Manual Therapies
The types of manipulative therapy presented here are those for which information is readily available and
describes the basic principles and theories of many well-known modalities.
Massage and touch therapies
Used as a manipulative form of therapy to restore the free movement of body fluids and return the
patient to a state of health. A theory of massage therapy is based on the principle that the tissues of the
body will function at optimal levels when arterial supply and venous and lymphatic drainage are
unimpeded. When this flow becomes unbalanced for any reason, muscle tightness and changes in the
nearby skin and fascia will ensure which may result in pain. The basic technique of massage are designed
to reestablish proper fluid dynamics and are directed at the skin, muscles, and fascia and nerve pathways
occasionally are included (Micozzi, 2011).
Osteopathic medicine
Began in the 1800’s when one innovative physician, Andrew Taylor Still, became disenchanted
with the inadequate and harmful effects of the medicines being used by the doctors of that era. Osteopathy
is not a drugless therapy in the strict sense of the word. It uses drugs which have specific scientific value,
such as antiseptics, parasitcides, antidotes, anesthetics or narcotics for the temporary relief of suffering. It
is the empirical internal administration of drugs for therapeutic purposes that osteopathy opposes,
substituting instead manipulation, mechanical measures and the balancing of the life essentials as more
rational and more in keeping with the physiological functions of the body. The osteopathic physician is
the skilled engineer of the vital human mechanism, influencing by manipulation and other osteopathic
measures the activities of the nerves, cells, glands and organs, the distribution of fluids and the discharge
of nerve impulses, thus normalizing tissue, fluid and function. (Webster, 1935).
Chiropractic
Spinal manipulation has been practiced for millennia in cultures throughout the world.
Chiropractors’ forebears have included prominent figures in the history of medicine.
Manipulations are not only used to reposition vertebra but also to cure a wide variety of
dysfunctions (Micozzi, 2011). Chiropractic is the third largest independent health profession in
the Western world, following conventional (allopathic) medicine and dentistry. Its practitioners
are “portal of entry” providers, licensed for both diagnosis and treatment. Unlike dentistry,
podiatry, and optometry, chiropractic practice is limited not by anatomical region but by
procedure. The chiropractor's scope of practice excludes surgery and the prescription of
pharmaceuticals; its centerpiece is the manual adjustment or manipulation of the spine.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a focused pressure technique, usually directed at the feet or hands. It is based on
the premise that there are zones and reflexes in different parts of the body that correspond to all organs of
the body. Stimulation of these reflex areas help the body to correct, strengthen, and reinforce itself by
returning to a state of homeostasis (Micozzi, 2011).
Shiatsu
The meaning of the Japanese work shiatsu is “finger pressure” or “thumb pressure”. This is done
along side massage therapy. This has been shown to facilitate weight gain in preterm infants, reduce
stress hormone levels, alleviate symptoms of depression, reduce pain, increase measurable immune
system functions, and alter electroencephalogram readings in the direction of heightened awareness.
Research studies also suggest benefits for patients with conditions such as Alzheimer disease, arthritis,
cancer, depression, fibromyalgia, job stress, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), while in addition
documenting benefits related to maternity and labor (Colt et al, 1997; Touch Research Institute, n.d.).
Naturopathy
Began with Benedict Lust who studied the art of natural healing. Naturopathy or “nature cure” is
a way of life and a concept of healing that used various natural means of treating human infirmities and
disease states (Micozzi, 2011).
Aromatherapy
Selected use of essential oils and related products of plant origin with the general goal of
improving health and well-being. The therapist uses fragrant and active substances to affect the
body-mind via a number of administration methods such as external, inhalational, and internal
usually in dilution and with a focus on a holistic approach to health in cooperation with the
patient (Micozzi, 2011). Aromatherapy is used in midwifery, cancer and palliative care, elder
care, special needs, and psychiatry. In oncology and palliative care is the increasing use of nonmassage-associated clinical aromatherapy, interventions with positive results for challenges such
as nausea, fatigue, malodor, breathlessness, pain relief, wound management, skin care, and oral
care. Essential oils are found in the following: foot baths, inhaler devices, nasal gels, airborne
diffusers, airborne spritzers, topical preparations, wound dressings, and mouth rinses.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a highly systematized method of healing that follows the principle “use likes to
treat likes”, meaning what causes the symptoms of a disease in healthy people would cure similar
symptoms in sick people, and is practiced by licensed physicians and other health care professionals
throughout the world (Micozzi, 2011).
Western herbalism
Is the study and practice of using plant material for food, medicine, and health promotion.
This includes not only treatment of disease but also enhancement of quality of life, both
physically and spiritually (Micozzi, 2011). A professional herbalist undergoes formalized
training or a long apprenticeship in plant and medical studies or, alternatively, in plant and
spiritual or healing studies. This knowledge includes extensive familiarity—often a
relationship—with specific plants, which involves their identification, habitat, harvesting criteria,
preparation, storage, therapeutic indications, contraindications, and dosing.
Micozzi, M. (2011). Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St. Louis: Saunders
Elsevier.