Manipulation Therapy Explained: Benefits, Safety, and When It's Right For You
- Dr. David Didlake, DPT
- Oct 23, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 3
Have you ever heard of the terms "adjustment," "thrust," or "manipulation" in the healthcare setting?
If you're among the nearly 50% of American adults suffering from musculoskeletal injuries, chances are you have. These manual therapy techniques are powerful tools in a physical therapist's arsenal for treating pain and improving mobility.
What Exactly Is Manipulation Therapy?
Manipulation is a specialized manual treatment technique performed by trained physical therapists. It's characterized by:
High velocity: The movement happens quickly (60-97 milliseconds fast!)
Low amplitude: Minimal force is applied
Targeted approach: Directed at specific joints in the spine or extremities
Versatile positioning: Can be performed with patients standing, sitting, or lying down
Mid-range application: Performed near the middle of a joint's range of motion (especially important for neck manipulations)
Audible response: Often produces one or more popping sounds
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy with specialized certification in spinal manipulation, I use this technique regularly to help patients overcome pain and movement limitations.
Is Manipulation Therapy Safe?
Some people express concerns about manipulation safety, but the research and clinical evidence tell a compelling story:
TREATMENT | RISK OF COMPLICATION |
Spinal Fusion Surgery | 1 in 6 (16.7%) |
NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen) | 3 in 10 (30%) for GI issues |
Lumbar Manipulation | 1 in 10,000,000 (0.0000001%) |
Cervical Manipulation | 1 in 5,700,000 (0.00000018%) |
When performed by a qualified clinician following proper screening protocols, manipulation therapy stands out as remarkably safe compared to many common alternatives.
What Conditions Can Manipulation Therapy Help?
As a fellowship trained osteopractic Physical Therapist, I use manipulation techniques to:
Increase joint mobility and range of motion
Relieve acute and chronic pain in the musculoskeletal system
Improve circulation to affected areas
Reset muscle function and reduce spasms
Release nerve entrapments causing radiating symptoms
This approach may be particularly beneficial if you're experiencing:
Joint stiffness or restriction
Neck or back pain
Chronic musculoskeletal conditions
Muscle spasm or persistent tightness
Movement limitations affecting daily activities or athletic performance
Is Manipulation Therapy Right for You?
While manipulation is remarkably safe and effective, it's not appropriate for everyone. Certain conditions may contraindicate this treatment approach.
That's why I always perform:
Comprehensive medical history review
Thorough physical examination
Appropriate screening tests
This ensures you receive exactly the right treatment for your specific condition.
For Golfers: Improve Your Game Through Better Movement
As a TPI Medical Level 3 Certified provider specializing in golf performance, I understand how musculoskeletal restrictions can impact your swing mechanics. Manipulation therapy can be a valuable component in optimizing your body for golf, potentially helping you:
Increase rotation through your thoracic spine
Improve hip mobility for better weight transfer
Enhance shoulder function for improved swing path
Decrease pain that limits your practice or play
Ready to Experience Relief?
If you're struggling with pain or movement limitations, manipulation therapy might be the solution you've been looking for. Remember—relief may only be a few pops away!
Schedule Your Assessment Today
Call our office or book online to discover if manipulation therapy is right for your condition.
Remember, relief may only be a few pops away!
Here's to your health and your golf game!
Dr. David Didlake, DPT
PT, Cert. SMT/DN, CSCS, Cert. TPI Medical Level 3, Dip. Osteopractic, FAAOMPT
Owner, Integrative Therapeutics "Home of the Saint Louis Golf Doc"
Follow me @theintegrativeclinic @thestlgolfdoc
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What is Physical Therapy? Understanding Treatment, Benefits & Expert Care. by Dr. David Didlake, DPT
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The Vital Connection Between Breathing and Pain-Free Movement. by Dr. David Didlake, DPT
Low Back Pain in Golfers: Evidence-Based Treatment & Prevention Tips from a Fellowship Trained Osteopractic Physical Therapist. by Dr. David Didlake, DPT
Near Infrared Light Therapy: The Red Light Revolution in Healthcare. by Dr. David Didlake, DPT Electric Dry Needling: A Modern Approach to Pain Relief. by Dr. David Didlake, DPT
References
For those interested in the scientific evidence behind manipulation, we've included some key research citations:
El-Tallawy SN, Nalamasu R, Salem GI, LeQuang JAK, Pergolizzi JV, Christo PJ. Management of Musculoskeletal Pain: An Update with Emphasis on Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. Pain Ther. 2021 Jun;10(1):181-209. doi: 10.1007/s40122-021-00235-2. Epub 2021 Feb 11. PMID: 33575952; PMCID: PMC8119532.
Haldeman S, Rubinstein SM. Cauda equina syndrome in patients undergoing manipulation of the lumbar spine. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1992 Dec;17(12):1469-73. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199212000-00005. PMID: 1471004.
Haldeman S, Carey P, Townsend M, Papadopoulos C. Arterial dissections following cervical manipulation: the chiropractic experience. CMAJ. 2001 Oct 2;165(7):905-6. PMID: 11599329; PMCID: PMC81498.
Chatterjee S, Dureja GP, Kadhe G, Mane A, Phansalkar AA, Sawant S, Kapatkar V. Cross-Sectional Study for Prevalence of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Gastrointestinal, Cardiac and Renal Complications in India: Interim Report. Gastroenterology Res. 2015 Aug;8(3-4):216-221. doi: 10.14740/gr658w. Epub 2015 Jul 22. PMID: 27785299; PMCID: PMC5040529.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment.
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