Treatment Technique

Hands-on care to support better movement.

Manual therapy uses skilled hands-on techniques as part of a wider physiotherapy programme to support mobility, comfort and functional movement.

Hands-on physiotherapy treatment
A hands-on approach within your wider care Manual therapy may be combined with exercise, education and rehabilitation.
About Manual Therapy

Treatment tailored to your movement and goals

Manual therapy describes a range of hands-on physiotherapy techniques that may be used to assess and support movement of the body.

Depending on your assessment and individual needs, your physiotherapist may use appropriate hands-on techniques alongside active rehabilitation and exercise.

  • Individual assessment before treatment
  • Techniques selected around your presentation
  • Combined with active rehabilitation where appropriate
  • Treatment adapted as your recovery progresses
Understanding The Technique

What manual therapy can involve

Manual therapy is not one single technique. Your physiotherapist may use different approaches depending on your assessment, symptoms, movement and goals.

Joint Techniques

Appropriate hands-on techniques may be used around joints to support mobility and comfortable movement where clinically appropriate.

Soft Tissue Techniques

Hands-on work may be applied to relevant muscles and soft tissues as part of a broader treatment and rehabilitation plan.

Movement Support

Treatment can be combined with movement exercises to help you develop confidence and function beyond the treatment room.

Our Approach

Techniques selected for your individual needs

The specific technique used during your appointment depends on your assessment. Treatment is designed to complement your wider rehabilitation rather than being a one-size-fits-all approach.

Learn About Initial Assessment
01

Joint Mobilisation

Appropriate mobilisation techniques may be considered to support joint movement and function.

02

Soft Tissue Therapy

Hands-on soft tissue techniques may form part of treatment when relevant to your individual presentation.

03

Assisted Movement

Hands-on support can sometimes be used alongside movement work to help you explore comfortable ranges of movement.

04

Movement Re-education

Manual techniques may be combined with active exercises and movement strategies as part of rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy professional providing patient care
Your Rehabilitation

Why manual therapy may be included

Depending on your assessment, hands-on treatment may be one component of a broader rehabilitation programme.

Individualised care

Treatment is selected according to your presentation and rehabilitation goals.

Support movement

Appropriate hands-on techniques may support mobility and comfortable movement.

Combined with education

Understanding your symptoms and movement can be an important part of your rehabilitation.

Progress-focused

Your programme can change as your movement, confidence and function improve.

Common Presentations

Manual therapy may be considered for a range of needs

Your physiotherapist will determine whether manual therapy is appropriate following an individual assessment.

Back & Neck Problems

May form part of a wider rehabilitation approach for selected spinal and musculoskeletal presentations.

Joint Stiffness

Appropriate techniques may be considered where restricted movement is relevant to your assessment.

Movement Restrictions

Treatment may be combined with active movement strategies where appropriate.

Sports Rehabilitation

Manual techniques may sometimes complement rehabilitation following sporting problems.

Reduced Mobility

Where appropriate, hands-on techniques may be included alongside exercises and mobility work.

Individual Assessment

Every treatment plan starts with understanding your individual presentation and goals.

Patient-Centred Care

What you can expect from your treatment

We listen first

Your symptoms, concerns, activities and goals help guide the assessment and treatment approach.

We assess before treating

Treatment decisions are based on your individual assessment rather than applying the same technique to everyone.

Hands-on treatment where appropriate

If manual therapy is suitable for you, your physiotherapist can explain the technique and how it fits within your wider programme.

Active rehabilitation remains important

Where appropriate, hands-on treatment can be combined with exercise, education and movement strategies to support longer-term progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manual Therapy FAQs

Manual therapy is a broad term for physiotherapy techniques involving skilled hands-on treatment. The specific approach depends on your assessment and individual needs.

Not necessarily. Your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, movement and overall presentation before deciding whether manual therapy is appropriate.

Manual therapy may be used as one part of a broader physiotherapy programme. Depending on your needs, your programme may also include exercise, education and rehabilitation strategies.

Treatment should be discussed with you and adapted according to your response. Tell your physiotherapist if a technique feels uncomfortable or concerning.

An initial assessment allows your physiotherapist to understand your symptoms, movement and goals and decide what treatment approach may be appropriate.
Start Your Rehabilitation

Ready to understand your movement better?

Arrange an assessment with our team to discuss your symptoms, goals and the most appropriate physiotherapy approach for you.