Manual Therapy
What is manual therapy?
Manual therapy is a specialised physiotherapy technique entailing a hands-on approach to diagnose, treat, and manage various injuries and conditions. It involves joint mobilisation, soft tissue mobilisation, and stretching techniques.
What are the benefits of manual therapy?
- Reduces pain: Manual therapy techniques target pain at its source, relieving discomfort and stiffness.
- Increase circulation: It promotes increased blood flow to treated areas, supporting tissue healing and reducing inflammation.
- Promote healing: Manual therapy can help drain built-up fluids from the lymphatic system and promote tissue regeneration.
- Improve joint mobility: Manual therapy improves an individual’s range of motion by addressing joint restrictions and muscle tightness.
- Reduces stress: Manual therapy provides relaxation and pain relief, which contribute to reduced stress levels and an improved sense of physical and mental well-being.
What conditions are treated by manual therapy?
Manual therapy is a practical approach to managing conditions such as:
- Back and neck pain: Manual therapy can address chronic or acute pain in the back and neck by relieving muscle tension and improving spinal alignment and flexibility. Techniques such as spinal manipulation and soft tissue mobilisation can help alleviate pain.
- Headaches: Manual therapy can manage tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches (originating from the neck). Techniques that target the cervical spine and surrounding muscles can relieve tension and reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
- Sports injuries: Athletes often experience various injuries, from sprains and strains to overuse injuries. Techniques like deep tissue massage and joint mobilisation can facilitate recovery by reducing pain and improving the range of motion of injured areas.
- Arthritis: Manual therapy is beneficial for individuals with arthritis, a condition characterised by inflammation of the joints that leads to pain and stiffness. Gentle mobilisation techniques can improve joint function and reduce stiffness and pain.
- Muscle strains and sprains: Manual therapy can play a vital role in the healing process when muscles or ligaments are overstretched or torn. Soft tissue mobilisation and myofascial release can help relieve tension and promote circulation and healing.
- Joint stiffness: Manual therapy can be particularly effective for individuals experiencing joint stiffness due to various conditions, such as ageing, injury, or post-surgery. Techniques like joint mobilisation and targeted exercises can help reduce discomfort and restore mobility.
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