People are often confused by these words as various health professionals use these words differently. Both joint mobilisation and joint manipulation mean movement of a joint which results in a similar outcome.

Mobilisation is a passive gliding movement applied by the practitioner (usually with their hands) to affect the position of a specific skeletal joint. The joint is moved along its normal direction of movement. Mobilisation is graded from grade 1 to grade 5 depending on speed and amplitude of the movement applied.

Grade I - Low amplitude, slow rhythmically oscillating joint glide near the resting position of the joint.

Grade II - Large amplitude, slow rhythmically oscillating joint glide within the normal range of motion of the joint.

Grade III - Large amplitude, slow rhythmically oscillating joint glide to the end range of motion of the joint.

Grade IV - Low amplitude, slow rhythmically oscillating joint glide within the normal range of motion of the joint.

Grade V – A single high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust at the end range of motion.

There has been extensive evidence showing that all grades of mobilisation help to inhibit pain and that it is not always the strongest push that gives the best result.

A chiropractic manipulation is a grade 5 mobilisation. A single high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust. The average chiropractor studies and practices this technique for a minimum of 5 – 6 years before gaining their license. It is a highly skilled maneuver and is not something you should ask your friends or partners to do on you without formal training. Above all else it is most important to know when not to manipulate which can only be deciphered after a thorough history and physical examination by a chiropractor.

Benefits of joint manipulation include:

- Reduced pain

- Reduced soft tissue inflammation

- Improved range of motion

- Restored mobility and function

Activator Technique

Activator is a small hand-help instrument. It provides a low-force, high-speed thrust and is the most common lower force chiropractic technique used worldwide. The setting on the activator can be adjusted for patient comfort. Commonly used on patients with osteoporosis or other conditions related to weaken bone. Patients who find it hard to relax may also opt for this method of treatment.

It was patented in 1978 and is a FDA registered medical device.

Soft tissue refers to muscles, connective tissue (fascia), ligaments and tendons. Treatment of this tissue can be in the form of trigger point therapy, soft tissue release, post isometric relaxation, instrument assisted myofascial release (including gau sha) to name a few. The goal of treatment is to release trigger points (knots), adhesions and scar tissue which works wonders for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, hip or shoulder bursitis and tendinitis.

Benefits of soft tissue therapy include:

- Restored biomechanical motion and flexibility

- Increased blood circulation to problem area

- Improved posture

- Reduced muscle and joint pain

- Reduced stress

Dry needling treatment is used to relieve muscular pain. A fine, solid, stainless steel needle is inserted in to the trigger point of the affected muscles. There is no medication on the needle. The needle is solid and does not store any fluid (therefore it is “dry”). The needle is inserted by the practitioner in to or around the area of pain. Stimulating a trigger point with a needle increases blood circulation to muscle bringing oxygen and nutrients to help the muscle return to normal resting state. Additionally, nerves are stimulated as the needle is inserted sending signals to the brain to release endorphins which are neurotransmitters that block the transmission of pain.

Benefits of dry needling include:

- Decrease tightness

- Increase blood flow

- Reduce local AND referred pain

- Treat both acute and chronic pain

Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. Acupuncture is a form of Chinese Medicine which focuses on treating a vast array on conditions and requires separate training. Dry needling is performed by physical and sports injury therapists including chiropractors.

Adhesive tape applied to the patient’s body by the practitioner.

Whether you have injuries from sport, or repetitive strain from poor posture, taping can help. Different types of tape are used for different outcomes.

Supportive tape is rigid and non-elastic used to support joints. Joints such as ankles, knees, shoulders can be taped to stop movements to assist in the recovery of damaged ligaments or tendons.

Kinesiology tape is thin and stretchable designed to move with the body. Mid back taping can help bring the scapula (shoulder blade) back and down to help with posture.

Benefits of sports taping include:

• Muscle, joint and ligament support

• Reduces swelling and inflammation

• Alignment correction

• Improves blood circulation