Spinal Manipulation

Spinal Manipulation, also known as ‘High-Velocity Low-Amplitude Thrust’ or ‘Spinal Manipulative Therapy’, is an ancient art and science tracing its origins to the earliest of medical practitioners. Practiced principally by physical therapists and chiropractors, it is also utilized to a lesser degree by medical and osteopathic physicians. Spinal manipulation is unique compared with other manual therapy techniques in that the clinician applies a small rapid impulse, or thrust, in order to achieve a gapping and subsequent cavitation of the target joint. Joint cavitation is accompanied by an audible release recognized as a ‘popping’, or ‘cracking’, sound.

Spinal manipulation is used by physical therapists to:

Spinal manipulation is used by physical therapists in order to:

Restore or improve movement
Relieve pain
Relax muscles
Improve muscle function around a joint.
Improve muscle function in relation to the spine

Why choose joint manipulation as a therapy?

Research has shown that manipulation therapy, in combination with other therapy components such as education and exercise, can help you return to pain-free living faster. Techniques such as thrust manipulation have demonstrable benefits for reducing muscle pain and tension, and for restoring normal joint movement.

Is joint manipulation safe?

Physiotherapists must undergo an extensive post graduate training program following attaining their degree in order to be certified to manipulate. This process takes years to complete and ensures that the therapist is able to demonstrate sound reasoning and safe application of manipulation as a treatment technique.

Spinal Manipulation