Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Purpose: the aim of this study was to compare manual manipulative therapy to instrument assisted manipulative therapy in the treatment of thoracic facet dysfunction. Method: Thirty symptomatic participants with thoracic facet dysfunction were selected. The participants were divided equally into two groups, each group receiving a different treatment. One group received manual spinal manipulation using the Diversified Technique and the other received instrument assisted manipulation with the use of the Activator Adjusting Instrument. The participants needed to fulfil to the inclusion and exclusion criteria to form part of this study. Each participant had to have seven consultations within a three week period. Each participant received six treatments out of the seven consultations. Procedure: Subjective data was collected using the McGill Pain Questionnaire and the Numerical Pain Scale. Objective data was collected using a pressure algometer to measure pressure pain threshold. Completion of the questionnaire and pain scale as well as the pressure algometer readings were recorded prior to treatment on the first, fourth and seventh consultations. The data was then analysed by a statistician. Results: Clinical improvement was noted in both groups over the duration of the study with regards to pain. The manual manipulation group did show a greater improvement in pressure algometer measurements. No statistical significance was observed. Conclusion: The results indicated that both Manual and Instrument assisted spinal manipulative therapies are effective in the treatment of thoracic facet dysfunction. Manual manipulative therapy did prove to be slightly more effective.