Spinal Manipulation

BENEFITS:

• Improves joint range of motion
• Decreases muscle tension
• Reduces sympathetic nerve stimulation
• Can reduce local inflammation
• Can reduce the level of acute pain

Spinal manipulation is an advanced form of therapeutic treatment that aims to articulate joints of the body to improve their quality and range of movement, whilst also reducing pain and surrounding tissue tension. These techniques are applied most commonly to spinal joints from the head and neck to the lower back and sacrum. They are also applied to the ribs and other synovial joints such as the shoulder, elbow, hand, leg and foot. By improving the quality and range of movement within various joints, pressure is taken off of other areas that may be working harder, improving biomechanics and force transference throughout the body as well as reducing muscle tension. 

High Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA) and Minimal Leverage Manipulation (MLM) Thrusts

These techniques use multiple components to build up to a point at which pressure can be released from a joint, whilst putting that joint under  minimal amounts of stress. Thus minimising the risk of damage to the joint and surrounding structures, and causing minimal discomfort to the patient whilst achieving the many benefits spinal manipulation has to offer. A click or pop is often heard which is the sound of pressure releasing from the joint. They are quick manipulations and often very effective.

Risks

As with every intervention, there are risks associated with spinal manipulation, the most common being slight soreness which can last from 24-48 hours. A detailed case history will be recorded before any manipulation is undertaken to ensure that it is suitable for the patient and to avoid any adverse reactions.