What is the term for the application of a resisted movement without thrust?

The term for the application of a resisted movement without thrust is manipulation. Manipulation involves techniques that are used to improve the function and biomechanics of joints and soft tissues through controlled movements and resistance, but without the rapid and forceful thrust commonly associated with adjustments.

In the context of chiropractic practice, manipulation aims to restore joint mobility and alleviate pain while allowing the practitioner to utilize their skills to influence muscle tone and improve overall function. It's distinct from adjustments, which usually involve a high-velocity thrust to restore alignment to the spine or other joints.

Alignment refers more broadly to the proper positioning of structures, rather than a specific action taken by a practitioner, while mobilization generally indicates a gentler approach to moving a joint through its available range of motion, potentially involving more passive techniques. Thus, manipulation precisely captures the aspect of applying resisted movement without the forceful thrust characteristic of adjustments.