OMT - High Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA) Thrust Technique

Study Notes

Thrust refers to a high-velocity low-amplitude technique, often associated with cracking or popping sounds.
This technique involves applying a rapid and precise movement to a joint, which can help to restore proper alignment and movement.
The use of thrust techniques in spinal manipulation has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving range of motion in patients with various musculoskeletal conditions.

Joints support the body, enabling movement and providing structural support.
Understanding the basic biomechanics of joints is essential for understanding the principles of thrust manipulation.
Joints can be classified into three categories based on their range of motion: Synarthroses, Amphiarthroses, and Diarthroses.
Each type of joint has its own unique characteristics, and understanding these differences is crucial for effective thrust manipulation.

Joints can be categorized into three types based on their connective tissue: Fibrous joints, Cartilaginous joints, and Synovial joints.
Fibrous joints are characterized by a thick, tightly woven connective tissue, and are typically found between bones in the skull or jaw.
Cartilaginous joints are cushioned by a layer of cartilage that joins the bones together, and are typically found in areas where movement is restricted, such as the pubic symphysis joint.
Synovial joints are characterized by a cavity in one bone that fits into another bone, with slippery hyaline cartilage covering the bone ends, and are typically found in areas where movement is more free, such as the shoulder or hip.

Fibrous joints have limited flexibility, with some not moving at all.
There are three types of fibrous joints: Sutures, Gomphoses, and Syndesmoses.
Sutures are joints that hold the plates of the skull together, and are essential for maintaining proper head shape and function.
Gomphoses are joints that hold teeth in place in the jaw bones, and play a crucial role in maintaining proper dental alignment and function.
Syndesmoses are joints that hold two closely related bones together, and are typically found in areas where movement is limited, such as the ankle or wrist.

Cartilaginous joints have some movement, but not in many directions.
Examples of cartilaginous joints include those where the ribs meet the sternum and the pubic symphysis joint.
Cartilaginous joints are characterized by a layer of cartilage that joins the bones together, and provide relatively limited movement compared to synovial joints.

Synovial joints have the most freedom to move, with a synovial membrane lining the space between the bones.
There are six types of synovial joints: Hinge joints, Ball and socket joints, Pivot joints, Condyloid joints, Saddle joints, and Ellipsoidal joints.
Hinge joints open and close in one direction, and are typically found in the elbow or knee.
Ball and socket joints allow for rotation and turning in almost any direction, and are typically found in the shoulder or hip.

The spine is composed of five vertebral segments, each with nerve roots exiting under the respective vertebrae.
Small joints, such as zygapophyseal joints, have synovial joints on the upper