Whether manual. Manual therapy and its role in the treatment of the spine. Who is a manual therapist

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 worked out during massage. During a session of manual therapy, the specialist has the same effect on the 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 tones muscles.

Manual therapy has another name - vertebrology. This technique can rightfully become the medicine of the future. An experienced chiropractor often solves problems that traditional medical methods have not been able to solve.

The concept of manual therapy

Manual Therapy - What is it? This concept has a fairly broad meaning: it is everything that is treated with the help of hands. This is where the confidence in its great potential arises. However, you should be aware that all existing methods of manual therapy 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 diseases of the spine. And this is due to the fact that during the session the doctor deals with the solution of the individual problem of a particular patient. After all, people of different sex and age come to the manual therapy centers. As a rule, their state of health and level of physical development differ. This also applies to the back problems they experience. If one patient complains of persistent migraines, the other is treated with an old hernia.

During the session, the therapist uses 2 main techniques: soft and hard. The first one is based on the technique of muscular-energy techniques. In a rigid technique, percussion techniques are used.

The specialist uses various combinations of manual techniques in his work to ensure successful treatment. The use of only one technique is very often 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 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 postural disorders and spinal deformity.

The main criterion for successful treatment is the reduction of pain and discomfort, as well as partial correction of spinal deformity by 8-10 sessions. The duration of the full course is determined by the specialist individually in each case.

The 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 chiropractors, no one knows. There is an opinion that they were hunters who used special manual techniques to reduce 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 about a similar method of treating diseases of the spine.

In ancient times, doctors widely used the method of stretching the body, walking on the back of the patient, tapping on the back with special wooden blanks, and even punching. However, the main development of manual therapy did not begin until the 19th century. At this time, two directions appeared at once:

• osteopaths;
• chiropractic.

They differed from each other in their views and the methods of treatment used. Chiropractors have most often used a hard approach, using a variety of percussive techniques extensively. 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, however, osteopaths treated their patients in accordance with the achievements of medicine.

Significance in modern medicine

In the 20th century, manual therapy, which quickly spread 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 engaged in the treatment of 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, as it was officially recognized as a science and approved as a medical specialty.

Treatment Methods

Manual therapy of the spine is a special set of manual techniques aimed at correcting the pathology. The goal of manual therapy is to heal and restore the optimal position of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.

This is achieved with the help of techniques performed by hands. Thanks to manual therapy techniques, the joints move away from each other.

Specialists working in well-known clinics of this specialization usually practice their own methods of healing, all of which 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). Since this method implies a fairly intense effect on the body, manual therapy treatment can only be carried out after a thorough examination.

Currently, this technique is used to treat various neurological diseases - headaches and muscle pain, sciatica. It is also used for diseases of the joints and spine (artitis, arthrosis, spondylosis, hernia, and others).

Main indications

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

• herniated disc;
• osteochondrosis and arthrosis;
• intercostal neuralgia;
• regular dizziness;
• persistent 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 injuries.

Diagnosis and contraindications

In order to make the correct diagnosis, CT, radiography, MRI, electroneuromyography and hardware reflexology are used.

This method of treatment of 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 for 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 diseases, disorders in the spinal and cerebral circulation.

A chiropractor 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 degenerative changes in closely spaced 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 manual therapy methods are aimed at eliminating this symptom.

Automobilization is considered an effective technique. During the session, the patient tilts his head slightly forward, clasps it with one hand, and rests on his chin with the other, then turns his head and makes small wiggles.

Causes of pain after a session

Sometimes it happens that the patient experiences pain in those areas that the manual therapy doctor worked on. This is due to the fact that one muscle group begins to work actively, while the other gets rid of too much load. The effect after a session of manual therapy can be compared to when you "sit your leg" and then straighten it. As a result, not very pleasant sensations appear.

They, as a rule, go away on their own, but to speed up the process, you can do yourself a self-massage or develop muscles with one or another simple physical exercise.

The 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 session of manual therapy 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 chiropractic centers that 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, the methods of manual therapy are rapidly developing and improving. On average, the cost of a chiropractor appointment is about 1800-2800 rubles and depends on the complexity and duration of the procedure.

