fbpx

MOBILIZE 物理治療中心

Menu

Physiotherapy Treatment

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a specialized physiotherapy technique designed to alleviate musculoskeletal pain and enhance joint mobility through hands-on interventions. It encompasses joint mobilization, joint manipulation, and soft tissue mobilization techniques, each tailored to specific conditions like sprained ankles, low back pain, neck pain and shoulder impingement. Manual therapy can be categorized into joint mobilization, joint manipulation and soft tissue mobilization. 

Joint Mobilization

Physiotherapists can manually mobilize joints in various angles and amplitudes to facilitate better joint movement. Spinal traction, manual distraction, joint gliding are all common techniques used to mobilize joints that are stiff and painful in the cases of sprained ankles, low back pain, neck pain and shoulder impingement.

Joint Manipulation

This is a thrusting technique performed with high velocity and low amplitude to mobilize a joint and occasionally results in an audible pop or crack. Since this technique requires higher forces, it should not be done to joints that are highly sensitive or with significant swelling. Most physiotherapists are trained to manipulate the lumbar and thoracic spine.

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Muscles, ligaments and fascia are all commonly treated soft tissues with manual therapy. The purpose of such technique is to optimize the length-tension relationship of the affected soft tissues to facilitate muscle contraction in normal range of motion.

Soft Tissue Mobilization​

Here are some common soft tissue techniques used in physiotherapy:

Muscle Energy Techniques

A combination of active contraction and stretching of the affected muscle guided by the Physiotherapist.

Stretches

The shortened muscle is taken to the point of stretch to increase mobility. It could be done actively or passively in various speeds and durations.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points are nodules found within a muscle that are hyper-sensitive which can restrict movement and cause pain. They are usually identified from palpation by a physiotherapist. Trigger point release is a technique where direct pressure is applied to the identified trigger point for a short period of time. As the trigger point softens, the pain and stiffness of the muscle should improve.

Sports Massage

A combination of massaging techniques are employed to target various muscle groups affected by delayed onset muscle soreness caused by fatigue and overuse.

Benefits of Manual Therapy

Non Invasive

unlike dry needling or acupuncture, manual therapy could influence joints and muscles just from applying forces externally.

Instant relief

if applied to the right tissue with the appropriate dosage, the patient should experience instant relief in terms of pain and mobility.

Adjustable technique

there is constant communication between the therapist and patient during manual therapy so the technique can be adjusted instantly according to the patient’s feedback for optimal results.

FAQs About Manual Therapy for Muscle Pain Treatment

Manual therapy and massage both target soft tissue release, but manual therapy, including techniques like joint mobilizations and manipulations, is specifically administered by trained physiotherapists based on clinical assessment.

Manual therapy, particularly when applied intensively to sensitive areas, can sometimes lead to post-treatment soreness or bruising. It’s crucial for physiotherapists to conduct a thorough examination to determine the appropriate intensity for each patient. Patients with conditions such as osteoporosis, acute pain from trauma, suspected fractures, or neurovascular symptoms (like numbness and tingling) should inform their physiotherapist beforehand.

Prior to treatment, obtaining informed consent is essential. Alternative modalities such as shockwave therapy, interferential therapy, and dry needling are available for patients who prefer non-contact treatments or when manual therapy is not suitable.

The duration of manual therapy varies based on factors such as the specific tissues treated, the severity of symptoms, and the number of areas requiring attention. Typically, manual therapy sessions are followed by exercise therapy

If you have other questions, please feel free to contact us.
WHATSAPP US