Frequently Asked Questions
What is MUA?
MUA-FRP stands for Manipulation Under Anesthetic with Fibrous Release Pressure, and simply refers to a medical procedure in which the patient in lightly anaesthetised while manipulation of certain body parts in carried out by a medical practitioner. This can be extremely beneficial for those suffering from chronic pain, fibrous adhesions or spinal problems, as many of the required treatment procedures can be too painful or too difficult to complete while the patient is fully conscious.
Is MUA new or experimental?
No, MUA has been practiced since the late 1930’s, and has since developed into a commonly used alternative to invasive surgical procedures by medical professionals from many different fields. There is very, very little risk associated with MUA-FRP and the practice is considered safe and is widely accepted by the medical community. This is because there have been many studies completed about the benefits of MUA that date back to the 1940’s, and since then medical and anesthetic knowledge and technology has only increased.
Who can benefit from MUA?
MUA-FRP is a valuable medical procedure for many people suffering from neck, back or joint problems or pain, chronic pain or conditions caused by long-term disabilities, accidents and injuries that have not been responsive to traditional treatment. There are many people who seek MUA as an alternative to surgical procedures and who undertake MUA as a part of a recovery or healing therapy from surgery also. To see if MUA is right for you, see our section on ‘Who is Eligible.’
How do I know if it’s what I need?
Your doctor will complete a referral, or you will undertake a consultation for you to have MUA completed. Spinal manipulation is necessary when joints in the vertebral column become located and unmovable and other treatments have failed to resolve the issue. It may also be recommended for you if you have had ongoing pain or musculoskeletal issues or joint problems that conventional chiropractic practices have not helped.
Who should not have MUA?
Those who do not have a muscular or skeletal issue should not have MUA completed. Other conditions that may interfere with your ability to have MUA include osteoporosis, heart dies, cancer, history of stroke and uncontrolled hypertension. Your doctor will complete your full examination to see is MUA is right for you, but for additional information please refer to our ‘Who Is Eligible’ section.
Why does MUA work?
MUA is a beneficial practice as it allows the affected muscles and bones to be mobilized, manipulated and articulated without usual conscious resistance, reflex or pain that is present after injury or disease. The state of relaxation brought about by the use of anesthesia allows the physician to complete practices that are too difficult or painful while the patient is conscious, but are also often do not need surgical procedures to treat.
Why does anesthesia help?
The patient is given a sedative – usually deprivan (propofol) and/or versed, and sometimes fentanyl to achieve a comfortable twilight sleep. This helps to relax and essentially shut-down the muscle spasm cycle, allowing spinal and joint movement, and sedates the nerves responsible for pain perception. The anesthesia also relaxes the muscles, which allows the physician to complete stretch and them in a way that will work to increase mobility and flexibility in the patient.
What is MUA like?
After the patient has been given the sedative and is in a state of twilight sleep, the doctor will go through a series of unique movements that aim to treat the patient’s conditions. This generally includes many techniques similar to a chiropractic visit, however often in more depth and more extreme. The doctor may also be assisted by medical professionals from other fields to ensure the treatment is holistic. Depending on the severity of the condition, the patient may have to return for up to three days of consecutive treatment.
What happens after MUA?
Immediately after the procedure, the patient is awakened and monitored by medical professionals as they regain their normal waking consciousness. Post-procedure therapy generally begins the same day, with a visit to the chiropractic office where the patient will be introduced to a series of stretches and muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises that they will have to continue for weeks following the procedure. Generally electro-therapy and cryotherapy are completed after the initial procedure too.
What are the usual results of MUA?
The patient normally experiences an immediate improvement in their condition, generally including increased mobility and reduced pain. There is generally some soreness after the procedure, as the muscles and joints have been worked on thoroughly, but this fades after a day or two.