Aches and pains in our joints are often caused by wear and tear and become more common as we get older but they can also be caused by sporting injuries.
Stiffening and contraction of muscles, tendons and ligaments can often be a side effect of wear and tear on a joint. Manipulation can help loosen it up, improve range of movement and ultimately aims to ease the pain.
At Spire Alexandra Hospital, Chatham, Kent, our specialist Orthopaedic Surgeons will help you take control of your health.
When is joint manipulation needed?
Joint pain can be a debilitating condition, particularly in the hips, knees and ankles. It can prevent us from staying active and this, in turn, can lead to wider health problems. Because joints are complex regions of the body it’s often hard to diagnose a specific cause for the pain, but some common causes are:
- muscle spasm or contraction
- slight misalignment in the joint
- trapped tissue
- tight joint capsule.
Manipulation is a non-invasive, simple treatment that can help ease pain, improve range of movement and get you back to more active, healthy lifestyle.
We pride ourselves on our clinical excellence, you'll be looked after by an experienced multi-disciplinary care team.
How much does Joint manipulation treatment cost at Spire Alexandra Hospital
We can't display a fee for this procedure just now. Call us for a quote.
Who will do it?
Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.
All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.
Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.
Before your treatment
You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
Preparing for joint manipulation
We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.
For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.
Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.
Joint manipulation procedure
We understand that having any medical procedure can be a time of worry and anxiety, even if it’s a relatively straightforward one like this. Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there for you every step of the way.
You will be put under a general anaesthetic for joint manipulation, so you will be asleep throughout and this will make your muscles more relaxed – aiding the procedure. Your doctor will then use his or her hands to move the joint, taking it to its full capacity in every direction.
The treatment usually takes about 20 minutes.
*Procedures available may vary on location.
Joint manipulation recovery time
After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.
A physiotherapist will visit you while you’re with us and show you some exercises to do that will help speed up your recovery.
Pain relief
Your joint will feel sore after the procedure so we will give you pain relief medication while you’re with us and to take home with you.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
Recovery time
Once home, it’s sensible to take it easy for the first day. You may find you have some discomfort in the joint for a couple of days, but a successful manipulation should ultimately give you more movement than you had before.
It’s crucial that you continue with the exercises recommended by your physiotherapist, as these will help you to maintain movement in the joint.
How your loved ones can help
Once you’re ready to be discharged, you’ll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home because you won’t be able to drive. You should also ask them to help with shopping and cleaning for a few weeks.
Looking after you
We’re with you every step of the way through your recovery, even after you’ve left hospital.
After your treatment we will provide you with the appropriate medication, physiotherapy exercises, advice on what you should and shouldn't do, and any other follow-up support you need. Typically your consultant will want to see you after your treatment to see how you’re doing. You might also be seen by a physiotherapist. A follow up appointment will be made for you before you leave the hospital.
On rare occasions, complications following treatment can occur. If you experience the pain in your joint worsening during the few days after your procedure or if you experience any swelling or numbness – don’t hesitate to call us. We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they could apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns we’re ready to help.
Why Spire Alexandra Hospital is the best choice
We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.
Find Spire Alexandra Hospital, Chatham, Kent (Near Maidstone)
You'll find us approximately eight miles from Maidstone and five miles from Chatham. London Gatwick Airport is approximately 45 miles away.
We offer services to patients throughout the South East of England and Kent particularly Medway and the surrounding areas including Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Rainham, Sittingbourne, Sheppey and Maidstone.
Impton Lane,
Walderslade,
Chatham,
Kent
ME5 9PG
Email: info@spirealexandra.com
Hospital Reception: 01634 687 166
How to get here
By car
From M20 Junction 6
Follow signs for the A229 to Chatham. Stay on the A229 for little over a mile and take the exit signposted 'M2 London and Canterbury'. Turn right at the top of the slip road and then follow the signs for Walderslade and Lordswood, going over the M2 motorway. At the T-junction turn right, following signs for Lordswood and continue straight over the next roundabout. Take the third turning on the left into Impton Lane, then the first left into Orbit Close and the hospital entrance is on the left.
From M2 Junction 3
Follow the signs to Walderslade. At the T-junction turn right following signs for Lordswood and continue straight over the next roundabout. Take the third turning on the left into Impton Lane, then the first left into Orbit Close and the hospital is on the left.
By public transport
The nearest railway station is Chatham, a 10-minute taxi journey away. The hospital is also well served by buses, with the 169 and 179 buses stopping outside the hospital.
Important to note
The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.
Spire Alexandra Hospital,
Impton Lane
Walderslade
Chatham
ME5 9PG