Often between concepts such as manual therapy and massage, we put an equal sign. However, this opinion is erroneous. After all, only muscle tissues are worked out during the massage. During a session of manual therapy, a specialist has the same effect on muscles and joints. Such an integrated approach not only solves a number of problems associated with diseases of the spine, but also improves blood flow, nourishes tissue and tone muscles.
Manual therapy has another name - vertebrology. This technique can rightfully become the medicine of the future. An experienced manual specialist often solves problems that could not be eliminated using traditional medical methods.
The concept of manual therapy
Manual therapy - what is it? This concept has a fairly broad meaning: this is all that is treated with the help of hands. Hence the belief in its great potential. However, you should be aware that all existing methods of manual therapy have rather strict rules developed by professional therapists practicing spinal treatment.
In terms of effectiveness, such therapy is significantly superior to hardware and drug treatment of spinal diseases. And this is due to the fact that during the session the doctor is engaged in solving the individual problems of a particular patient. Indeed, people of different sex and age come to the manual therapy centers. As a rule, their state of health and level of physical development are different. This also applies to back problems they experience. If one patient complains of persistent migraines, then the other handles a chronic hernia.
During the session, the therapist uses 2 basic techniques: soft and hard. The first is based on the technique of muscle-energy techniques. In a tough technique, shock techniques are used.
The specialist applies various combinations of manual techniques in the work, ensuring successful treatment. Using only one technique very often turns out to be ineffective, and in some cases even provokes complications.
The meaning of the technique
Manual therapy - what is it and what is its meaning? The main task of the chiropractor is to create the most favorable spatial relationship for radicular vessels and structures of the nervous system.
During the session, the doctor eliminates orthopedic defects such as impaired posture and spinal deformity.
The main criterion for successful treatment is a reduction in pain and discomfort, as well as a partial correction of spinal deformity by 8-10 sessions. The specialist determines the duration of the full course individually in each case.
History of the technique
Manual therapy - what is it and when did it appear? The development of manual therapy is rooted in ancient times. It is noteworthy that it is mentioned not in one, but in many cultures of the world, for example, in Egyptian, Indian and Chinese. Who were the first manual doctors, nobody knows. There is an opinion that they were hunters who used special manual techniques to correct dislocations and treat injuries.
Gradually, these people accumulated knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of the human body and studied the functions of the joints. As a result, the first method of treating injuries appeared - bone cutting. Even Hippocrates mentioned in his writings a similar method of treating diseases of the spine.
In ancient times, doctors widely used the technique of stretching the body, walking on the patient’s back, tapping on the back with special wooden blanks, and even punching. However, the main development of manual therapy began only in the 19th century. At this time, two directions appeared at once:
- osteopaths;
- chiropractors.
They differed from each other in their views and the methods of treatment used. Chiropractors most often used a tough approach, widely applying various shock techniques. It is worth noting that these people did not even have a medical education. The osteopathic school, as you know, also did not require compulsory education, but osteopaths treated their patients according to the achievements of medicine.
Importance in modern medicine
In the 20th century, manual therapy, reviews of which spread rapidly throughout Europe, gradually began to gain popularity and signs of modern medicine. Osteopathic and chiropractic specialized centers began to appear in cities. They still exist and are treating people.
In Russia, the first symposium on manual therapy was held in 1989, and a year later the first Association of Manual Medicine was established. 1997 was the most significant year for the development of manual therapy, since it was officially recognized by science and approved as a medical specialty.
Treatment methods
Manual therapy of the spine is a special set of manual techniques aimed at correcting pathology. The goal of manual therapy is to cure
back diseases and restore the optimal position of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.
This is achieved using hand-held techniques. Thanks to the techniques of manual therapy, the joints are separated from each other.
Specialists working in well-known clinics of this specialization usually practice their own healing methods, and all of them are based on the principles on which manual therapy was originally formed.
For example, consider the technique of subcutaneous myofascial therapy. The essence of this method is to work with tissues. It allows you to normalize reflex mechanisms (muscles, structures of connective tissues). Since this method involves a fairly intense effect on the body, treatment with manual therapy can be carried out only after a thorough examination.
Currently, this technique is used to treat various neurological diseases - headaches and muscle pains, radiculitis. It is also used for diseases of the joints and spine (arthritis, arthrosis, spondylosis, hernia and others).