Finding a good chiropractic 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 inquire about the experience and qualifications of those specialists who work in the center and choose the most suitable chiropractor.

Frequently asked Questions

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

How long does a course of manual therapy last? Duration always depends on the nature and development of the disease. The patient who applied to the manual therapy center will be offered to undergo about 8-10 procedures. In rather complex cases, the number of sessions can reach 15.

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

Spinal manipulation - does it hurt? As a general rule, there should be no pain during the procedure. The patient may experience only a feeling of discomfort during some manipulations by a specialist. If during the procedure the patient experiences sharp pain, he should immediately report this to the therapist. Probably, in this case, the treatment will have to be adjusted, replacing manual therapy with more gentle methods, such as physiotherapy.

Availability and ease of treatment

It should be noted that manual therapy, reviews of which are mostly positive, is a fairly affordable and easy method for 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 therapy medical centers use unique methods for treating all types of diseases of the spine and joints. After completing the course of treatment, the patient will be able to forget about the pain and return to a full life.

Quite often, manual therapy is used for osteochondrosis. It is often prescribed for damage to the cervical segment of the spinal column and less often when a disease of the lumbar or thoracic region is diagnosed. Unlike massage, this procedure has an effect not only on muscle tissue, but also on the vertebrae, therefore it is considered more effective in the fight against spinal ailment.

What is the essence of the methodology?

Treatment of osteochondrosis with manual therapy allows you to restore the impaired functioning of the spine, the joints and muscles surrounding it. With the help of movements made by a specialist, it is possible to return the vertebrae to a healthy anatomical position. During manipulations, the patient's pain syndrome decreases, the mobility of the spinal column improves. In addition, due to the procedure, the number of medications prescribed to the patient is reduced. In some situations, drugs can be completely abandoned. Manual impact on the spine helps to improve blood circulation, deliver oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas of the spinal column.

The benefits and harms of manual therapy for osteochondrosis

Manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the most effective. However, it is also used for diseases of the thoracic and lumbar regions. With the help of the procedure, degenerative processes in cartilaginous tissues are suspended, the manifestation of symptoms caused by diseases is reduced. An experienced chiropractor, who performs the procedure for ailments of the thoracic segment, eliminates not only the pain syndrome, but also restores the activity of internal organs. In addition, the technique allows you to save the patient from constant pain in the head, spasms of muscle tissue in the neck. Manual massage makes it possible to improve the mobility of the spinal column and return the former sensitivity to the upper and lower extremities.

However, the technique also has disadvantages, which most often manifest themselves in the form of nausea. Other complications are less common:

• spinal hypermobility;
• bone fractures;
• vomit;
• pinched hernia of the spinal column;
• muscle pain;
• ligament rupture;
• vertebral displacement.

When are they assigned?

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar, cervical or thoracic spine with the help of manual therapy is carried out in the following situations:

• acute pain syndrome, which is permanent;
• a significant violation of posture that arose due to osteochondrosis;
• asymmetry of the limbs or shoulder blades;
• spasms of muscle tissue;
• ineffectiveness of methods of conservative therapy and massage.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that manual therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is widely used in medical practice, it also has contraindications. Treatment of all parts of the spinal column is not prescribed when the patient is diagnosed with the following conditions:

• pathologies of an infectious nature;
• cancerous diseases;
• alcohol intoxication;
• inflammatory diseases;
• early postoperative period;
• dystrophic lesions of the spinal cord, which are non-inflammatory in nature;
• period of pregnancy;
• anomalies in the structure of the spinal column;
• elevated blood pressure;
• inflammation of the joints;
• degenerative-dystrophic changes in joints;
• complications caused by the development of an intervertebral hernia.

If the patient has temporary contraindications, the use of manual therapy is postponed until the moment the person's health condition is completely normalized.

How is the treatment going?

Initially, the patient will need to lie on the couch. It is important to relax as much as possible, breathe calmly and measuredly. The chiropractor begins to examine and study the state of the spinal column, as well as the joints and ligaments surrounding it. The specialist begins the session with a light massage, gradually increasing the intensity of movements. The therapist puts more pressure on the vertebrae, begins to push them, turns the patient's neck. Sometimes there may be a crunch of the spine. It is important to keep in mind that such a reaction is considered physiologically determined and should not cause concern.

