Manual therapy uses skilled hands-on techniques as part of a wider physiotherapy programme to support mobility, comfort and functional movement.
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.
Manual therapy is not one single technique. Your physiotherapist may use different approaches depending on your assessment, symptoms, movement and goals.
Appropriate hands-on techniques may be used around joints to support mobility and comfortable movement where clinically appropriate.
Hands-on work may be applied to relevant muscles and soft tissues as part of a broader treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Treatment can be combined with movement exercises to help you develop confidence and function beyond the treatment room.
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 AssessmentAppropriate mobilisation techniques may be considered to support joint movement and function.
Hands-on soft tissue techniques may form part of treatment when relevant to your individual presentation.
Hands-on support can sometimes be used alongside movement work to help you explore comfortable ranges of movement.
Manual techniques may be combined with active exercises and movement strategies as part of rehabilitation.
Depending on your assessment, hands-on treatment may be one component of a broader rehabilitation programme.
Treatment is selected according to your presentation and rehabilitation goals.
Appropriate hands-on techniques may support mobility and comfortable movement.
Understanding your symptoms and movement can be an important part of your rehabilitation.
Your programme can change as your movement, confidence and function improve.
Your physiotherapist will determine whether manual therapy is appropriate following an individual assessment.
May form part of a wider rehabilitation approach for selected spinal and musculoskeletal presentations.
Appropriate techniques may be considered where restricted movement is relevant to your assessment.
Treatment may be combined with active movement strategies where appropriate.
Manual techniques may sometimes complement rehabilitation following sporting problems.
Where appropriate, hands-on techniques may be included alongside exercises and mobility work.
Every treatment plan starts with understanding your individual presentation and goals.
Your symptoms, concerns, activities and goals help guide the assessment and treatment approach.
Treatment decisions are based on your individual assessment rather than applying the same technique to everyone.
If manual therapy is suitable for you, your physiotherapist can explain the technique and how it fits within your wider programme.
Where appropriate, hands-on treatment can be combined with exercise, education and movement strategies to support longer-term progress.
Arrange an assessment with our team to discuss your symptoms, goals and the most appropriate physiotherapy approach for you.