28/01/2026
This week’s post is the first in our series focused on explaining and demystifying chiropractic techniques, and is all about Manual/Structural techniques… we hope you enjoy!
Manual or structural chiropractic techniques have a physical and mechanical goal to restore mobility and alignment in the spinal joints and extremities, using precise, hands-on adjustments 🙌
You may hear these described as “HVLA” techniques — meaning high velocity, low amplitude. In simple terms, the movement is very fast, but small and controlled, using speed and accuracy rather than force, and always adapted to the individual body and nervous system.
The most widely recognised example of this style is Diversified chiropractic. Diversified uses specific hands on contacts to restore range of motion at the involved segment — easing tension, and supporting healthy communication between the brain and body. Because of its foundational role in chiropractic education, Diversified is taught at all chiropractic colleges, meaning most chiropractors receive some training in this approach.
As Diversified works directly with joint motion, these adjustments may sometimes involve a small ‘pop’, known as a cavitation 🍾 this is simply the release of gas from the joint — much like opening a fizzy drink — and is completely normal and harmless. It isn’t the goal of the adjustment, just something that can happen as movement is restored 😌
Like all techniques, manual and structural approaches are only used with full consent from the patient receiving the adjustment, and will be adapted for different ages, body types, sensitivities, and comfort levels 💛 Here at Thrive all of our chiropractors are trained in manual and structural techniques. Diversified is a particular area of clinical interest and specialty for our associate chiropractor, Max Watkins.
If you’d like to read more, the full blog is available on our website (link in bio).
