Bristol Physiotherapy
Manipulation vs Mobilisation
Aches and pains in our joints are often caused by wear and tear and become more common as we get older but they can also be caused by sporting injuries.
Stiffening and contraction of muscles, tendons and ligaments can often be a side effect of wear and tear on a joint. Manipulation can help loosen it up, improve range of movement and ultimately aims to ease the pain.
Why you might need manipulation
Joint pain can be a debilitating condition, particularly in the hips, knees and ankles. It can prevent us from staying active and this, in turn, can lead to wider health problems. Because joints are complex regions of the body it’s often hard to diagnose a specific cause for the pain, but some common causes are:
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muscle spasm or contraction
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slight misalignment in the joint
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trapped tissue
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tight joint capsule.
Joint manipulation is a technique that involves a quick, high-velocity thrust to a joint, which is usually accompanied by an audible "pop" or "crack" sound. It is a non-invasive, simple treatment that can help ease pain, improve range of movement and get you back to more active, healthy lifestyle.
Benefits of mobilisation
Mobilisation, on the other hand, is a technique that involves slow, rhythmic movements to a joint, without a quick thrust or manipulation. This technique is also known as low-velocity, low-amplitude (LVLA) mobilisation. This takes the therapist longer than manipulation to achieve good results. It is particularly indicated for patients who are suffering from a high intensity of pain.