Manual therapy

What is manual therapy?

Manual therapy aims to find the cause of the complaint in a movement disorder in the joints. A manual therapist always begins with an intake interview, followed by a physical examination. Here posture, movement and joints are assessed. Once the cause is clear, treatment begins.

Treatment

Manual therapy involves various techniques involving the hands (“manus”). The therapist works on the joints to help them function better. Thus, the joints move more smoothly and pain often decreases quickly. The results are usually immediate. Afterwards, the therapist gives posture and movement advice to prevent recurrence. A report to the general practitioner or specialist also follows.

Manual therapy can be useful for:

• Neck and shoulder pain that radiates to the arms
• High back pain with occasional chest or rib pain
• Low back pain radiating to the legs
• Head and neck pain
• Motion limitations of the spine
• Dizziness with movement of the neck
• Jaw pain, sometimes in combination with neck pain