Manual therapy is a technique that involves treatment of the body's musculoskeletal and neurological systems through physical manipulation.
Chiropractic, physiotherapy, osteopathic medicine, and soft tissue massage are all forms of manual therapy.
Manual therapy focuses on addressing structures in the body that have been put under stress. It is a hands-on method that can be used to address discomfort from tendonitis, muscle pain, and headaches.
Read on to find out more!
1. Chiropractic
Chiropractors are health care practitioners who promote spinal and joint health, primarily through manual therapies.
Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the body's bones and joints, muscles, and ligaments. The goal of chiropractic treatment is to relieve pain and improve range of motion in order to improve musculoskeletal function.
Some approaches include the Thompson technique, diversified chiropractic, and applied kinesiology.
2. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a branch of medicine that focuses on the prevention of physical disorders.
Physical therapists are also trained to detect problems in the body before they become serious health issues. They are also trained to handle musculoskeletal injuries and other issues with the muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons.
A physiotherapist may be able to address orthopaedic injuries or rehabilitation for neuromuscular conditions. A physiotherapist's job may include preventing injuries by evaluating employee workstations or recommending changes to equipment as well as training athletes on injury prevention methods.
3. Osteotherapy
Osteotherapy is an alternative medicine that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Osteopathy is also a type of osteopathic medicine which may be used for people who have back pain or neck pain.
An osteopath uses their hands and fingers to assess how well the patient's muscles and joints are working. An osteopath may also use other techniques such as stretching, massage, movement therapy and exercise therapy.
4. Soft tissue massage
A soft tissue massage, or massage therapy, is a form of manual therapy that may improve tissue quality and decrease pain.
There are many benefits to soft tissue massage as it may help improve range of motion, reduce the recurrence of headaches and migraines, and release tension from the neck and back.
Wrap up
Manual therapy is a type of therapy where a skilled therapist uses their hands to manipulate or apply pressure to the muscles, joints, and soft tissues.
This personal touch is what makes manual therapy one-of-a-kind. Manual therapy may be used on areas that are sore, overused, injured, or even where there is no pain at all.
