What Is Manual Therapy?

Manual therapy, or manipulative therapy, is a physical treatment primarily used by physical therapists, physiotherapists to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability

It most includes kneading and manipulation of muscles, joint mobilization and joint manipulation. It's also used by occupational therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, athletic trainers, osteopaths, and physicians.

Manual physiotherapy is a specialised form of physical therapy delivered with the hands as opposed to a device or machine.  In manual therapy, practitioners use their hands to put pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints in an attempt to pain caused by muscle spasm, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction. 

Salius Physiotherapists have advanced in various forms of manual therapy and all have a keen interest in it. 

Salius physiotherapy believes that manual therapy is an integral part of treatment.

Manual therapy Treatment may include moving joints in specific directions and at different speeds to regain movement (joint mobilization and manipulation), muscle stretching, passive movements of the affected body part, or having the patient move the body part against the therapist’s resistance to improve muscle activation and timing. Manual Therapy is intended to treat soft tissue, joint inflammation and pain, as well as increase range of motion, facilitate movement and improve function. Manual therapists rely on their hands to “feel” different tissue consistencies, as well as employ a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy to make diagnoses and administer treatment.  

Manual therapy may benefit various soft tissue injuries and pain like back pain and neck pain. It is often used as treatment for back pain and treatment for neck pain. 

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