Definition of Manual Therapy

By: Anna Wood

What is Manual Therapy?

• The use of the practitioners physical body (such as hands, elbows, forearms, and feet) to induce a positive response to promote health and well being in another person.

• Goal: To restore holistic balance to the person.

Types of Manual Therapy

• Massage therapy, body therapy, and touch therapy. • Acupressure• Ayurvedic Manipulation• Hydrotherapy and Thermal Therapy• Shiatsu• And others…

How is it done?

• Through various techniques in which the practitioner assesses the patient and evaluates the best method of treatment to achieve optimum health.

References:

Micozzi, M. (2015). Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (5th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Saunders. p. 240-274.