Manual Therapies
Chartered Physiotherapy in Blackpool, St. Annes, Lytham, Poulton, Cleveleys and FleetwoodWhat are manual therapies?
Manual physical therapy is a type of specialised physical therapy which is delivered by the therapist hands-on, as opposed to using any devices or machines. Your physiotherapist uses their hands to put pressure on your soft tissues and manipulating joints in an attempt to relieve pain, release tension and knots, and improve alignment. Studies have found that manual therapeutic techniques are effective in relieving muscle spasms and joint dysfunction when used in combination with other physiotherapy methods.
What are some of the different techniques?
Manual therapies can be broadly grouped into two areas:
- Soft tissue work – applying pressure to the muscles and tendons of the body. The aim is to relax the muscles, boost circulation, break down scar tissue, and ease pain that can be held in the soft tissue.
- Mobilisation and manipulation – measured movements of varying speeds (fast or slow), force (forceful to gentle) and distances (“amplitude”) to pull, twist or push your bones and joints into alignment. This is particularly helpful in those with tight tissues around a joint, significant joint pain, or a lack of flexibility.