What is a common endpoint cue indicating a successful HVLA, in practice?

• A. An audible crepitus alone.
• B. A rebound after initial motion.
• C. A perceptible release or improved joint motion and tissue texture.
• D. A complete cessation of all joint motion.

Answer: (C)

In HVLA, the endpoint cue you’re looking for is a perceptible release or an actual improvement in the joint’s motion and the surrounding tissue texture. When the thrust is effective, you’ll often feel or observe the joint “give” and the tissues around it soften, with easier, more balanced motion after the adjustment. An audible crepitus can happen from cavitation, but it isn’t by itself a reliable indicator of success. A rebound after the initial motion isn’t a desired signal, and completely stopping all joint motion would be unsafe and not the goal of a proper HVLA adjustment.