Joint Manipulation
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What is Joint Manipulation?
Joint manipulation is a non-invasive procedure that aims to alleviate stiffness and other complications affecting joint mobility and flexibility. It typically involves stretching and manoeuvring specific joints or areas to address scar tissue, misalignment, and support your joint health. Joint manipulation uses controlled force applied to the joints that may lead to gradual improvement in a joint’s range of motion, mobility, and strength, among other things.
Joint manipulation should only be performed by certified orthopaedists to ensure your comfort during the procedure. They will develop an appropriate treatment plan based on your overall condition after a thorough medical examination. While joint manipulation may help alleviate joint-related complications, the effects of the procedure can vary from person to person.
How Does Joint Manipulation Work?
Before starting joint manipulation sessions, your doctor will first perform a thorough medical examination to assess your physical health and determine a suitable treatment plan to address the symptoms you are experiencing. Based on this examination, the doctor will have a clearer understanding of whether you are eligible for joint manipulation or an alternative treatment.
Joint manipulation procedures may be performed with or without anaesthesia, depending on factors such as the level of pain or discomfort you may be experiencing. Anaesthesia may help your protective reflexes relax before the doctor begins the procedure. They will carefully apply controlled force to manipulate the joints, releasing pinched joint capsules, relaxing tight muscles, and loosening locked joint segments.
After the session, you may experience mild pain and swelling, but this will subside within a few days. Your doctor will provide advice to help facilitate your recovery and minimise side effects. Physical therapy at home may aid in your recovery and lower the risk of further injury or joint adhesions.
Potential Benefits of Joint Manipulation
Pain Relief
Joint manipulation may help to provide pain relief to alleviate symptoms that are causing mild to moderate pain and discomfort.
Improved Flexibility
Joints that experience restricted movement due to scar tissue or injury may gradually regain an improved range of motion and flexibility with joint manipulation treatments.
Improved Circulation
Joint manipulation may promote blood circulation, which can support recovery by providing nourishment to the joints, alleviating inflammation and reducing discomfort.
Reduced Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can cause varying levels of pain and discomfort, damaging the joints. Joint manipulation may reduce the risk of further joint damage by addressing conditions exacerbated by this inflammation.
Common Conditions Joint Manipulation May Treat
Neck Pain
Neck pain can cause discomfort when you try to move your head to look around. Joint manipulation may alleviate symptoms of neck pain and restore your neck’s range of motion.
Backache
Back pain and other related aches can also be relieved through joint manipulation, promoting the spine’s mobility, reducing discomfort, and supporting your spinal health.
Shoulder Stiffness
Frequent shoulder stiffness can cause numerous issues with daily activities, including typing and lifting objects. Joint manipulation may alleviate persistent stiffness and maintain your quality of life.
Knee/Hip Joint Pain
Knee and hip pain may also lead to significant pain and discomfort that prevents you from standing, kneeling, or walking for long periods. Joint manipulation may provide pain relief and comfort to manage your daily activities.
Muscle & Tendon Strains
Muscles and tendons can get strained due to injury or overuse. Joint manipulation may minimise pain, discomfort, and inflammation that may cause the condition to persist.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative condition that can impact your daily activities and limit mobility and flexibility. Joint manipulation may be used as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments to help manage arthritis symptoms.
Nerve Compression
Nerves can be compressed by nearby structures (such as tissue or muscle) and cause infrequent pain symptoms and other complications. Joint manipulation may relieve this pressure on nerves and ease related symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who may benefit from joint manipulation treatment?
Many people may benefit from regular joint manipulation sessions, particularly senior citizens, athletes, and individuals who frequently experience joint aches or poor posture. It may also be used as a complementary therapy for various conditions to help with facilitating your recovery alongside ongoing treatments.
Can joint manipulation treatment help with sports injuries?
Yes, joint manipulation may be helpful for individuals who are active in sports. It may help minimise the risk of joint-related conditions, which can affect athletic performance, or support recovery outcomes.
Are there risks to joint manipulation treatment?
Joint manipulation is performed by licensed orthopaedists or chiropractors and is generally considered safe. However, some individuals may not be suitable for this treatment. There are very uncommon risks of fractures in performing joint manipulations when there are osteoporotic bones. A comprehensive medical exam is necessary to determine if you are an eligible candidate for joint manipulation.
