Cavitation (the pop)
From the plain-English glossary.
Definition
The audible pop during some adjustments: gas briefly coming out of solution inside joint fluid as surfaces separate — shown on real-time MRI (2015). Harmless, and not the therapeutic part.
Why it matters to you
Chasing the pop is chasing a sound effect. The mechanical change in the joint is the treatment, sound or no sound.
This page is education, not medical advice for your specific situation — an examination is how care decisions get made. If you may be experiencing an emergency, call 911. Full medical disclaimer.
Related terms
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