Joint mobilization
For full and pain-free movement joints need to move freely in all directions that they were designed to. If they become locked or restricted in any particular direction, may lead to pain and/or stiffness. These two symptoms can occur in isolation or they can occur simultaneously. Main joint problems are:
- joint pain
- joint stiffness
- hypermobile
Joint mobilisation treatment varies depending on the joint stiffness / hypermobility and the pain associated with moving joint. Physiotherapist is the ideal health professional trained to assess and treat joint dysfunction effectively.
Procedure
Joint manipulation is a type of passive movement of a skeletal joint, using high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrusting maneuvers. Joint Manipulation is synonymous with Grade V mobilization; a term commonly used by physiotherapists. It is usually aimed at one or more ‘target’ synovial joints with the aim of achieving a therapeutic effect.
Joint manipulation is characteristically associated with the production of ‘pop’ or ‘click’ sound. This sound is believed to be the result of a phenomenon known as cavitation. When a joint manipulation is performed, the applied force separates the articular surfaces of the joint. This deforms the joint capsule and intra-articular tissues, which in turn creates a reduction in pressure within the joint cavity. In the low pressure environment, some of the gases that are dissolved in the synovial fluid create a bubble or cavity. It rapidly collapses upon itself, resulting in a ‘clicking’ sound.
Benefits
- Relief of musculoskeletal pain
- Unlocks joints, e.g. stiff neck/acute back sprains
- Improves joint range of motion
- Optimize healing
- Speed the recovery process
- Increase strength
- Restore normal movement
- Decrease pain
- Decrease swelling and inflammation
- Increase independence
Side effects
Common side effects of spinal joint manipulation therapy are characterized as mild to moderate and may include
- local discomfort
- headache
- tiredness
- Radiating discomfort
High risks side effects associated with joint manipulation, especially spinal joint manipulation.
- vertebrobasilar accidents (VBA)
- strokes
- spinal disc herniation
- vertebral and rib fractures
- Cauda equina syndrome.
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