Manipulation

If pain and stiffness have made moving difficult, manipulation therapy may help get you feeling flexible again. Here at Bounty Physio, our licensed physiotherapists use precise manipulation techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce associated muscle spasms.

Manipulation involves applying brief, controlled forces to push a joint just beyond its normal range of motion. This small additional movement helps stretch tight structures surrounding the joint that may be contributing to restricted mobility and pain.

It can provide both immediate and lasting benefits for spinal and extremity joint issues. Our skilled therapists utilise manipulation safely and effectively to increase function and relieve discomfort.

The gentle forces applied during manipulation produce several beneficial effects:

• Loosens stiff joints by taking them into their end range to stretch periarticular tissues
• Separates joint surfaces slightly to increase synovial fluid circulation
• Alters pain signals transmitted from the joint’s neural receptors
• Relaxes muscle spasms and hypertonicity around the joint that can limit mobility
• Restores optimal alignment and mechanics of the joint and involved muscle

These changes decrease friction and compression within the joint while alleviating associated aches, tightness, and spasms. Patients regain mobility and often feel better immediately.

Manipulation therapy can help numerous conditions causing restricted mobility and pain, including:

• Back and neck pain
• Shoulder impingement
• Frozen shoulder
• Tennis/golfer’s elbow
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Hip osteoarthritis
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Knee stiffness
• Plantar fasciitis
• Ankle sprains
• TMJ dysfunction
• And more

It provides both prompt and lasting improvements in mobility and function for many common musculoskeletal issues.

Manipulation therapy offers many advantages over medication or surgery including:

• Non-invasive treatment with little to no recovery time
• Immediate improvements in range of motion and pain
• Results sustained long-term with continued care
• Well-tolerated by most patients
• Covered by extended health insurance plans
• Avoids risks of drugs or surgery
• Decreases need for anti-inflammatories or painkillers
• Faster return to normal activities

For chronic stiff joints, regular manipulation may delay degeneration and the need for invasive interventions.

Your physiotherapist will perform an assessment to identify suitable joints for manipulation based on your symptoms. During treatment:

• You’ll lie or sit in specific positions that facilitate optimal joint alignment.
• Your therapist will then apply brief manual forces to push the joint just past its normal end feel.
• They may combine joint mobilisation, stretching, and range of motion exercises with the manipulation.
• You may feel some joint separation, popping, or cracking sounds during the thrust, with immediate increased mobility after.
• Your therapist will also provide instructions for at-home care to maintain the improved joint motion.

Some mild residual soreness or muscle tension is common but resolves quickly after treatment.

For simple joint restriction, just 1-3 sessions may significantly improve mobility. Chronic stiffness often requires 6 visits or more for maximal benefits. Your physiotherapist can advise how many appointments are recommended based on your unique condition.

Consistency with prescribed home exercises, icing, modifications, and supportive devices will help prolong your improvements between sessions. Maintenance therapy may be needed at less frequent intervals.

Our highly trained physiotherapists have extensive experience using manipulation to improve joint mobility in the spine and extremities. Benefits of working with us include:

• Proven results – We see excellent outcomes using manipulation daily in our practice.
• Advanced assessment skills – Our in-depth examinations ensure manipulation is applied appropriately.
• Targeted techniques – We customise our precise manipulation forces based on your needs.
• Holistic care – We integrate manipulation into comprehensive rehabilitation programs.
• Emphasis on safety – We utilise manipulation judiciously within proper clinical guidelines.
• Caring approach – Your comfort and close communication are priorities during therapy.

If joint or muscle stiffness are limiting your mobility, consider manipulation therapy to get you moving freely once more.

Contact us today to book an initial assessment!