Spinal manipulation allows us to treat the arthokinematic component of various neuromusculoskeletal conditions.
What is Manipulation?
- According to Grieve et al, manipulation is “an accurately, localized, single, quick and decisive movement of small amplitude, following careful positioning of the patient. It is not necessarily energetic and is complete before the patient can stop it.”
- Spinal manipulation often results in sounds or audible cavitations. Although still a topic of debate in the literature, these sounds are likely due to the release of gas from the joint capsule, the bending of collagen fibers that make up the joint capsule, or the separation of membranes that line the joint capsule. Most practitioners anecdotally believe that the audible sounds associated with joint manipulation are an indicator of the successful delivery of the technique.
- Although manipulation is most commonly applied to the facet joints, which connect the vertebrae in the spine, the technique is also commonly used for the joints of the upper and lower extremity.
How can Spinal Manipulation help?
Spinal Manipulation
Therapeutic and Specific Results:
- Manipulation is associated with improved joint position and range of motion along with decreased muscle hypertonicity, reduced pain, and cellular changes that correspond with tissue repair.
- Manipulation has been shown to rebalance Ad and C pain fiber activity, which has been shown to decrease neural connections associated with centralization at the level of the spine, regardless of patient expectation.
- Manipulation activates mechanoreceptors in join capsules and associated muscle and connective tissue structures, which quiets motor neuron activity in the spine, thereby decreasing excessive muscle activity and trigger points.
- Manipulation helps to reset the balance between sensory input and motor output , thereby improving proprioception and biomechanical control.
- A recent study by Beattie et al reported that spinal manipulation helps to improve transport of water into intervertebral discs, thereby countering changes associated with degenerative disc disease.
- Manipulation is associated with biochemical, segmental, and central pain inhibition.
About
Symmetry Physical Therapy is a privately owned one-on-one, patient-centered physical therapy clinic in Downtown Miami/Brickell. Every treatment is with the same Doctor of Physical Therapy for the entire hour. Symmetry’s specialized, dedicated, and passionate team of physical therapists is fully committed to each patient’s success.
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