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Manual therapy is one of the popular methods of physiotherapy that can help many people relieve pain, improve the functions of the musculoskeletal system and restore full physical fitness.In this article, we will discuss what manual therapy is, who it is intended for, what its techniques are, as well as contraindications and how to prepare before visiting a physiotherapist.
Manual therapy – what is it?
Manual therapy is a specialized method of physiotherapy that is based on manual manipulation of the patient’s soft tissues and joints.The main goal of a manual therapist is to restore the optimal function of the musculoskeletal system and reduce pain.
Manual therapy – indications
Manual therapy can be an effective form of treatment for many people suffering from various types of musculoskeletal ailments.The most common indications for manual therapy are:
- Back pain, including low back and neck pain
- Dizziness and headaches caused by problems with the cervical spine
- Joint pain, including shoulder, elbow and knee pain
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions
- Muscle pain syndromes
- Posture problems
- Rehabilitation after sports injuries
Manual therapy – techniques (types)
Manual therapy includes a variety of techniques that can be used depending on the patient’s needs.The most popular manual therapy techniques are:
- Joint mobilizations
- Joint manipulations
- Soft tissue stretching
- Targeted massages
- Stabilization exercises
- Functional training
Manual therapy – soft tissue techniques
Soft tissue manual therapy techniques are particularly effective in reducing muscle tension, improving tissue elasticity and increasing blood and lymph circulation.The most commonly used soft tissue techniques include:
- Deep massage
- Trigger point therapy (trigger point treatment)
- Fascial release (relaxing the fascia)
- Kinesiotaping
Manual therapy – contraindications
Although manual therapy is an effective method of physical therapy, it is not suitable for all patients.There are certain contraindications to its use that should be taken into account before starting treatment.Contraindications to manual therapy are:
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Fractures
- Thrombosis
- Some diseases of the circulatory system
- Pregnancy (in some cases)
Manual therapy – how to prepare before visiting a physiotherapist?
Before visiting a physiotherapist, it is worth doing a few things to get the most out of manual therapy:
- Gather information about your health, injuries and illnesses
- Prepare comfortable clothing that allows the therapist to access the areas that require therapy
- Take care of body hygiene so that the therapist can work on clean skin
- Prepare for a conversation with the therapist during which you will discuss your needs and goals of therapy
Your suggestions
Manual therapy can help many people improve their quality of life and get rid of pain.If you have any suggestions or experiences with manual therapy, please share them with other readers in the comments section below.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in physiotherapy and manual therapy, we also recommend reading our other articles on this topic:
- “Physiotherapy in the treatment of spine pain”
- “Sports massage – an effective method of regeneration after training”
- “What are the benefits of regular exercise?”
Manual therapy is a valuable treatment method that can provide relief to patients with various musculoskeletal disorders.If you have health problems related to this system, consult an experienced physiotherapist to find out whether manual therapy may be the right form of therapy for you.