What are Manipulations and Mobilisations?

Manipulations and mobilisations are manual therapy techniques utilised by Chiropractors to reduce pain, improve function, range of motion and mobility of joints which has a subsequent impact on surrounding nerves, soft tissues, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

A manipulation is a safe and effective technique which is usually performed as a very fast, sharp and specific movement on a targeted joint.
A mobilisation is a slower, smoother and gentle oscillating pressure applied to targeted joints.

Which technique is best for your case?

There are a number of factors, based on your history and examination, your chiropractor will consider when deciding which manual therapy technique is best suited for your case. These include but are not limited to:

• Patient choice (If no consent is given for a particular technique then it won’t be used and an alternative technique will be discussed)
• Acute nature of the presenting condition
• Patient’s previous treatment response (if applicable)
• Patient’s bodily state e.g. bone weakening conditions such as moderate to severe osteoporosis (mobilisations may be better suited for you)
• Patients who suffer from inflammatory arthritis e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Patients who have undergone major surgery

Will you experience any pain during or after manipulation or mobilisation is applied?

Generally speaking, both manipulations and mobilisations are very well tolerated techniques. Some people might express mild discomfort after the first few manipulations or mobilisations which generally improves as they have further treatment.

What is the ‘pop’ sound you hear after a manipulation?

The common misconception is that the ‘pop’ sound is the joint clicking back into place, however it is a result of cavitation, which is a change in pressure in the joint accompanied by an almost immediate feeling of relief.

Manipulations and mobilisations are the most commonly utilised manual therapy techniques in the practice. Our practitioners believe in the utilisation of soft tissue therapies prior to the application of manipulation or mobilisations in order to achieve a better clinical outcome. Your treatment is then complimented with take home stretches or rehabilitation exercises to optimise your recovery.