About Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used to assess and treat problems involving muscles, joints and other soft tissues. It draws on anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, with the aim of improving movement and function and helping to reduce pain.

Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include:

Joint mobilisation
Techniques used to improve movement in stiff or restricted joints.

Soft tissue techniques
Hands-on techniques addressing muscular tension and restricted soft tissues.

Fascial and connective tissue techniques
Techniques aimed at improving the mobility of connective tissues.

Neuromuscular techniques
Techniques involving the interaction between the nervous system and muscular function.

Craniosacral techniques
Gentle hands-on techniques originating from the cranial osteopathic tradition.

Treatment may also be combined with individually selected exercises, strength and mobility work, breathing techniques and advice about returning to activity.

A Brief History of Manual Therapy

Hands-on approaches to pain and physical dysfunction have existed in many cultures for centuries.

During the late nineteenth century, several modern systems of manual treatment developed, including osteopathy, founded by physician Andrew Taylor Still, and chiropractic, founded by D.D. Palmer.

Today, manual techniques form part of a number of healthcare and therapeutic professions, including osteopathy, physiotherapy, chiropractic and manual therapy.

Although the education, scope of practice and philosophy of these professions differ, they share the use of hands-on techniques to address movement and musculoskeletal function.

What Can Manual Therapy Help With?

Manual therapy can form part of the management and rehabilitation of many musculoskeletal problems and is not limited to athletes or acute injuries.

It may be used as part of an individual treatment plan for: