Manipulation and Mobilisation
What is Grade V Mobilisation/Manipulation?
These are manual therapy techniques used by qualified professionals where passive, high speed but small size ‘thrusts’ are applied to joints at their limits of movement, thereby ‘gapping’ the joint surfaces. The techniques are used to effectively reduce joint stiffness, muscle spasm and pain, to help restore lost movement and restore normal function.
There will frequently be a ‘popping’ sound associated with this technique (known as ‘cavitation’), which is the sound of the joint stiffness being released. This is normal and is not harmful (it usually feels quite relieving). The ‘popping’ noise is not essential to the treatment being effective.
At Physioflex, if this treatment is appropriate for you, Therapists may use these techniques to help relieve pain and stiffness, but, they will always be used in conjunction with other appropriate treatments as part of your rehabilitation and treatment plan.
Are Grade V Mobilisations/Manipulations safe?
These techniques are generally very safe when carried out by suitably qualified professionals. There are very rare cases of patients having serious adverse effects following these techniques. The ‘average’ risk of such events is estimated to be approximately 1 in 100,000 patients.
Your treating Therapist will ask you a series of questions about your condition and general health, and may carry out physical tests, to ensure that this type of treatment is safe for you and is likely to work.
Are there any side effects?
The most common adverse reaction to any manual therapy is some treatment soreness, which can last a day or two.
To help with these after effects you can:
- Apply a cold compress to your muscles to reduce soreness.
- Drink plenty of water to replenish fluids and reduce dehydration
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine for 12 hours as this can cause further dehydration
- Rest and relax!
If you have any concerns, please call us on 01506 237770 or email bookings@physio-flex.co.uk