Principles of HVLA

Question 1

HVLA

Answer 1

method in which the restrictive barrier is engaged in one or more planes of motion and then a rapid, therapeutic force of brief duration traveling a short distance is applied. Purpose is to restore motion that is experiencing restriction

Question 2

Work

Answer 2

mass x distance x acceleration

Question 3

Short vs Long lever

Answer 3

1. Short - impulse is directly placed in bony landmark; best for restricted, hypertonic, guarded, and endomorphic patients
2. Long - patient positioned so that upper segment is placed at the restrictive barrier and the lower is positioned opposite the upper segment’s positioning (no contact on dysfunction).

Question 4

What range does HVLA occur?

Answer 4

HVLA occurs within the anatomic range of motion which border is defined by the anatomic barrier. Injury occurs when motion is forced beyond this barrier. This is why distance is kept to a minimum.

Question 5

Synovial Fluid

Answer 5

A Non-Newtonian Fluid changes its viscosity under stress. With slower velocities, synovial fluid as a low viscosity and moves freely. With faster velocities, the viscosity spikes and it significantly resists movement.

Question 6

True or False: Cervical manipulation is safer than NSAIDs?

Answer 6

True

Question 7

What are steps of HVLA?

Answer 7

1. Diagnose a clinically relevant somatic dysfunction
2. Localize the segment to be treated.
3. Relax the patient
4. Position each component of the dysfunction to the restrictive barrier.
5. Use release-enhancing maneuvers if necessary (patient’s breathing, isometric contraction, and then relaxing).
6. When confident that the patient is relaxed and not guarded, add a rapid acceleration thrust with total joint movement kept to the absolute minimum.
7. Reassess

Question 8

Which techniques are direct?

Answer 8

HVLA and muscle energy