Understanding Manual Therapy and its Amazing Benefits
In the physiotherapy world, manual therapy is an integral component of physiotherapy practice, using the hands to assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal pain, and dysfunction. It is an enjoyable way of approaching pain management and recovery by using various hands-on techniques. This article will look to reflect on manual therapy, the importance of manual therapy in Australian physiotherapy, and the practitioner methods entirely reliant on skilled professionals.
Manual therapy in physiotherapy
Manual therapy is an invaluable part of modern practice in an Australian physiotherapy context. Manual therapy is defined as skilled assessment and manipulation of the muscle, joints and soft tissue which has the purpose of restoring movement and minimizing pain. Manual therapy in physiotherapy is anything other than remedial modalities, which may involve machines and other forms of passive treatment – it is 'practitioner-centred'; meaning the hands of the physiotherapist are mindful and skilful to provide an experience that is individualised and precise.
In physiotherapy, manual therapy will generally occur in conjunction with exercise programs, patient education, and rehabilitation planning as part of an evidence-based, whole patient approach to treatment. Manual therapy is desired outcome is restoring normal patterns of movement, reducing pain, and bringing a patient back to optimal overall physical function.
Why Manual Therapy is Important
Manual therapy is one of the most effective and well-known methods of treatment in physiotherapy, one of the reasons for that is the positive benefits it provides for patients.
Pain Relief
Many Australians will first see a physiotherapist for pain relief and even by focusing on the exact area, the physiotherapist gets them feeling better just by the means of manual therapy to alleviate the pain and inflammation. Techniques like myofascial release and trigger point therapy are great for alleviating chronic pain and increasing comfort.
Improved Mobility
Manual therapy can assist in improving range of motion and flexibility by targeting specific joints and tissues to optimize movement. This is often beneficial following an injury, surgery or prolonged tightness, allowing the body to return to natural movement patterns in a safe and effective manner.
Improved Function
Manual therapy works to alleviate pain and improve mobility limitations resulting in improved function in our daily life tasks. Patients report finding everyday activities more manageable and feel more confident in their movement capabilities post treatment.
A natural partner for treatment
Manual therapy is a natural adjunct to any other physiotherapy treatment. When it is used in combination with strengthening and stretching, as well as education, it provides a holistic treatment method to recovery and long-term outcomes.
Common Manual Therapy Techniques
Joint Mobilisation
A technique that takes slow, gentle, controlled variations of movement through a joint surface to improve range of motion and decrease stiffness at a joint. Joint mobilisations are appropriate for conditions like arthritis or post-immobility following an injury.
Soft Tissue Manipulation
A technique that uses a variety of types of touch including kneading, rolling and deep-pressure to focus on area of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Soft tissue manipulation helps reduce tightness, facilitate blood flow and relieve strained muscles.
Myofascial Release
A technique that uses slow sustained pressure to release the restriction in the fascia, which is the connective tissue around the muscle that promotes/maintains alignment and mobility.
Trigger Point Therapy
A technique that focuses on deactivating the dysfunctional “knots” in tissue tightness that refer pain to remote areas of the body. This treatment approach improves mobility, decreases tension and pain and successfully tackles chronic discomfort.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
A gentle slow rhythmic technique that promotes lymphatic flow to reduce swelling, optimal recovery and healing following injury or surgery. This technique is particularly beneficial in complex cases following lymphoedema (swelling due to the disruption of the lymphatic draining system) and recovery following surgery.
Experience Hands-on Treatment at Power Physio
At Power Physio or experienced physiotherapist will include manual therapy as part of everyone's treatment plan to help clients across Melbourne move better, feel better and live pain free. Whether you are recovering from an injury, have a chronic condition, or you want to improve your mobility, our multidisciplinary team will provide hands-on treatment based on evidence and individualised assessment.
You will see the difference that skill manual therapy can make. Call Power Physio today and make an appointment for individualised treatment to assist in your long term strength, recovery and wellbeing.