Manual Therapy is a specialized branch of Physiotherapy aimed at restoring neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders. It is based on clinical reasoning and employs highly specialized techniques, including manipulations and therapeutic exercises. Manual Therapy is guided by available scientific and clinical evidence and is performed exclusively with the hands of a qualified manual therapist. While widely used abroad, it has only recently started gaining recognition in Greece.
The father of Manual Therapy in Europe is considered to be Hippocrates, who repeatedly emphasized the importance of understanding the function of the spinal column, as many disorders originate there. Galen also noted that nerves pass through the spine and may be injured in that area.
The main techniques used in Manual Therapy include:
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Techniques that increase range of motion such as mobilizations, manipulations, muscle energy techniques, and stretching.
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Active stabilization techniques for the spine and peripheral joints.
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Myofascial release techniques.
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Techniques that improve proprioception, kinesthesia, and balance.
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Techniques for managing chronic pain.
