Table 1 Necessary features of manipulation (from Evans & Lucas 2010 [10])

Action (that which the practitioner does to the recipient)

A force is applied to the recipient

The line of action of this force is perpendicular to the articular surface of the affected joint

Mechanical response (that which occurs within the recipient)

The applied force creates motion at a joint

This joint motion includes articular surface separation

Cavitation occurs within the affected joint