Manual Therapy is a hands-on treatment used by physiotherapists to relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and enhance overall body function. It includes techniques like massage, joint mobilization, myofascial release, and stretching to promote healing and relaxation.
What is Manual therapy ?
Manual therapy methods are effective hands-on techniques used by physiotherapists to relax muscles, relieve pain, and improve mobility. Techniques like massage therapy (including kneading, stroking, and tapping) help increase blood circulation and reduce muscle tension. Myofascial release targets the fascia, a connective tissue that can become tight due to injury or stress. Trigger point therapy applies focused pressure to knots or tight muscle areas to relieve pain and improve muscle function. Muscle Energy Technique (MET) uses gentle muscle contractions against resistance to stretch and strengthen muscles.
Manual therapy equipment
Other approaches include Positional Release Therapy, which involves placing the body in a position of comfort to allow muscle relaxation, and Soft Tissue Mobilization, which breaks down scar tissue and improves flexibility. Joint Mobilization gently moves stiff joints to ease surrounding muscle tension, while Craniosacral Therapy uses light touch to relieve tension in the spine and head. Assisted stretching methods like PNF enhance flexibility, and IASTM uses special tools to treat deep soft tissue restrictions. These manual therapy techniques are selected based on the patient’s needs, pain level, and recovery goals.