One of the more common questions we get asked is about joint manipulation – the clicking we do to release joints. These can often be in the spine and can seem a little startling.

In joint manipulation, the aim is to first tension a joint and then put a quick, small movement through it to release the tension, with the result often being a small ‘popping’ noise, the same as when someone clicks their knuckles. We mainly use this technique because the evidence shows that it can free a joint up and help it move better. In the case of the spine, for instance, if one of the five lumbar vertebrae isn’t moving as well as the others, this technique can help free it up, so the other joints don’t have to do so much. The technique can also release endorphins which can help with pain and trigger the body’s immune system.

That said, some people don’t feel comfortable or are not suitable for spinal manipulation. This is why we ask lots of screening questions as we go and also why we have lots of other techniques and skills we can use to get you back into health.