Manual Therapy

Pain relief and improved mobility with manual therapy. Manual physiotherapy and therapeutic massage with skilled physiotherapist to reduce joint stiffness and improve mobility

What Is Manual Therapy?

Manual therapy is the application of hands-on techniques by trained therapists to manipulate soft tissue, joints, and nerves. Also referred as manipulative therapy, manual therapy, is skillful handling with the hands to give a therapeutic effect for treatment of a variety of health ailments and restore motion to the joints of the body. It is an important party of physiotherapy.

Let’s say you are having stiffness in your hip. During your sessions in the clinic, your therapist may use manual therapy techniques like joint and soft tissue mobilization and/or therapeutic massage to improve your range of motion and decrease stiffness and discomfort when you walk.

Techniques Used in Manual Therapy

Here are some frequently used manual therapy techniques:

Joint mobilization: A physiotherapist moves a joint at different speeds, depths, and amplitudes to restore normal joint movement.
Joint manipulation: A practitioner gives a joint a light shove to reduce pain and increase mobility. This technique often makes a clicking or popping sound.
Muscle energy technique (MET): This technique is used for acute and chronic pain management and restore joint mobility. It is often used for lower limbs and neck.
Myofascial release: Also called Trigger point therapy, this technique involves stretching the fascia, the connective tissue between the skin and the muscle and bone structure.

Soft tissue mobilization: A physiotherapist uses specific techniques on the muscles, ligaments, and fascia to break adhesions and improve muscle function.
Therapeutic Massage: This technique involves manual manipulation of the body's soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Mobilization: A gentle hands-on technique used to improve the function of joints and increase range of motion. It is often used on stiff or poorly aligned joints or bones.
Active Release: This technique involves applying pressure to an area of tension or adhesion to restore normal tissue motions.

Benefits of Manual Therapy

Manual therapy can be very effective in:

Along with exercise therapy, the addition of manual therapy to your treatment is a great way to ensure that you recover faster. Your joints and tissues are designed to function as a balanced system, and when dysfunction occurs, manual therapy can be a great way to begin restoring normal movement patterns.

Conditions Treated by Manual Therapy

At ReLiva, your physiotherapist will often include Manual therapy as a part of an integrated approach to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

Contraindications of Manual Therapy and Therapeutic Manual Massage

Research has identified the following as contra-indications to Manual therapy:

Manual therapy is not to be applied to joints that are acutely inflamed. After the inflammation has subsided, however, manual therapy can be utilized to resolve a possible remaining functional disturbance.

Manual Therapy in Neurological Conditions

Manual therapy plays a pivotal role in treating neurological conditions. It is designed to manage and minimise symptoms such as trouble with balance, muscle weakness and stiff joints that are typically linked to neurological disorders.

Techniques like Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) are used to improve motor control and muscle function.
Stretching and soft tissue manipulation help in reducing muscle tension and enhancing flexibility.

These approaches have shown benefits in treating conditions such as paralysis, cerebral palsy, delayed developmental milestones, and cervicogenic headaches. Manual therapy can be particularly beneficial for those recovering from a stroke or dealing with neurodegenerative diseases, addressing geriatric physical concerns, and assisting in muscle and tendon rehabilitation.

Manual Therapy in Post-Surgical Recovery

Manual therapy is often used to aid post-operative recovery for the following benefits:

Physiotherapists often use manual therapy in combination with other techniques, such as exercise programs and electrotherapy, to provide a comprehensive treatment for recovery after surgery.

Manual Therapy for Pediatric and Geriatric Populations

Manual therapy is a versatile approach used in both pediatric and geriatric rehabilitation to address various physical impairments and improve overall function.

In pediatric rehabilitation, manual therapy is tailored to the unique needs of children, from infants to teenagers. It is used to treat conditions such as developmental delays, neuromuscular disorders, and musculoskeletal issues. Manual therapy also lends itself to play therapy that is extensively used by ReLiva’s Pediatric rehab therapists.

In geriatric rehabilitation, manual therapy focuses on addressing age-related conditions and improving the quality of life for older adults. Manual techniques are used to:

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FAQs

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Therapies available at ReLiva Physiotherapy & Rehab

Physiotherapists use a combination of advanced and specialised therapies for effective pain relief, improved movement and faster recovery.