What Manual Therapy is?

on

 Manual Therapy

Description:

The International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) defines manual therapy techniques as: "Skilled hand movements intended to produce any or all of the following effects: improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion of the joint complex; mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints; induce relaxation; change muscle function; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or movement restriction."

Treatment may include moving joints in specific directions and at different speeds to regain movement (joint mobilization and manipulation), muscle stretching, passive movements of the affected body part, or having the patient move the body part against the therapist’s resistance to improve muscle activation and timing. Selected specific soft tissue techniques may also be used to improve the mobility and function of tissue and muscles."

Techniques:

  • Traction
  • Massage
  • Trigger Point Therapy
  • Active Release Techniques: A practitioner determines where adhesions are through touch, the practitioner then couples a patient's active movement with his/her touch.
  • Assisted Active Range Of Motion (AAROM)
  • Passive Range Of Motion
  • Lymph Drainage
  • Stretches (muscle, neural tissue, joints, fascia)
  • Joint Manipulation: A passive, high velocity, low amplitude thrust applied to a joint complex within its anatomical limit with the intent to restore optimal motion, function, and/ or to reduce pain.
  • Joint Mobilization: A manual therapy technique comprising a continuum of skilled passive movements to the joint complex that are applied at varying speeds and amplitudes, that may include a small-amplitude/ high-velocity therapeutic movement (manipulation) with the intent to restore optimal motion, function, and/ or to reduce pain.

Guide to Grading of Mobilizations/Manipulations:

Maitland Joint Mobilization Grading Scale:

  1. Grade I - Small amplitude rhythmic oscillating mobilization in the early range of movement
  2. Grade II - Large amplitude rhythmic oscillating mobilization in the midrange of movement
  3. Grade III - Large amplitude rhythmic oscillating mobilization to point of limitation in range of movement
  4. Grade IV - Small amplitude rhythmic oscillating mobilization at end of the available range of movement
  5. Grade V (Thrust Manipulation) - Small amplitude, quick thrust at end of the available range of movement

Kaltenborn Traction Grading Scale:

  1. Grade I - Neutralizes joint pressure without separation of joint surfaces
  2. Grade II - Separates articulating surfaces, taking up slack or eliminating play within joint capsule
  3. Grade III - Stretching of soft tissue surrounding joint

Conclusion:

Manual physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy delivered with the hands as opposed to a device or machine. It has an important place in Physiotherapy and when used appropriately by practitioners is a very effective set of tools literally at our fingertips.

Reference:

Comments

Post a Comment