joint manipulation
Manipulation refers to the passive mobilising of a joint. The aim of joint manipulation is to restore normal movement to a stiff joint. The physiotherapist will take the joint to the movement barrier and then use a high velocity thrust technique in order to move the joint through the barrier. The manipulation is performed with the patient relaxed and a popping or clicking sound is often heard. This sound is due to the expansion of small nitrogen gas bubbles in the joint cavity fluid as the barrier is removed and movement is restored. Joint manipulation is not suitable for everyone and your physiotherapist will perform a careful and considered examination before deciding whether to use manipulation. At es physical health all our physiotherapists are trained in joint manipulation and receive regular ongoing training to ensure their technique is safe and up to date.