Manual Therapy (MT)

What is manual therapy?

Manual therapy is a form of physical movement therapy in which blockages are released by external action. Such blockages occur, for example, when vertebrae shift and painfully irritate adjacent nerves. These blockages are released gently or jerkily through movement. The stimulus for movement comes either from the therapist’s hand (manus, Latin for hand) or from training with equipment.

How does manual therapy work?

By releasing the blockages, the mobility of muscles and joints is restored. The pain caused by the irritation of the nerves disappears. By allowing the body to move normally again, poor posture, tension and further pain are prevented.

What is done in manual therapy?

At the core of manual therapy are various grip techniques that are used to release the blockage by passively moving the affected body part. In addition, the use of certain devices may be useful. The measures of manual therapy include:

• manipulative technique
• mobilizing technique
• traction treatment
• sling table
• Spinal stretcher

Manipulative technique

In the manipulative technique, the therapist jerkily moves the blocked body part with force to release the blockage. The sliding back of displaced vertebrae to the correct position is accompanied by a loud cracking sound.

Mobilizing technique

In the mobilizing technique, the affected body part is gently stretched by slowly twisting and pulling. This creates space so that, for example, a displaced vertebra can return to its correct position.

Traction treatment

Traction treatment, also called extension treatment, involves applying traction to the spine or affected joints. This moves the joint partners away from each other. This creates relief for the joint surfaces and bruised nerves and stretches the tight muscles. In the case of a herniated disc, for example, traction creates enough space for it to slide back into its normal position. Traction treatment can be done manually, but equipment is usually used.

Sling table

The sling table allows individual limbs to be suspended. Thus relieved, the therapist can then apply targeted traction, manually or with the aid of expanders. As part of the traction treatment, this provides pain relief, relief and the space needed to release the blockage.

Spinal stretcher

The spinal stretcher is a flat device with a slight curvature that has several rubber rollers. When the patient lies on it, the affected parts of the body are stretched over the rollers. The training effect can be enhanced by exercises.

When to use manual therapy?

Manual therapy provides pain relief and improved mobility wherever the function of the musculoskeletal system is disturbed. Common complaints for which Manual Therapy is used include:

• Spinal complaints such as herniated discs.
• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Rheumatism
• Irritation of the sciatic nerve
• Arthritis of the joints

Manual therapy may be used only for reversible blockages. It is also not indicated for fractures, burns, inflammations or cancers with formation of metastases. Manual therapy may therefore only be performed by specially trained physiotherapists on a doctor’s prescription.