Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is used to treat motion impairments that cause pain and decreased range of motion. Joint-specific techniques are indicated when the motion impairment is caused by loss of the normal joint motion as a result of a reversible joint hypomobility. Manual therapy is typically contraindicated when motion impairment is caused by excessive joint mobility. Motion impairment caused by weakened or shortened muscles is often an indication to use soft tissue techniques. Once the pain has been reduced and joint mobility improved with the application of manual therapy, it is easier for a patient to regain normal movement patterns and restore maximal function. Current research has shown that manual therapy, when combined with therapeutic exercise, provides a beneficial outcome for patients. Therefore manual therapy is a technique to be used in combination with exercise during the episode of care.
