Even in the earliest day of chiropractic, diagnostic instruments have always played a leading role in the care of patients. The Nervo-Scope was an essential instrument in B.J. Palmer’s day and attesting to its usefulness, is still used by a significant number of doctors including Gonstead practitioners. X-rays have also played a leading role in chiropractic since its earliest days and continues to be used by most—but not all—DCs.
At the dawn of the 21st century, the modern D.C. has a much wider range of high tech diagnostic tools at his disposal. While many doctors continue to use leg checks and palpation as their primary means of detecting subluxations, many others have opted to use technology that presents a more objective and easier to replicate analysis of a patient’s condition.
Recent years have given rise to companies selling a wide array of diagnostic instruments used by chiropractors of differing philosophies and techniques. Some are integral parts of a particular adjusting technique or instrument, while others are used to provide pre- and post-analysis of a manual adjustment. Most are based on the long-held chiropractic principle that heat is an indication of some level of dysfunction.
D.D. Palmer used the back of his hand to locate “hot boxes” along the spinal column in an effort to detect differences in surface temperature from one side to the other. His son, B.J., used the more reliable and objective “neurocalometer,” a device developed by one of his students. Today’s doctors have even better means of detecting the subluxation.
Below is a sampling of the companies currently marketing products and technology to the profession and a brief description of their primary diagnostic instrument.
Chiropractic Leadership Alliance
255 W. Spring Valley Avenue, Maywood, New Jersey 07607
1.800.285.2001
www.subluxation.com
Insight Subluxation Station—This all-in-one system not only offers the means to detect subluxations, but can graphically illustrate nerve interference in color to patients. The system allows the chiropractor to evaluate five aspects of functional integrity—all related to subluxation analysis. Static surface EMG (sEMG) measures electrical activity in the muscles surround the spine. Dynamic Surface EMG graphs up to four channels of sEMG activity as the patient goes through range of motion. Paraspinal infrared temperature analysis evaluates the integrity of the autonomic nervous system. Computerized inclinomertry measures range of motion. Pressure algometry evaluates sensory function by measuring the pain thresholds along the spine.
Computerized Thermal Imaging, Inc.
12725 S.W. 66th Avenue, Suite 100 Portland, OR 97223
503.624.5799
www.cti-net.com
The company markets two FDA-cleared pain management products. The Thermal Image Processor
(TIP System) is a infrared imaging system that can “see” the physiological and temperature changes that could indicate soft-tissue injuries or pain syndromes. The Photonic Stimulator treats pain associated with injuries or chronic pain conditions using infrared light therapy. The device emits infrared light that penetrates the skin to stimulate blood flow and circulation, as well as to promote cellular and nerve function.
Electronic Development Labs, Inc.
244 Oakland Drive Danville, VA 24540
800.342.5335
www.nervo-scope.com
EDL offers three models of the venerable Nervo-Scope—ETS 6, 7 and 8—a handheld temperature measurement product. Nervo-Scope can be used for both pre and post adjustment assessment enabling the doctor to produce objective information on temperature differentials along the spine. The electronic circuits in these instruments amplify the temperature differentials that can be read on a large meter with a fluorescent pointer. The Analagraph Recorder, when used in conjunction with the Nervo-Scope ETS-7 or ETS-8, provides a permanent record of the Nervo-Scope readings.
Myogauge
Corp.80 East Jefryn Boulevard Deer Park, NY 11729
888.696.3539
www.myogauge.com
Myogauge is a provider of computerized musculo-skeletal muscle testing system for range of motion and isometric muscle strength. These are turnkey systems that come complete with accessories, lap-top computer, software, printer and computer cart. The aim of these products is to produce accurate, reproducible results. The range of motion devices provide full-body tests from the neck to the knees. The isometric testing equipment digitally measures and documents the amount of force in pound when it is applied in a vertical or horizontal direction.
PBI MyoVision
981-A Industrial Road San Carlos, CA 94070
800.969.6961
www.myovision.com
MyoVision provides high quality Surface EMG, Thermogrpahy and ROM products. The MyoVision 8000 Static sEMG provides static SEMG testing. Results are presented in screening and narrative reports. Colorful graphical presentations can be used for patient education. The Thermoglide System allows the doctor to use “roller” thermography. The Dynamic sEMG instrument can be used to demonstrate the need for continued are or provide required documentation in personal injury cases. Instruments are offered in a variety of packages to meet practitioner needs.
Pro-Solutions
4000 Waterdam Plaza, Suite 260 McMurray, PA 15317
877.942.4284
www.pro-adjuster.com
The Pro-Adjuster combines an advanced adjusting instrument with a computerized diagnostic system. Piezoelectric sensors evaluate the waveform created by the spine as the Pro-Adjuster taps the particular segment. Using this instrument, the doctor performs an analysis of each spinal region: cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacrum. The system’s software package then presents a detailed objective analysis of its findings displayed as bars and waveforms. The Pro-Adjuster can also be used purely for its diagnostic functions when combined with other chiropractic techniques. Along with the Pro-Adjuster the company also offers a Pro-Expansion Program that offers essential training and a broad range of exclusive marketing materials.
S.A.M. Company
249-B1 Elliott Rd. Henderson, NV 89015
800-752-3263
www.morenewpatients.com
SAM is a provider of spinal analysis machines for use by chiropractors in spinal screening, patient care and education. SAM incorporates bilateral weight with postural evaluation. Their new RPI (Rapid Posture Imaging) system offers a computerized version. Designed for speed, RPI is a digital camera based software program. The RPI comparision report mode will document and illustrate any two patient exams. The SAM systems include: forms, scripts, marketing materials, advertising, display materials, contact letters, follow-up, and interactive safety programs for business and industry.
Sense Technology Inc.
3251-C Old Frankstown Rd Plum, PA 15668
800.628.9416
www.pulstarfras.com
Sense Technology is a provider of computerized analysis and adjusting systems. The Force Recording and Analysis System (FRAS). Available in three different models, this system is a unique computerized noninvasive fixation imaging system that enables the doctor to accurately and objectively locate and correction joint fixations. The PulStarFRAS Standard, Slimline, and Deluxe can be order either with or without a laptop computer to run the accompanying software. Although the system comes with a short lever toggle capability for adjusting, any adjusting technique may be used.
Titronics Research and Development.
PO Box 2202 Iowa City, IA 52244
800.705.2307 or 319.683.2702
www.titronics.com
A leading developer of Computerized Infrared Thermography (CIT) hardware and software; Titronics has been in the industrial controls and chiropractic instrumentation design business since 1970. Products include the C-2000 paraspinal scanner and the C-3000. Software for this product allows patient notes, listings, and office visits to be tracked. Multiple graphs may be overlaid or viewed side by side. Recent developments include the TyTron C-3000, an X-ray laser patient alignment device, and the Infrasoft Computerized Infrared Thermography imaging system.
Visi-Therm Technology
767 Dry Run Road Monongahela, PA 15063
724.258.6553
www.visitherm.com
Visi-Therm is a low-resolution electronic thermography system that uses infrared scanning of heat radiated from the body and then records these findings and transforms them into images by using computerized high technology sensory devices. It consists of a scanning paddle containing 12 primary infrared sensors and one auxiliary sensor. Three full regional color-mapping thermographs of scanned areas can be analyzed in terms of segmental or bilateral temperature graphs, as well as temperature differential. A horizontal temperature graph analysis and temperature difference of upper and lower extremities can be also performed.
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