Manual Therapy

What is manual therapy?

Manual therapy, in essence, means exactly what the name suggests: the therapist works manually with their hands. Thus, treatment techniques such as mobilizations, manipulations, massages, and more can be considered part of manual therapy. However, since these techniques have different mechanisms and objectives, the term "manual therapy" primarily refers to mobilizations and manipulations. In this regard, Heymans et al. (2003) also define manual therapy as specifically focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of joint function disorders by inducing an articular movement.

What is the purpose of manual therapy?

The primary goal of manual therapy is to optimally stimulate both passive and active tissues to initiate or support healing processes. As a result, it can be used for pain relief and improving movement.

In the context of pain relief, manual therapy aims to provide a positive sense of movement, promote joint mobility, increase local blood circulation, and enhance neuromuscular coordination. This not only stimulates metabolism and promotes wound healing but also helps build confidence in one's own body again.

Regarding movement improvement, manual therapy is used to expand passive and active range of motion, prevent contractures, or enhance neuromuscular coordination. For example, if you can't fully raise your arm due to an injury, surgery, or pain, it is essential for your body to utilize as much of the shoulder joint's range of motion as possible, as otherwise, contractures (adhesions in the connective tissue) may develop. These contractures can progressively limit your mobility. In such a case, a physiotherapist would use manual therapy to passively move your arm as far as possible. This reduces the risk of contracture formation and provides your body with a positive sense of movement, which may eventually allow you to actively move your arm more.

However, it's important to note that manual therapy should be seen as a complement to other treatment techniques, as the best results are often achieved through a combined approach. For instance, manual therapy can create excellent conditions for optimal movement. Yet, the chance of sustained therapeutic success increases when you subsequently actively practice the movements as well.

What needs to be considered for the use of manual therapy?

In manual therapy, certain contraindications must be assessed to ensure a safe treatment for you. These may include factors such as the current condition of the joints, acute injuries, or osteoporosis. It is also important to consider any recommendations from your doctor, for instance, after a surgery. If you have any questions or concerns regarding manual therapy, we are here to provide advice and information.