What Is Joint Cracking?
Joint cracking, also known as High Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA) thrust, is a technique that involves performing a short but fast thrust into a joint’s restricted range of motion to temporarily improve its movement and function. The cracking sound that is heard is thought to be a joint cavitation, where a bubble of gas is released from within the joint’s synovial fluid, decreasing the pressure inside the joint.
Osteopathy For The Older Population
As we get older, our bodies slowly begin to change after the journey that we have been on. This can be in the form of aches and pains or stiffness or could even feel like a loss of strength. These changes may affect the way in which we perform our daily activities or how we interact with the community.
One of the big risks as we age is the increase in likelihood of falls. This can lead to a reduction in the quality of life and individuals feeling like they must be restrictive in what they do in life.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a manual therapy technique that is frequently used when treating muscle pain and tension as well as issues related to joints and tendons. It involves the insertion of a very fine needle into a region where you may be experiencing pain or have decreased function. This works by creating a reflex response in which the needle induces microtrauma to the muscle or tendon it is inserted into, which then causes a migration of inflammatory cells to the area which then aids in healing a repair of the structure. It is also though that introducing a new stimuli to a painful area impedes on that reflex arc and thereby the muscle is able to relax.