The effect of high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation on suboccipital tenderness

High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation is commonly advocated by manual therapists to relieve spinal pain and dysfunction. The aim of this controlled, single blinded study was to investigate whether HVLA manipulation of the occipito-atlantal (OA) joint had any lasting effect on pressure pain thresholds (PPT) in the suboccipital musculature in an asymptomatic population. HVLA manipulation of the OA joint did not significantly change the PPT of the suboccipital muscles in asymptomatic participants. HVLA produced a greater mean increase in PPT and effect size compared to the control group over both time intervals, and therefore investigation of the effect of this technique with a symptomatic population is warranted. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program