The word "manual" is a borrowed word from the Latin 'manus'- the hand. Generally, manual therapy is a passive treatment technique for joints and associate structures. In other words, manual therapy is a series of different hands-on-techniques to evaluate and treat the status of fascia, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and joints. Manual Therapy is a powerful tool used by therapists and trainers to asses and to treat pain, to restore the normal range of motion in joints, and to increase the flexibility of muscles. Manual therapy (MT) is mostly known as a mobilization technique for joints. But, MT is certainly more than that. It includes massage, joint mobilization, strain-counterstrain, and muscle energy. Although, there are different types of MT- techniques that may have different approach to address the problem, yet they have all one thing in common - to restore the pain free full functionality. Furthermore, it can be used to improve the muscle strength and coordination. Since the pain can have multiple causes, the techniques are often used together to allow the maximum benefit during a session.
Benefits from using manual therapy techniques:
Massage:
Increase of:
- coetaneous circulation
- lymphatic drainage
- elasticity of scar tissue
- cell metabolism
- flexibility of ligaments and muscles
- Stimulates sensory receptors of the skin and subcutaneous tissues
- flexibility
- endorphin release
Decrease of:
- pain
- muscle spasm
- trigger points
- stress
- edema
Joint mobilization:
Increase of:
- pliability of the ligaments
- extensibility of the joint capsule
- physiological joint function
- stimulation of joint receptors
- joint nutrition
Decrease of:
- pain
- edema in the joint
- muscle spasm and tension
Strain-Counterstrain:
Increase of:
- proprioceptive activity
- physiological joint function
- stimulation of joint receptors
- joint nutrition
Decrease of:
- pain
- muscle spasm and tension
Muscle energy:
Increase of:
- range of motion
- muscle flexibility
- muscle relaxation
- joint function
- postural balance
Decrease of:
- pain
- muscle spasm
- joint stiffness