Manual therapy

Manual therapy or hands-on physiotherapy is regularly used by our team at Malvern East Physiotherapy. It is great at reducing pain and improve mobility. However, have you often wondered what is designed to do? Our physiotherapist Fraser Hillier examines what is manual therapy and why it works so well.

What is manual therapy?

Manual therapy encompasses any type of “hands on” treatment that your physiotherapist may perform. This includes massage, joint mobilisations, manipulations and stretching techniques. The aims of these treatments are to decrease pain and improve mobility and flexibility. It is commonly used the early stages of physiotherapy treatment or following a “flare up” in symptoms.

What are the benefits of manual therapy?

The benefits of manual therapy include:

• Pain relief
• Reduced muscle tension and stiffness
• Increased movement and joint mobility
• Reduced inflammation and improve capacity for healing

Importantly, a lot of these changes from manual therapy only last for a short period of time. Your physiotherapist combine this treatment with a number of simple things that you can do at home to create long last change.

Commonly, we can use these techniques to provide a analgesic effect, allowing regular movement and exercise to be completed. When used appropriately and combined with specific exercises, manual therapy is incredibly effective in fast tracking the rehabilitation process and getting you back in action sooner.

If you are experience pain, contact our friendly team or book online.