of our facility. We are located at 27 Mountain Boulevard, Suite 4 in Warren. Also, check us out at www.chiroofwarren.com.