Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is one of the commonly used physiotherapy approaches. Based on the assessment findings around joints, muscles, and soft tissues, it may be used when certain movements feel uncomfortable, tissues feel tight, or movement does not feel as smooth as before. The focus is to improve movement feel and make some activities feel more natural.
When may manual therapy be considered?
- Discomfort or pulling during certain movements
- Muscle tightness affecting movement or posture
- A feeling that joint movement is stiff or less smooth
- More obvious symptom response with pressure or loading in some areas
- When improving movement feel or settling symptoms during activity is a priority
What is usually assessed first?
Assessment usually looks at which movements bring on the symptoms most clearly, when the symptoms are more noticeable, and whether the presentation seems more related to the joint, muscle, or surrounding soft tissues. Where appropriate, movement pattern, tissue tightness, and symptom response during activity may also be checked to help decide whether manual therapy is suitable.
How is manual therapy usually used?
Manual therapy is usually aimed at addressing the response of the relevant joint, muscle, or soft tissues, so that some movements feel easier and symptoms become easier to manage. It may then be followed by movement advice or exercise therapy where needed, so that the improvement can gradually carry over into daily activity.
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Exercise Therapy
Shoulder Pain
Low Back Pain
Not sure how your current condition should be managed?
You may first arrange a physiotherapy assessment to understand the more suitable management approach according to your symptoms, activity needs, and rehabilitation goals.