Cervical Spine Thrust Manipulation

Doctors of Physical Therapy can effectively and safely perform spinal manipulations just like chiropractors. Grade 5 low amplitude high velocity manipulations can be extremely effective in certain subgroups of individuals. They can improve range of motion, reduce pain in various ways, decrease muscle tone/guarding and improve muscle activation/recruitment. However, the exact mechanisms of how spinal manipulation truly works is still debated. But, we can say that is it more than just "realigning the spine", and my thoughts are more neurophysiological in the sense that we are providing a novel stimulus to the system which enacts the changes/benefits we see following manipulation. Research studies DO show that there are changes in the central nervous system (brain regions) immediately following spinal manipulation.

I wanted to share an exert from our professor, Dr. Rob Landel PT, DPT, OCS, FAPTA, regarding physical therapists performing manipulation. "The safe application of any technique requires the use of clinical judgment, specifically, determining not only who is appropriate for the technique, but also for whom the technique is contraindicated. Adequate clinical judgment is based on knowledge of anatomy, pathoanatomy, biomechanics, pathomechanics, pathology, and a differential diagnostic process. Also, the decision of whether or not to perform a manipulation must be evidence-based, i.e. taken into account the best available evidence, the clinician’s experience, and the patient’s needs and goals.

As I noted in my last post, all of these aspects are basic components of any Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Furthermore, this knowledge and clinical judgment is tested extensively through written, oral, and practical examinations, as well as put into practice during as much as one year of supervised clinical experiences. Finally, in order to become licensed in the state of California, every physical therapist must pass their licensure exam, which includes testing their knowledge and clinical judgment on manipulation, as required by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Thus it is clear that physical therapists are well prepared to safely perform manipulation techniques, and in fact are required to be safe in their application before being allowed to practice."

I am still working on my thrust manipulations, so if any clinicians have any feedback or tips, it would be much appreciated!

[quantum]

Nice one 47, now make your way to the extraction point.

[x-antigovernmentsystemsetu]

There's something about this stuff that makes people smile I noticed. The joy of being aligned and taken care of brings giggles and smiles.

[helicart]

I have 20+ years of clinical physio behind me.
What are you thrusting against?
In other words, why is high velocity energy required?
Is resistance due to :
A - capsular thickening and shortening?
B - muscle tension?
If it is primarily A, what therapeutic advice can be given to reduce capsular thickening and shortening?
If B, ditto?
Brain changes after manipulation could be compared with brain changes after hatha yoga and meditation, or any form of relaxation of muscles and mind.

[claysmith]

Healthcare benefits hello greetings

Cervical manipulation treatment sessions great tension relief!
Neck cracking release gas build up the "pop" sound is that release of gas! Tension headaches and range of motion afterwards is so amazing! 🙂😊😊

[RussellW-wklz]

Thanks for this, I didn't realize that Merle updated his favorite way to make her explode in pure bliss, it’s amazingly satisfying. Although what he suggested before was fairly good, it doesn’t even compare, I did it go’ogling Merle Winestol, and she just can’t have enough now.

[jgm]

Those thumbs almost occluded his jugular vein. 🥴

[cadewilles]

PT's say for years that Chiropractic adjustments are dangerous and or ineffective... until they supposedly can do them and suddenly they're "extremely effective". By the way, that was a good quick impulse but your setup and pretension wouldn't get you past a first year adjusting evaluation in chiropractic school... let alone work on most antalgic acute patients. Good for PT for appreciating spinal manipulation though, even if they pretend to be able to perform it themselves efficiently.

[omarjimenez]

terrible adjustment lol, let a chiropractor adjust your neck not a PT

[christianlillesund]

Too bad doing this, manipulates the muscles in the wrong direction.
99% of the human population have their muscles placed wrong-- especially down their arms and around elbow. One should treat and manipulate those muscles, before moving upwards. I have manipulated both biceps and triceps, to other positions around my elbow. I'm now in the process of manipulate them more fluid around my shoulderjoint, THEN I will move on to neck.

THIS TECHNIQUE IS WRONG. You should never strain a muscle like this. Why? Because your subconscious is still holding the strain, even tho you just released the bubbles underneath. Ergo, release of bubbles is only temporary, but not a permanent fix.

Contact if you wanna know how you work together with your subconscious, to fix your body, and manipulate your muscles to their correct position.