23/08/2023
"POP" "CRACK" "CLICK" - Let's talk about the sounds joint make, either on their own or during treatment...ββββββββββββββββββJoint sounds are very common in both normal and symptomatic joints. Creaky knee's climbing up and down stairs, clicky wrists when picking up objects, popping hips as you change postiions... are all examples of truely harmless, and normal, joint sounds.
We refer to these sounds as 'cavitations'. Cavitation is the process where a sound is made after a change in pressure in the joint/tissues, that causes gasses from within the joint to be released.
Joint sounds during treatment:
In some cases, particulalry in joint mobilisations, a cavitation may be elicited. This is not the joint going back into place as a lot of people think. Rather, an indication that we have created a bit of movement within the joint space.
That's not to say that if it doesn't click it isn't moving - it all comes down to the movement of gasses within the joint that may, or may not, be displaced.
It may be that your physio's hand and wrist joints clicks while doing hands-on teatment more than yours do!
When to be concerned?
Joint sounds accompanied with pain, swelling or limited movement may be a sign that there is something else going on. We would recommend consulting your Physio or GP if you haven't already seen them for the issue.
For the most part, clicky joints are normal joints and a sign of good joint health!