Joint manipulation is a physiotherapy technique with certain ¡°status?inside our therapeutical tools due to the promise of good results in a very brief period of time, the halo of mysticism that surrounds it, the fear produced by side effects during its application and the type of impulse to be developed. Although literature almost always refers to only one kind of manipulation, the rotatoric one, manipulation can be made through translatoric movements of traction and gliding that offer optimal results in increasing joint movement and minimize the risk of excessive stress on the intraarticular structures. Therefore, a diagnosis of joint hypomobility with a firm end feel suitable for the indication of a correct application of translatoric manipulation avoids eliciting an adverse reaction to our treatment. In the cervical spine and specially in the upper cervical spine, this situation is magnified because adverse reactions in this region could be fatal for the patient.
Conclusion
The effectiveness and security of cervical manipulation depends on an appropriate indication, a precise diagnosis, and adequate election of the type of manipulation and its correct application.
