Chiropractors/Pro Adjuster

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Expert: - 10/3/2008


Question
Is there any real evidence that the Pro Adjuster is legitimate worthwhile therapy or is it snake oil ?

Answer
Rusell,

I do not own a ProAdjuster.  From what I know about it, it is one of may gizmo devices that delivers a mechanical or vibratory thrust or percussion.   There's nothing to my knowledge that is magical about it.  It is not an equal substitute for hands.  The marketers of this device, like marketers of lots of other devices, can dress it up and put bells/whistles on it, but the bottom line is that it is a device that delivers a mechanical thump, percussion, or vibration (call it what you want).  If it makes your clincal condition improve in a reasonable amount of time, with reasonable cost, and with no harmful side effects, then it is, like any other therapy, worthwhile.  As far as real evidence...well...there is nothing that I've seen, and I keep a good watch on chiropractic research.   I've seen various other devices, and after 18 years of observation, I still think there is no substitute for hands-on, high-velocity joint manipulation in most cases.  But for an osteoporotic, 80 year-old female patient that cannot tolerate manual joint maneuvers, these devices are ligitimate substitutes, and when combined with additional, adjunctive procedures, e.g. soft tissue mobilization, massage, or laser (for example), they can help offer relief.  What has not yet been tested is how they fare in side-by-side comparison to other methods, or when compared to when the patient is treated with the other modalities and the "gizmo" is used in a sham form.  

'Hope this helps answer your question.

Dr. G'

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Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP

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21 Years in practice: I can answer any question regarding chiropractic and sports medicine treatment. Mostly, I can help the unknowing public understand what is safe, valid, reasonable and evidence-based, and what kinds of unscrupulous chiropractors and fraudulent methods to stay away from. I have an advanced specialty degree in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. I have experience treating elite and Olympic athletes.

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