Manipulation and Mobilization

Manipulation (also referred to as a chiropractic adjustment) is often used when a patient presents with a painful joint (in the back, neck, upper or lower extremity) that is not moving properly; this is commonly referred to as joint fixation.  In this type of manual therapy, a joint is moved beyond a passive range of motion with the goal of restoring proper motion, decreasing adhesion in the joint and decreasing pain. There are many techniques used when performing manipulation. Often, with this type of treatment, you will hear a cavitation which is a slight popping noise. This is a release of a gas within the joint as it is moved through a rapid range of motion.

Mobilization is a type of manual therapy where a restricted joint is gently moved within its usual range of motion. Mobilization is generally a repetitive and oscillatory movement performed by the practitioner, and no cavitation (popping) is heard with this type of therapy.

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