What is spinal manipulation?
Spinal manipulation is a precise, hands-on thrust applied to a single spinal segment: high velocity, low amplitude. High velocity means it is fast. Low amplitude means it is small, far smaller than most people picture before their first one. Your therapist positions the joint until the slack is taken up, then delivers a quick, shallow impulse through that one segment. It takes a fraction of a second. Dr. Egbuzie holds a Diploma of Osteopractic and a certification in spinal manipulation, which is training in exactly this: choosing the right segment, ruling out the reasons not to touch it, and delivering the technique cleanly. Osteopractic physical therapy is a specialized approach that combines manual therapy and advanced techniques to address musculoskeletal issues effectively, and manipulation is one technique inside that approach rather than the approach itself. What it does well is buy a window. A stiff, guarded spine gets less pain and more available motion, so the corrective work that follows in the same session actually lands. What it does not do is hold that window open on its own.
That is why a thrust is always followed by loading. You do not need a referral to be seen for this in Texas, and you will not be manipulated on day one simply because you asked for it. The evaluation comes first, it runs 45 to 60 minutes with Dr. Egbuzie one on one, and Fittees is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Medicare, with a detailed superbill available for other plans' reimbursement. Most patients feel relief after their first session, and a typical plan runs two to three visits a week for four to six weeks.
