Manual and Manipulative Therapy

 

Definition The application of manual techniques is to produce therapeutic effect on the human body in order to treat or prevent diseases, or to enhance functions or health. The history of therapeutic intervention to affect somatic structures can be broadly divided into direct and indirect techniques. Direct techniques involve force being applied against a resistance barrier, such as stretching, joint mobilization, muscle energy, etc. Indirect techniques employ the application of force away from a resistance barrier, i.e. into the direction of greatest ease. Indirect therapies, including PRT, have evolved in various forms and share certain common characteristics and underlying principles. Classification Direct Techniques: going into the restrictive barrier Indirect Techniques: going away from the restrictive barrier Direct Techniques Mobilization Oscillatory mobilization of joints for physiological and accessory movements Manipulation Crossing the barrier of joint movement limits with thrust (speed, but not force) Massage Relaxation of muscle and improve local soft tissue mobility Muscle Energy Technique Activation of muscle energy at the Inter-barrier Zone to correct joint alignment Deep Friction / Deep Tissue Massage Breaking up of adhesions and scars Stretching Static stretching to improve tensile mobility and contractile mobility Myofascial Release Release of myofascial tension and adhesions with direct application of fascial tension. May also be performed as an indirect technique Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Drainage of lymphatic fluid by opening up channels and nodes Acupressure Stimulation of acupuncture points with digital pressure Indirect Techniques Fascial Release Technique (FRT) Three planar “winding” or “unwinding” of fascial structures to induce a spontaneous release of fascial tension and scarring Positional Release Therapy (Strain/Counterstrain) Position strained muscles in a counterstrain position to induce release of muscle tension Craniosacral Therapy Gentle manipulation of the cranium and sacrum to induce release of fascial tension of the cranio-sacral system Visceral Manipulation Gentle manipulation of visceral organs to induce release of fascial tension of the visceral system Energy Work Utilizes a transfer of ‘energy’ or ‘qi’ E.g. Qigong, Reiki