The manual therapy uses primarily hand-on active and passive intervention techniques and includes mobilization and manipulation. It is most effective when combined with therapeutic exercise and other rehabilitative activities.
Manual Therapy could include a joint manipulation. Most people think of that as a crack or a pop or snap in a spine or a joint like an ankle, for example. It could also mean something as simple as a muscle stretch. The facilitation of a muscle for a contractile or neurological re-education effect is also manual therapy. When performing soft tissue work, therapists apply pressure to the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles. This pressure can help relax muscles, increase circulation, break up scar tissue, and reduce or eliminate soft tissue inflammation.
Manual Therapy can be a helpful treatment for a wide range of issues, including:
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle tension
- Low back pain
- Neck pain and injuries
- Hip, knee, ankle and foot problems
- Hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder problems
- Injuries caused by accidents
- Work related injuries.
Techniques used in manual therapy
- Myofascial release (MFR)
- Dry Needling
- Muscle energy technique (MET)
- Deep tissue massage
- Mobilisation and manipulation etc