Objective To observe the effect of cervical rotatory manipulation on tensile mechanical properties of atherosclerotic carotid artery in rabbits, so as to provide safety references for such manipulation. Methods Twenty male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into control group (n=10) and experimental group (n=10), then all fed with high-cholesterol diet for 12 weeks. The rabbits in experimental group were then applied with cervical rotatory manipulation (rotating on each side once a day during a total of 4 weeks), while no manipulation for rabbits in control group. The bilateral carotid arteries were obtained after all the rabbits were executed, and measured for the maximum load, the maximum displacement, the average load, the elastic modulus, elongation at break and stress-strain by the material testing machine. Results The maximum tension, the maximum displacement, the average tension, the elastic modulus and elongation at break in experimental group were (1.36±0.35) N, (6.84±2.08) mm, (0.44±0.30) N, (4.30±2.66) MPa and (83.08±51.32)%, respectively, while the corresponding data in control group were (2.92±0.65) N, (9.23±2.62) mm, (1.17±0.63) N, (3.71±0.60) MPa and (154.19±34.32)%. The maximum load, the average load and elongation at break in experimental group were obviously smaller than those in control group (P<0.05), while no statistical differences in the maximum displacements and elastic modulus between two groups were found (P>0.05). Conclusions The tensile mechanical properties of atherosclerotic carotid artery after cervical rotatory manipulation were declined; thus, intensity and magnitude of cervical rotatory manipulation should be proper so as to avoid harm to carotid artery.