The best manual therapy

Manual therapy is a form of physical therapy that uses hands-on techniques to improve joint function and increase mobility. Manual therapists work with patients to improve their range of motion, strength, stability and endurance to reduce pain. The goal is not only to treat an injury, but also to prevent it from happening again. This is done by improving the functioning of joints on the one hand and improving posture and movement on the other, in which the spine plays a central role. The manual therapist uses a number of specific techniques for this. The effects of manual therapy are aimed at improving freedom of movement and reducing pain.

What is manual therapy and how does it work?

Manual therapy is a form of physiotherapy that uses hands-on techniques to improve the function of joints and muscles. It can also help improve posture and movement, especially of the spine. Manual therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including neck pain, back pain and joint pain. It can also be used to improve mobility and reduce pain. A common example of manual therapy is massage therapy, which focuses on reducing tension and loosening muscles through manipulation with the hands. This can be done with or without movement, but always with better function in mind.

Benefits of manual therapy

Some benefits of manual therapy are that it can help improve movement and range of motion and reduce pain. It can also help improve the function of joints and the posture and movement of the spine.

Common conditions treated with manual therapy

• main and neck pain in combination with poor movement of the spine
• neck and shoulder complaints, with or without radiance towards the poor
• low back problems, with or without radiation to the legs
• high back problems, whether or not in combination with rib and chest pain
• dizziness
• hip complaints

The difference between a physiotherapist and a manual therapist

A physiotherapist is a professional who helps people with an illness, injury or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy and information. In addition to their physiotherapy training, manual therapists have also completed training as a manual therapist and have thus acquired additional knowledge in the field of (scientific) diagnostics, therapy and manual skills (for example "manipulation"). This distinguishes manual therapy from general physiotherapy, although the two fields largely overlap. In general, manual therapy is often combined with exercise therapy and/or other specializations.