A portable battery power operated chiropractic adjusting instrument, manipulator or thruster for applying a selectable adjustment energy impulse to a patient through a plunger having a resilient or cushioned head with the energy impulse applied to the plunger being supplied by a solenoid. The adjusting instrument can have annunciators or indicators for preload, readiness to operate, level of energy impulse and the like. The power source can be an internal rechargeable battery or removable rechargeable battery pack.