Definition and application
Manual therapy is a treatment in which the therapist, using appropriate grips and manipulations, uses specialized diagnostic and treatment techniques aimed at detecting and treating disorders within the joints, ligaments, muscles and posture patterns, movement and breathing patterns.
Manual therapy is most often recommended in the following musculoskeletal disorders:
reduction/limitation of the range of motion (e.g. due to overload, degenerative or traumatic changes),
so-called articular blockage associated with pain during movement and/or at rest and changed joint and tissue resistance at the end of the range of motion,
in states of incorrect "setting" of the joint,
in muscle and fascial dysfunctions,
in body posture disorders.
Manual therapy is also used to prevent misalignment of the joint.
Manual therapy alone, although it can bring noticeable effects after the first treatment, is not everything. Proper patient preparation is of great importance. For this purpose, physical therapy treatments are often recommended to warm up and relax the muscles. A therapeutic massage is also beneficial. Keep in mind that it is also important to lead a healthy lifestyle. The physiotherapist instructs the patient on how to prevent pain while performing everyday activities, such as lifting weights, getting up, lying in different positions. It is also advisable to perform isometric exercises at home that do not strain the joints.
Unfortunately, no method of treatment is a universal remedy for pain. Manual therapy also cannot be conducted in all patients.
A contraindication is any weakening of the bone structure and joint tissue.
Therefore, you cannot use the treatments when advanced osteoporosis, fractures and bone cracks, ligament tears, joint instability and other diseases of the skeletal system, e.g. bone tuberculosis, have been diagnosed.
Also, patients with severe inflammation with fever should not be treated.
Manual therapy covers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment techniques. It can bring surprising results in a short time. However, it should be approached with caution. Treatments can only be performed by educated specialists who have completed specialist courses and who, before starting the first examination, will perform a comprehensive interview with the patient. This will guarantee safety and allow you to get satisfactory results.