Shreen Raj 651a
Fundamentals of chiropractic
Topic 1: Categorisation of manual therapy
techniques
What is Manual Therapy?
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) defines manual therapy techniques as "skilled
hand movements and skilled passive movements of joints and soft tissue." In other words, it's
physical therapy that employs the practitioner's hands rather than machines.
Manual therapy technique
Definition
Effects
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.
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.
This procedure is defined as
utilizing a voluntary contraction of
the patient's muscles against a
distinctly controlled counterforce
applied from the practitioner
from a precise position and in a
specific direction.
This technique focuses on
correcting abnormal
neuromuscular reflexes that
cause structural and postural
problems, resulting in painful
'tender points'.
This procedure is commonly
applied to the musculature
surrounding the spine and
Improved range of motion
Joint mobilisation
Muscle energy techniques
Strain – Counter strain technique
Soft tissue mobilisation
-
Decrease muscle
spasm
Decreased pain
-
Mobilize restricted
joints and lengthen
shortened muscles.
-
This technique is
very effective for
immediate reduction
of pain in muscular
tender points.
-
The goal of soft
tissue mobilization
(STM) is to break up
inelastic or fibrous
Shreen Raj 651a
Fundamentals of chiropractic
consists of rhythmic stretching
and deep pressure.
High velocity, low amplitude
thrusting
This technique is utilized for
restoration of joint motion and
does not move a joint beyond its
anatomical limit.
-
muscle tissue (called
'myofascial
adhesions') such as
scar tissue from a
back injury, move
tissue fluids, and
relax muscle tension.
The goal of this
procedure is to
restore the gliding
motion of joints,
enabling them to
open and close
effectively.