Spinal manipulation is a technique targeting the joints of the spine used to improve pain, range of motion, and improve nerve function. It is described as a high velocity, low amplitude thrust. This verbiage may sound aggressive however these motions are actually gentle techniques. Many times gentle enough they can be described as a quick stretch 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. Victor physical therapists utilize spinal manipulation, along with other manual therapy techniques and exercise, in the treatment of neuro-musculo-skeletal pain and dysfunction in order to restore mobility within these systems.
Spinal manipulation is used by physical therapists to:
- facilitate movement
- relieve pain
- increase circulation
- relax muscles
- improve muscle function
Spinal manipulation is used as a tool to achieve reduced pain quickly and not as a maintenance activity. There has been extensive research to show that manual therapy or manipulative therapy combined with therapeutic exercise improves patient outcomes and is done in a faster time that those activities alone.
For more information, Contact us at Victor, NY center.
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