What Is Manipulation Under Anesthesia?
Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) is a specialized procedure in which spinal or joint manipulation is performed while the patient is under light sedation. The anesthesia relaxes the muscles and eliminates the body’s natural guarding response, which can allow for a more effective release of chronic adhesions and restrictions than is achievable during a standard, awake adjustment.
MUA is reserved for select cases, typically chronic conditions that haven’t responded adequately to an extended course of conservative chiropractic care, and is performed in coordination with the appropriate medical team in a clinical setting equipped for the procedure.
How Manipulation Under Anesthesia Works
MUA is a carefully coordinated procedure involving both chiropractic and medical providers.
Candidacy evaluation
We thoroughly evaluate your history and prior treatment to determine whether MUA is an appropriate option.
Coordinated procedure
The procedure is performed under sedation, in coordination with a medical team, allowing for a deeper manipulation than is possible while awake.
Post-procedure care
Follow-up care, including rehabilitation, is essential to maintain and build on the results of the procedure.
Benefits of Manipulation Under Anesthesia
- Achieves a deeper release — of chronic adhesions and restrictions than standard adjustment alone.
- Eliminates the body’s guarding response — which can otherwise limit the effectiveness of manipulation in chronic cases.
- Reserved for appropriate candidates — following a thorough evaluation process.
- Coordinated, multi-disciplinary care — involving both chiropractic and medical providers.
- Followed by structured rehabilitation — to help maintain and build on results.
What to Expect
MUA is a more involved procedure than a standard visit, with a structured process before and after.
- A thorough evaluation to confirm you’re an appropriate candidate for the procedure
- Coordination with the medical team involved in administering sedation
- The procedure itself, performed in a clinical setting equipped for MUA
- A structured post-procedure rehabilitation plan to support and maintain your results
Good to know
MUA is reserved for select, appropriately screened cases. call 386-400-3620 to discuss whether your condition may be a candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for manipulation under anesthesia? +
MUA is generally considered for patients with chronic conditions that haven’t responded adequately to an extended course of standard conservative chiropractic care.
Is MUA safe? +
It’s performed in coordination with a medical team in a clinical setting equipped for the procedure, following a thorough evaluation to confirm appropriateness for each patient.
How is MUA different from a regular adjustment? +
A regular adjustment is performed while you’re awake, and your body’s natural muscle guarding can limit how much release is achieved. Under sedation, that guarding response is eliminated, allowing a deeper, more complete manipulation.
What happens after the procedure? +
Structured post-procedure rehabilitation is an essential part of MUA, helping to maintain and build on the results achieved during the procedure.
How many procedures are typically needed? +
It varies by case, and we’ll discuss what’s appropriate for your specific condition during your evaluation.
Will my insurance cover MUA? +
Coverage varies by plan. Our team can help you understand what’s involved for your specific situation.
