The biomechanics of spinal manipulation: the high-velocity low-amplitude thrust

Biomechanics of Spinal Manipulation: The High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Thrust

The high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust is a spinal manipulation technique involving a rapid, controlled impulse to a specific vertebral joint. This article examines the biomechanical principles of the HVLA thrust, detailing the forces applied, the resulting joint kinematics, and the physiological phenomenon of joint cavitation.