From Hands to Instruments: Understanding Chiropractic Adjustment Techniques

By Dr. Brant Hulsebus, DC
Team Chiropractor for the Rockford IceHogs | Palmer College Graduate

One of the most common questions my office receives is: “Do you adjust by hand or with an instrument?” This might seem like a simple preference, but the answer dives into the very heart of chiropractic philosophy, science, and art. As a proud graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and manual adjuster, I’d like to explore this essential topic in detail.

Chiropractic Started with the Hands

Chiropractic literally means “done by hand.” At Palmer College, our core techniques are taught using hands-on methods. While elective courses are available for instrument adjusting, the foundation of our training is rooted in manual techniques. This traditional approach continues to define how many chiropractors—like myself, Dr. Nate Hays, and Dr. Sam in our Rockford office—practice today.

Manual vs. Instrument Adjusting: What’s the Difference?

Inside every joint in your body are mechanoreceptors—nerve endings that monitor movement and position. When joints become misaligned (a condition known as subluxation), these receptors send stress signals to the brain and shift the body into a defensive, sympathetic state.

Through a manual chiropractic adjustment, we apply a quick, specific force that stimulates these receptors, unlocks the joint, and helps restore healthy motion. This triggers the body to shift back toward healing and recovery, including rehydrating spinal discs and improving nerve function.

Instrument-assisted adjusting uses a mechanical tool to deliver a similar stimulus. While research shows that instruments can effectively stimulate the same receptors, they don’t provide the same sensory feedback to the chiropractor. In manual adjustments, I can feel the release and muscle tone changes immediately—a tactile confirmation that’s harder to achieve with instruments.

So, Which Is Better?

There is no definitive research proving one method is superior. Manual adjustments often feel more profound right away, while instrument-assisted care is gentler and consistent, especially across different practitioners.

In our office, we primarily use manual adjusting techniques—including Diversified, Gonstead, and Thompson Drop—but we also keep instruments available for cases where gentler or more targeted adjustments are needed. Every patient is different, and we believe in choosing the right tool for the individual.

Beware: Not All Chiropractors Adjust

Some chiropractors have stopped adjusting altogether and focus solely on physical therapy. While PT can be beneficial, chiropractic is unique because of the adjustment. If a chiropractor isn’t checking for and correcting subluxations, it’s worth questioning whether they’re practicing true chiropractic care.

Just as you wouldn’t visit a dentist who doesn’t examine teeth, you shouldn’t see a chiropractor who doesn’t adjust. Make sure to ask what methods your chiropractor uses. Are they hands-on? Do they use instruments? Or do they skip adjustments entirely?

How to Choose the Right Chiropractor

• Ask if they perform manual adjustments.
• Inquire about instrument-assisted techniques if you prefer a gentler approach.
• Understand whether they assess for subluxations as part of your care plan.
• Check their education—Palmer College of Chiropractic places a strong emphasis on hands-on care.

Our Approach at Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic

In our office, we take pride in providing personalized, high-quality chiropractic care. Whether you’re seeing me, Dr. Hays, or Dr. Sam, our focus is always on restoring your body’s natural ability to heal—most often through manual adjustments, but also using table-assisted or instrument-based care when appropriate.

If you’re looking for a chiropractor who truly understands the art and science behind the adjustment, we’d be honored to help.

Have questions? Feel free to contact us or listen to our podcast for more chiropractic insights.