Spinal manipulation, also known as spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), is a manual therapy technique used in Physiotherapy that involves the application of force to the spine with the goal of improving joint mobility, alleviating pain, and promoting overall musculoskeletal health. Here are some key points about spinal manipulation
Manual Therapy Technique
Spinal manipulation involves the hands-on application of controlled force to a specific joint in the spine. The practitioner uses various techniques, such as thrusts, mobilizations, or sustained pressure, to manipulate the spine.
Goals of Spinal Manipulation
- Joint Mobility: The primary objective is to restore or enhance the mobility of spinal joints that may be restricted or have abnormal movement patterns.
- Pain Relief: Spinal manipulation is often used to reduce musculoskeletal pain, especially in the back and neck regions.
- Functional Improvement: By addressing spinal joint dysfunction, practitioners aim to improve overall spinal function and the nervous system’s interaction with the body.
Conditions Treated with Spinal Manipulation
- Back Pain: Spinal manipulation is commonly utilized for the treatment of acute and chronic lower back pain.
- Neck Pain: It is also used to address neck pain and stiffness.
- Headaches: Some practitioners use spinal manipulation to manage certain types of headaches, particularly those associated with tension or musculoskeletal issues.