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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Manual Therapy and Hands-On Treatment

Manual therapy

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

nounCore term

In physiotherapy, manual therapy means: Treatment in which the physiotherapist uses their hands to move joints, apply pressure or work on muscles and other soft tissues.

In Turkish: manuel terapi

How it is used

An umbrella term for joint mobilisation, manipulation and soft tissue techniques. Physiotherapists use or apply manual therapy, usually together with exercise and advice rather than on its own. Some physiotherapists do postgraduate training and call themselves manual therapists.

Example sentences

  1. We combined manual therapy for his neck with some exercises to do at home.

  2. She's doing a postgraduate course in manual therapy.

Common collocations

  • apply manual therapy
  • manual therapy techniques
  • hands-on treatment
  • manual therapist
  • joint mobilisationA manual therapy technique in which the physiotherapist moves a joint slowly and repeatedly, within or towards the limit of its range, to reduce pain or stiffness.
  • manipulationA manual therapy technique in which a quick, small thrust is applied to a joint, often producing a popping or clicking sound.
  • soft tissue massageHands-on treatment that rubs, presses and kneads muscles and other soft tissues to ease pain, tension and stiffness.
  • trigger pointA small, very tender spot in a tight band of muscle that can cause pain both where it is pressed and in another area.

More terms: Manual Therapy and Hands-On Treatment

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