Arthrostim Adjusting in Novato
Gentle Arthrostim adjusting in Novato, CA — rapid, low-force instrument impulses help restore joint motion without twisting or cracking. Book your first visit.
DeSalvo Chiropractic
Arthrostim Adjusting in Novato
If you've been nervous about chiropractic care because of the "cracking" sound, or if a previous injury or health condition calls for an extra-gentle touch, Arthrostim adjusting in Novato, CA may be exactly the right fit. Dr. DeSalvo uses this handheld instrument to deliver precise, repetitive low-force impulses — restoring normal joint motion across the spine and extremities without the high-velocity thrust of a traditional manual adjustment.
How it works
What to expect with arthrostim adjusting
- Step 1
Thorough exam first
We review your history, perform orthopedic and movement testing, and determine whether instrument-based adjusting — or a combination of techniques — is the right match for your spine and goals.
- Step 2
Targeted instrument adjusting
Dr. DeSalvo positions the Arthrostim precisely over the restricted joint and delivers a sequence of gentle impulses, checking joint motion and muscle response in real time to confirm each segment is releasing.
- Step 3
Progress and plan
Each visit builds on the last. We track your range of motion and symptom changes, adjust the frequency and depth of care, and give you a clear endpoint — not open-ended treatment.
Why patients choose it
Benefits of arthrostim adjusting
No twisting, popping, or high-velocity thrusts
Comfortable for sensitive, anxious, or post-surgical patients
Precise — targets one joint at a time without stressing neighbors
Works on the spine, hips, shoulders, wrists, and other extremity joints
Helps ease surrounding muscle guarding without forceful thrusts
Well suited to older adults and patients who need low-force care
The basics
About arthrostim adjusting
The Arthrostim instrument works by sending a series of rapid, controlled impulses into a restricted joint. Each gentle tap encourages the joint to move more freely and helps the tight surrounding muscles relax — all without the rotation or pressure of a manual adjustment. The result feels more like a firm tap than a "crack," and most patients find it comfortable from the first visit.
This approach is not a lesser version of chiropractic care — it's a different tool that suits specific situations. Patients who are post-surgical, highly sensitive to pain, osteoporotic, anxious about manual adjusting, or simply prefer a softer technique are often good candidates for Arthrostim. It's also valuable when a joint is so inflamed or guarded that a manual thrust would trigger too much muscle resistance to be effective.
One visit. Real answers. A plan made for you.
Reserved for new patients: an unhurried first visit with Dr. DeSalvo himself. Your one-on-one consultation, comprehensive exam, muscle and nerve function assessment and first treatment, plus a care plan designed around you, all for $97.
What your New Patient Special includes
- A one-on-one consultation with Dr. DeSalvo
- A comprehensive exam
- A muscle & nerve function assessment
- Your first treatment
- A customized care plan, built around your goals
New patients only, one per person. X-rays are not included. If you choose to continue care, your care plan and its pricing are discussed with you up front. Not available for automobile-accident or personal-injury cases. Read the full New Patient Special disclaimer.
What is Arthrostim adjusting?
Arthrostim adjusting uses a small, hand-held instrument to deliver a precise series of rapid, low-force impulses to restricted spinal joints and extremities. It works toward the same goal as a traditional manual adjustment — restoring normal joint motion — but without any twisting, popping, or significant force. The aim is better joint motion and less muscle tightness, delivered in a way that most patients find genuinely comfortable.
Dr. Douglas DeSalvo uses the Arthrostim as a primary or complementary adjusting tool alongside manual chiropractic care, depending on what your spine needs and what you prefer. It’s not a shortcut or a lesser option — it’s a different tool that suits certain patients and situations better.
What to expect
Your first visit starts with a thorough exam — health history, orthopedic and movement testing, and a conversation about your goals and any concerns you have about treatment. Once we determine that Arthrostim is the right fit, care begins.
During each session:
- Positioning — you’re seated or lying comfortably on the table, depending on the areas being addressed.
- Instrument adjusting — Dr. DeSalvo places the Arthrostim tip on the target joint and delivers a brief sequence of gentle impulses. You’ll feel a light, rapid tapping — not pressure or pain.
- Real-time check — we assess joint motion and muscle tension after each segment to confirm it’s releasing before moving on.
