Joint Manipulation

Joint manipulations are high velocity low amplitude mobilizations of a joint at the end of their range of motion. They often produce a familiar “popping” or “cracking” sound.

Although similar to the manipulation techniques performed by chiropractors and osteopathic physicians, physical therapists tend to utilize them as one small part of a larger plan of care involving other manual therapy techniques, movement training, and exercise.

My use of joint manipulation is judicious, and it will only be utilized for the right patient at the right time. I rarely manipulate the neck.

Joint manipulations can be used to improve the joints range of motion, relieve pain the area near the joint, help relax the muscles surrounding the joint, or to unlock a joint that has become stuck in one part of its range.

More important than the manipulation, however, is what you do afterwards. It is easy to become reliant on joint manipulations, but they rarely solve the underlying issues causing your pain and dysfunction. They are best utilized as an adjunct to allow the patient to more easily perform therapeutic exercise which will be the long-term solution.