Manual therapy - what is it? Reviews, prices, indications, contraindications

Often, between such concepts as manual therapy and massage, we put an equal sign. However, this opinion is erroneous. After all, only muscle tissue is treated with the massage. During the session of manual therapy the expert 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 tissues and leads to muscle tone.

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 by traditional medical methods.

The concept of manual therapy

Manual therapy - what is it? This concept has quite a wide meaning: it's all that is treated with the help of hands. Hence the conviction of her great opportunities arises. However, one should know that all existing manual therapy methods have rather strict rules, developed by professional therapists who practice spinal treatment.

In terms of effectiveness, such therapy significantly exceeds the hardware and drug treatment of spine diseases. And this is due to the fact that during the session the doctor deals with the individual problem of the individual patient. After all, people of different sex and age come to the centers of manual therapy. As a rule, their state of health and level of physical development are different. This also applies to back problems that they experience. If one patient complains of permanent migraines, then the other handles an old hernia.

During the session, the therapist uses 2 basic techniques: soft and hard. The basis of the first is the technique of muscular-energy techniques. In a rigid technique, shock techniques are used.

The specialist applies various combinations of manual techniques to ensure successful treatment. The use of only one technique is often ineffective, and in some cases even provokes complications.

The meaning of the methodology

Manual therapy - what is it and what is its meaning? The main task of the manual therapist is to create the most favorable spatial relationship for the radicular vessels and structures of the nervous system.

During the session, the doctor eliminates such orthopedic defects, as a violation of posture and deformation of the spine.

The main criterion for successful treatment is a reduction in pain and discomfort, as well as partial correction of the spinal deformity to the 8-10th session. The specialist determines the duration of the full course individually in each specific case.

History of the origin of the methodology

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 physicians, nobody knows. There is an opinion that they were hunters who used special manual techniques for correcting dislocations and treating injuries.

Gradually, these people accumulated knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of the human body and studied the function of the joints. As a result, the first method of treating injuries appeared - bone-crushing. Even Hippocrates mentioned in his writings about a similar method for treating spine diseases.

In the distant past, doctors widely used the technique of stretching the body, walking on the back of the patient, tapping on the back with special pieces of wood and even punching. However, the main development of manual therapy began only in the 19th century. At that time, two directions appeared at once:

• Osteopaths;
• Chiropractic.

They differed in their views and the methods of treatment used. Chiropractors most often used a rigid approach, widely using various shock techniques. It is worth noting that these people did not even have medical education. Osteopathic school, as is known, also did not require compulsory education, however, the osteopaths treated their patients according to the achievements of medicine.

Importance in modern medicine

In the 20th century manual therapy, the reviews about which spread rapidly across Europe, gradually began to acquire popularity and signs of modern medicine. Osteopathic and chiropractic specialized centers began to appear in the 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 for the development of manual therapy, since it was officially recognized as a science and approved as a medical specialty.

Methods of treatment

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 with the help of techniques performed by hands. Thanks to the techniques of manual therapy, joints are separated from each other.

Specialists working in well-known clinics of this specialization usually practice their own methods of cure, all of which are based on the principles on which manual therapy was initially formed.

For example, consider the technique of subcutaneous myofascial therapy. The essence of this method is to work with tissues. It allows to normalize the reflex mechanisms (muscles, structures of connective tissues). Since this method implies a rather intensive 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. Also it is used for diseases of the joints and spine (artite, arthrosis, spondylosis, hernia and others).

Basic indications

Indications for manual therapy are many. As a rule, it is prescribed for:

• A herniated intervertebral disk;
• Osteochondrosis and arthrosis;
• Intercostal neuralgia;
• Regular dizziness;
• Permanent headaches;
• Violation of posture;
• Pain and tension in the muscles;
• Impaired mobility of internal organs;
• Chronic fatigue and stress.

Along with this, manual therapy is used as a rehabilitation after trauma.

Diagnosis and contraindications

In order to make the correct diagnosis, use CT, X-ray, MRI, electroneuromyography and hardware reflexodiagnostics.

This method of treating the spine is not suitable for everyone. The main contraindication to manual therapy is the infectious disease of the joints or spine. The courses of manual therapy are contraindicated in the presence of fresh injuries of the spine, hands or feet. Among other diseases that do not allow manual therapy, it is necessary to distinguish arterial hypertension, tumors, mental disorders. Also, it can not be prescribed in the postoperative period.

Do not resort to such treatment for infectious diseases with fever and intoxication, acute heart diseases, disorders in the spinal and cerebral circulation.

A manual doctor should always take into account all contraindications, including relative ones, which include old injuries.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, associated with dystrophic changes of closely located intervertebral discs and vertebrae. Manual therapy with osteochondrosis is effective only at the 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd stages of the disease, at which bone growths are absent.

Cervical osteochondrosis involves special exercises. This disease occurs today quite often.

Therefore, almost all techniques of manual therapy are aimed at eliminating this symptom.

Automobilization is considered to be an effective technique. During the session, the patient slightly tilts his head forward, grasps it with one hand, and the second rests on the chin, then turns his head and makes a slight wiggle.

Causes of pain after a session

Sometimes it happens that the patient experiences pain in the areas that the manual therapist was working on. This is because one group of muscles starts to work actively, and the other gets rid of too much stress. The effect after the session of manual therapy can be compared to when you "sit out your leg" and then straighten it. As a result, not very pleasant feelings appear.

They tend to pass by themselves, but to speed up the process, you can make yourself a self-massage or develop muscles with this or that 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 problems. Often it produces a greater effect than treatment with medications.

The session of manual therapy includes a set of special receptions 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. Specific methods and techniques the doctor chooses after the examination of the patient.

Cost of treatment

There are many centers of manual therapy, in which professional doctors work, ready to help patients. How much does manual therapy cost? Prices for specialist services are often lower than the cost of medicines, which sometimes do not bring the desired result. In addition, the 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.

Find a good center for manual therapy and an experienced therapist will not be a problem. To do this, simply contact a specialized clinic. The patient can always inquire about the experience and qualifications of those specialists who work in the center, and choose the most suitable manual therapist.

Frequently asked Questions

Many people doubt the effectiveness of procedures or they have questions related to treatment. They can easily be answered by any specialist in manual therapy. Below are the answers to frequently asked questions that should interest people who want to learn more about this technique.

How long does the course of manual therapy continue? Duration always depends on the nature and development of the disease. Applying to the center of manual therapy the patient will be offered to pass about 8-10 procedures. In fairly complex cases, the number of sessions can be as high as 15.

When does the result appear? Usually the pain starts to decrease after 2-3 procedures of manual therapy. It should be understood that at least 8 procedures are required to fix the effect and completely eliminate the symptoms of the disease.

Is manual therapy of the spine painful? As a rule, pain should not occur during the procedure. The patient may have only a feeling of discomfort with some manipulation of a specialist. If the patient experiences severe pain during the procedure, he should immediately notify the therapist about this. Probably, in this case the treatment will have to be adjusted, replacing the 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 accessible and easy method of treating back problems. 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.

Medical centers of manual therapy use unique methods of treatment of all types of diseases of the spine and joints. After the course of treatment, the patient will be able to forget about the pain and return to a full life.