- Review — we discuss what was found and adjusted, and what you should notice over the next day or two.
Sessions typically run 10–20 minutes. Many patients feel looser and more comfortable immediately; others notice the full benefit over 24–48 hours as the nervous system integrates the changes.
Who it helps
Arthrostim adjusting is an excellent fit for patients who:
- Are nervous about traditional chiropractic “cracking” or have had a bad experience elsewhere
- Have back pain or neck pain driven by restricted joints but significant surrounding muscle guarding
- Experience headaches or migraines tied to upper cervical and thoracic restrictions
- Live with hip pain, shoulder pain, or other extremity joint restrictions
- Have wrist joint restrictions that contribute to carpal tunnel symptoms
- Have osteoporosis, recent surgery, or another condition that calls for low-force care
- Are older adults or simply prefer a gentler technique
If you’re unsure whether Arthrostim is right for you, the exam will answer that — and we’ll explain our reasoning in plain English.
Why choose DeSalvo Chiropractic
Patients from Novato, Marin County, and the North Bay choose our office because Dr. DeSalvo takes the time to match the technique to the patient — not the other way around. Whether you need the precision of instrument adjusting, a traditional manual adjustment, or a combination of both, you’ll leave your first visit with a clear plan and a specific endpoint.
Ready to try a gentler approach? Visit our New Patient Special page or book an appointment online — it takes less than a minute.
What it helps
Conditions we treat with arthrostim adjusting
What is Arthrostim adjusting?
Arthrostim is a handheld chiropractic instrument that delivers rapid, low-force repetitive impulses to restricted spinal joints and extremities. It restores normal joint motion and calms surrounding muscle tension without the twist or "crack" of a manual adjustment.
Does Arthrostim adjusting hurt?
No — most patients describe it as a light, rapid tapping sensation that feels nothing like what they feared. Because the force is low and highly controlled, even patients with significant pain or sensitivity usually find it very tolerable.
How is Arthrostim different from manual chiropractic adjusting?
A manual adjustment uses a short, fast thrust applied by hand. Arthrostim replaces that with a series of gentler, repetitive mechanical impulses at a controlled frequency. The therapeutic goal — restoring joint motion and improving neurological signaling — is the same; the method is much softer.
Who is a good candidate for Arthrostim?
Anyone who prefers a gentle technique, feels anxious about traditional adjusting, has osteoporosis or other conditions that call for low force, is recovering from surgery, or has a joint so inflamed that manual adjusting would be too uncomfortable. It's also well suited to older adults.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies by how long the problem has been present and how your body responds. After your exam Dr. DeSalvo provides a specific, time-bound care plan with a clear finish line — not an open-ended schedule.
Is Arthrostim adjusting safe?
Yes. Its low force levels make it a very gentle way to adjust. We screen every patient at the first visit to confirm candidacy and tailor the protocol to your situation.
Can Arthrostim help with neck pain and headaches?
Often, yes. Cervical and upper-thoracic joint restrictions are a common driver of both neck pain and tension headaches. The instrument's precision allows Dr. DeSalvo to target those joints gently without the head rotation that concerns some patients.
Will my insurance cover instrument adjusting?
Instrument-assisted chiropractic adjustments are billed as chiropractic manipulation and are typically covered the same as manual adjustments under plans that include chiropractic benefits. We verify your benefits before your first visit so there are no surprises.
Can Arthrostim be combined with other treatments?
Yes, and it often is. Dr. DeSalvo frequently pairs Arthrostim with myofascial release, physiotherapy, or spinal decompression to address the full picture — not just the restricted joint.
Do I have to choose between Arthrostim and manual adjusting?
Not at all. Some patients do best with Arthrostim exclusively; others benefit from a mix of techniques. We use whichever approach — or combination — gives you the best outcome for your spine and your comfort level.
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Patient reviews
What our Novato patients say
“I had a great experience at DeSalvo Chiropractic! Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and professional, and I felt comfortable from the moment I walked in. They took the time to listen to my concerns and made sure I understood what they were doing throughout my visit.”
“Great chiropractic service! The staff was friendly and professional, and I felt comfortable throughout my visit. The treatment was helpful, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for quality chiropractic care.”
“I am an avid tennis player with the usual tennis injuries and Dr. Desalvo has helped me play again without pain!”