Manual Therapy

Manual therapy, or manipulative therapy, is a physical treatment used by Physiotherapist to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability. it mostly includes kneading and manipulation of muscles, joint mobilization and joint manipulation. Manual therapy targets the muscle and fascial systems, promotes flexibility and mobility of the body’s connective tissues. It is also used to mobilize adhesions and reduce severity/sensitivity of scarring. Manual therapy helps to restore Range of Motions of joints and helps to maintain mobility and flexibility of the body.

The International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) defines manual therapy techniques as: “Skilled hand movements intended to produce any or all of the following effects: improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion of the joint complex; mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints; induce relaxation; change muscle function; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or movement restriction.”

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. Selected specific soft tissue techniques may also be used to improve the mobility and function of tissue and muscles.”