Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a broad term that refers to a variety of hands-on techniques used to diagnose, treat, and manage pain and dysfunction. It is something we use generously at Click Physiotherapy as we are aware of the benefits as seen below.

Manual therapy techniques can be used to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing of soft tissues. They can also be used to improve nerve function and reduce inflammation. This is part of our hands-on approach at Click Physiotherapy.

Common Manual Therapy Techniques

Some of the most common manual therapy techniques include:

• • Joint mobilization: This technique uses gentle, passive movements to improve joint range of motion.
  • Joint manipulation: This technique uses a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust to move a joint beyond its normal range of motion.
  • Soft tissue mobilization: This technique uses a variety of techniques, such as massage, stretching, and myofascial release, to loosen and relax tight muscles and connective tissues.
  • Neural tissue tension techniques: These techniques are used to release tension in the nerves and surrounding tissues.
  • Contract-relax techniques: This technique uses specific positions to relax muscles and reduce pain.

Most manual therapy techniques will be reasonably pain-free, however some soft tissue work will involve trigger-point release which can be painful.

What is Manual Therapy used for?

Manual therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including:

• • Spinal pain
  • Headaches
  • Sports injuries
  • Upper limb pain
  • Lower limb pain
  • Tendinopathy
  • Arthritis

Your therapist will guide you through how manual therapy might be helpful in treating your current condition. Also keep in mind that manual therapy is not needed in every rehabilitation situation – this will be advised by your Physiotherapist.

Manual therapy is generally safe and effective, but there are some risks, such as bruising, soreness, and temporary worsening of symptoms. Please talk to your Physiotherapist if you have any concerns about your medical history or past effects of manual therapy.

Your Physiotherapist will always check how you are doing through the course of a manual therapy treatment. Please report any pain or discomfort in real time to help us adjust the treatment as necessary.

Benefits

The exact mechanisms of why manual therapy works is still unclear. It’s postulated that it has effects on the nervous system which can increase blood flow to the area and activate natural pain-dampener pathways in the bran. Here are some of the benefits of manual therapy:

• • Reduces pain
  • Improves joint range of motion
  • Reduces muscle tension and spasm
  • Promotes healing of soft tissues
  • Improves nerve function
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Promotes relaxation and reduces stress

If you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction, manual therapy may be a helpful treatment option for you. At Click Physiotherapy we will always use this treatment as an adjunct to your rehabilitation.