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. 

Osteopaths commonly use HVLA techniques in the clinic to relieve joints that are acutely sore or chronically restricted. However, it is best performed in conjunction with other techniques like soft tissue massage and exercise rehabilitation. It is worth noting that HVLA isn’t a technique that is limited to the spine. It can be performed on most of the joints in the body, including the hips, ankles, wrist, and ribs. 

Some common conditions that your osteopath may use HVLA to treat are:  

• Joint sprains of the neck and spine  
• Ankle restriction  
• Pelvic pain  
• Hip pain  
• Postural dysfunction  
• Wrist pain  
• Rib pain  

It is important to note that HVLA thrusts come with risks, the more serious being fractures, vascular and neural disturbances. However, through an Osteopath’s 5 years of study and in-clinic experience, the likelihood of adverse reactions to the thrust is greatly reduced. These complications can also arise from all manual therapy techniques and normal day-to-day neck movements. Several factors such as age, weight, gender, or any medical conditions you may have can affect your likelihood of having an adverse reaction to the technique. After taking a patient history and performing a thorough physical examination, your Osteopath will be able to safely decide whether HVLA will be beneficial or if the risk of complication would outweigh the benefit of the technique.

If you do not want your Osteopath to perform an HVLA thrust on you, please let them know. There are many different ways to treat the issue you want addressed when seeing your Osteopath, and they will be able to use an alternative technique if needed. If you would like any further information or would like to make an appointment give our friendly reception staff a call on 9876 5815.

References:  

Hennenhoefer, K. & Schmidt, D. (2019). Toward a Theory of the Mechanism of High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Technique: A Literature Review. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 119(10), 688-695. https://doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2019.116