Manual Therapy: A Modern Perspective

In today's episode, Kirsten and I discuss manual therapy and how it should fit into the practitioner's approach based on more recent research.

Manual therapy describes 'hands-on' techniques (massage, joint mobilization, adjustments/manipulations) that are performed on a patient by a practitioner. While these techniques can provide short-term pain relief in some cases, they should be delivered with the appropriate educational message. Unfortunately, some practitioners convince their patients that manual therapy interventions are needed on a regular basis in order to maintain joint alignment and one's health. This idea is not supported in the research.

Here is a link to the research article I mentioned in the episode.

Most research related to the treatment of pain and injury supports a combination of short-term manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. My book has therapeutic exercise programs for the most common orthopedic injuries and pain issues. Each body region has its own chapter and there are pictures of me performing the exercises. The programs are like what you would get if you came to the clinic to see me for physical therapy. Here is an Amazon bookstore link where you can learn more about my book.