HVT
A High Velocity Thrust (HVT) or a click in your back - it is the same thing. It is where we aim to put some movement through any specific joint. It will be to a joint where we feel there is not as much movement as there should be or it feels as if it is not quite sitting as it should. Usually, this will be an area of dysfunction in your body. Doing a HVT technique can affect the muscles attached to the bones involved and have a positive effect on them.
HVTs may improve movement and function of the joint, it may provide pain relief by stimulating endorphins around the joint and by encouraging a joint to move more the overall joint health improves.
We will move your body to a position where the joint is 'locked' by adding a little bit of each movement the joint can do so that it is not in a vulnerable position. We then apply a short-ranged, fast impulse through the joint, just nudging it a little further.
We take a thorough case history upon your first appointment and often ask questions that seem irrelevant to your problem. This is part of a general screening process to see if there is anything more sinister going on causing your symptoms and make sure you are safe to treat. The techniques that are chosen for your treatment are picked for their suitability for you.
We will always explain the technique we are about to do, why we think it is appropriate and ask for consent before doing the technique. If you are happy to have the technique done and then change your mind, you may refuse consent at any time. This is your right. We have a large variety of techniques that we may use, some of which may have the same positive outcome but over a longer period of treatment.
There are dangers with all types of manual therapy and HVTs are no exception. You may feel sore around the area following treatment. This should reside over a day or so and we would recommend that you apply a cold compression to the sore area for 3-5 minutes every hour whilst required. If it becomes very uncomfortable please call us and we will give you further advice. If it is not during office hours or you have any unusual symptoms you should call your out of hours GP service. There is also a very small risk we could fracture the joint but if we thought this was of concern we would not suggest a HVT as an option.
