Osteopathic Spinal Manipulation
(also known as osteopathic manipulation)
Osteopathic Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation (also known as osteopathic manipulation) is a manual therapy technique designed to improve movement. It’s a short, sharp thrust movement done with speed to release pressure within joints and therefore increase movement.
The vertebrae of the spine are connected by hinge-like facet joints (they’re also found in other parts of the body). The facet joints help stabilise the spine and keep us moving correctly. Each of these facet joints is surrounded by connective tissue and produces fluid which lubricates the joint for better movement.
Pressure can build within that fluid, limiting our movement. Spinal manipulation releases that pressure. So that clicking and cracking sounds aren’t from your bones, it’s the sound of pressure releasing from the facet joints. And in spinal manipulation, that’s what we’re aiming for.
Spinal manipulation or osteopathic manipulation performed safely in a clinical setting can have many benefits including:
·Manipulations can be good for increasing proprioception, which is individual awareness of the position and movement of the body.
Some studies have also shown manipulations can help with hypermobility.
Spinal manipulation can help relieve low-back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
How can spinal manipulation help me?
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