Explainer
How spinal manipulation works
This is a hands-on technique that involves applying small, rapid, precisely targeted thrusts to the affected area of your body. It uses movements which are within the body’s natural range but which you’ve become unable to perform yourself. And is often accompanied by a characteristic ‘popping’ sound.
While this might sound scary, it’s a safe and quick intervention carried out by our highly trained and experienced physical therapists. And for some back or joint problems, spinal and extremity manipulation can bring amazing results – reducing pain and restoring movement right away.
The benefits
- Instant improvement in your condition.
- Longer-term results too, when combined with other approaches.
- Effective relief for joint pain.
- Enhanced range of motion.
- Improved blood circulation.
FAQs
This technique can be used to relieve a wide range of back and joint problems. These include pain in the lower or mid back, ribs, neck, head or shoulders. We also treat conditions that include spinal arthritis, piriformis syndrome, rotator cuff syndrome and tennis/golfer’s elbow. Manipulation can also be beneficial for treating issues such as tension headaches or dizziness, as well as nerve disorders including sciatica, radiculopathy and piriformis syndrome, plus many more conditions.
This intervention is highly effective in alleviating symptoms fast in many patients but it’s not suitable in all cases (for example, if you are suffering with extreme pain or a severe musculoskeletal pathology). But for many people spinal manipulation is appropriate and beneficial. When you see one of our expert therapists, they will be able to advise on whether it’s the best choice for your condition.
You’ll usually see an immediate improvement with spinal and extremity manipulation. But it’s often best seen as the first intervention to break the damaging cycle which has caused your pain or loss of function. In the longer term, we may suggest a program of home exercises to sustain the improvement and, in some cases, additional supporting treatments may be recommended.
This will depend on your particular condition and your overall goals. It might be that we recommend regular sessions over several weeks to address a specific condition initially, and that this ends when the problem has been resolved. Some patients like to return periodically after this for a regular check-up to ensure that their back or joint health is kept on track.
"Very welcoming and upbeat practice! Jonathan has extensive knowledge and expertise with rehabilitative techniques and ensures the client understands his patient-focused treatment plans. I will need back surgery but will not hesitate to call Elevate when I am ready to complete my recovery."
Susan K
"I am so very happy with my progress towards complete recovery from my rotator cuff injury. I have been working with Jonathan since the beginning of December. He has answered my questions honestly and completely, given me exercises (both in-house and for home) to focus on specific areas of concern."
Vicki
What they say