Main indications
Indications for manual therapy are many. As a rule, it is prescribed for:
- disc herniation;
- osteochondrosis and arthrosis;
- intercostal neuralgia;
- regular dizziness;
- persistent headaches;
- violation of posture;
- muscle pain and tension;
- impaired mobility of internal organs;
- chronic fatigue and stress.
Along with this, manual therapy is used as rehabilitation after injuries.
Diagnosis and contraindications
In order to make a correct diagnosis, CT, radiography, MRI, electroneuromyography and hardware reflexology are used.
This method of treating the spine is not suitable for everyone. The main contraindication to manual therapy is an infectious disease of the joints or spine. Manual therapy courses are contraindicated in the presence of fresh injuries of the spine, arms or legs. Among other diseases that do not allow manual therapy, arterial hypertension, tumors, and mental disorders should be distinguished. Also, it cannot be prescribed in the postoperative period.
You should not resort to such treatment for infectious diseases with fever and intoxication, acute heart disease, disorders in the spinal and cerebral circulation.
A manual doctor should always consider all contraindications, including relative ones, which include old injuries.
Osteochondrosis Treatment
Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine associated with dystrophic changes in closely located intervertebral discs and vertebrae. Manual therapy for osteochondrosis is quite effective only in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd stages of the disease, in which there are no bone growths.
Cervical osteochondrosis of the spine involves special exercises. This disease is quite common today.
Therefore, almost all methods of manual therapy are aimed at eliminating this symptom.
An effective technique is auto-mobilization. During the session, the patient tilts his head slightly forward, grasps it with one hand, and the other rests on his chin, then turns his head and makes small swings.
Causes of pain after a session
Sometimes it happens that the patient experiences pain in those areas that the doctor of manual therapy worked out. This is because one muscle group begins to work actively, and the other gets rid of too much stress. The effect after a manual therapy session can be compared to when you “sit out” and then straighten it. As a result, not very pleasant sensations appear.
They usually go away on their own, but to speed up the process, you can do self-massage or develop muscles with one or another simple physical exercise.
Benefits of Manual Therapy
Manual therapy - what is it? It allows you to get rid of unbearable pain that does not go away after taking medications. Today, manual therapy of the spine is widely used in the treatment of back diseases. Often, it produces a greater effect than drug treatment.
A manual therapy session includes a set of special techniques performed by hands. They are aimed at relaxing the muscles and normalizing the mobility of bones and joints. Such sessions can improve blood circulation and reduce pain. The doctor selects specific methods and techniques after examining the patient.
Cost of treatment
There are many centers of manual therapy, which employ professional doctors who are ready to help patients. How much does manual therapy cost? Prices for specialist services are often lower than the cost of drugs, which sometimes do not bring the desired result. In addition, methods of manual therapy are rapidly developing and improving. On average, the cost of taking a chiropractor is about 1800-2800 rubles and depends on the complexity and duration of the procedure.
Finding a good manual therapy center and an experienced therapist will not be a problem. To do this, you just need to contact a specialized clinic. The patient can always take an interest in the experience and qualifications of those specialists who work in the center and choose the most suitable manual therapist.
FAQ
Many people doubt the effectiveness of the procedures or they have questions related to treatment. Any specialist in manual therapy will easily answer them. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that should interest people who want to learn more about this technique.
How long is the course of manual therapy? Duration always depends on the nature and development of the disease. A patient who comes to the manual therapy center will be offered to undergo about 8-10 procedures. In difficult cases, the number of sessions can reach 15.
When does the result appear? Usually the pain begins to decline after 2-3 procedures of manual therapy. It should be understood that at least 8 procedures are required to consolidate the effect and completely eliminate the symptoms of the disease.
Manual spinal therapy - does it hurt? As a rule, pain should not occur during the procedure. The patient may have only a feeling of discomfort with some manipulations by a specialist. If during the procedure the patient experiences sharp pain, he should immediately inform the therapist. Probably, in this case, the treatment will have to be adjusted, replacing manual therapy with more gentle methods, for example, physiotherapy.
Accessibility and ease of treatment
It should be noted that manual therapy, reviews of which are mostly positive, is a fairly affordable and easy method of treating back diseases. Today, there are many specialized centers in all regions of the country that offer the most favorable prices and conditions. Only the best specialists work in these centers.
Manual chiropractic medical centers use unique methods of treating all types of diseases of the spine and joints. After a course of treatment, the patient will be able to forget about the pain and return to a full life.