How to behave after the session?

After manual therapy of the cervical spine or its other segments has been carried out, the patient is forbidden to immediately get up and go home. Doctors recommend within 10 minutes. stay in a supine position so that the body and the spinal column have a little rest. In addition, after the manipulation, the person will need to wear a special orthopedic corset. If cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed, then a collar is used for these purposes, which reduces the inclinations, movements and turns of the neck.

If the therapy for the disease of the lumbar spine was carried out, only a corset is put on the torso. Your healthcare professional can help you choose the right orthopedic appliance. Since after the procedure, some patients experience back pain, which is caused by exposure to the spine, doctors recommend using painkillers. Most often they prescribe "Analgin" or "Ketanov".

The theory of manual therapy is based on the conclusion that the spine is to blame for almost any disease. Or rather, violations in it. Dizziness, frequent headaches or even fainting can be a signal that due to the displacement of the vertebrae, the blood circulation of the brain is disturbed. Acute pain in the neck and lower back is a possible symptom of a pinched nerve. Constant fatigue in the back, most likely, muscle spasms, the cause of which is changes in the spine. If you delve further into the study, you can find out that the work of the internal organs is directly related to how well and correctly our spine is built. That is, pain in the pancreas is not necessarily an echo of yesterday's feast, and the heart can "wine" not only because of a love story with a sad ending.

If we do not talk about serious sports injuries and accidents, then the wear and tear of the vertebrae, alas, is a natural process. It, like the aging of the body in general, cannot be stopped. With age, every person undergoes destructive changes in the intervertebral discs. This leads to irritation of nearby nerve endings and inflammation. The next stage is a change in blood circulation and, as a result, muscle tension and deprivation of the usual light mobility due to spasms in certain areas of the back. That is, exactly where the affected spine is located.

The peculiarity of manual therapy is that it is a non-drug treatment. After listening to your complaints and detailed descriptions of pain, as well as looking at x-rays, the therapist only assesses the degree of the disease with his hands and then again performs a series of manual actions on the back and spinal area. The good news is that the first relief effect will appear immediately. The bad news is that it's easy to be deceived. To get the maximum effect and get rid of the disease forever, you need not two or five visits to the doctor. By the way, a competent specialist will never schedule another session for you the next day. It will take three to five days for your muscles to fix their new position, which the therapist will give them during manual therapy. Only then can you proceed with the continuation of treatment.

Of course, it is impossible to stop the process of wear and tear of the body. But it depends on us when the spine suddenly announces itself.

Spinal problems start small and get worse every day. Remember with what back you sit in front of a computer monitor in the office or having dinner at a restaurant (for sure, after this phrase, many people thought and straightened their backs). If today your spine does not make itself felt, does not scream with pain and spasms in the back, then either you have an excellent heredity, or you are smart and live actively and sportily. In other cases, with our hyper-sedentary life, an absolutely healthy spine is just a matter of time.

How to postpone the forced acquaintance with manual therapists for many years?

1. Go to the swimming pool. If you don't know how to swim, go to water aerobics. This is the only type of physical activity that is prescribed for patients even with severe injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Swimming restores, heals and even more so prevents diseases of the spine. It also helps to lose weight.
2. Don't slouch. In addition, without being afraid of the sidelong glances of colleagues, try to conduct telephone conversations while standing. And even more so, do not ask for documents from the printer: walk around the office more often.
3. Do not lift heavy objects. Always be a lady. Carrying heavy bags of groceries is also ugly.
4. Move more. Do not scold the broken elevator. Know that even for four floors of climbing stairs, the spine will be grateful to you. And the back muscles of the thighs, by the way, too. Park farther away from the office or get off one stop early for a walk. If that doesn't motivate you, buy a bracelet that will count your steps, post the result on a social network and give tips on changing your lifestyle.

Over the past few years, manual therapy has become popular, but it is very difficult to find really good, real specialists. Ask friends, read reviews on the Internet, collect information. The fame of masters with golden hands is spreading rapidly and widely. Once you get to the clinic to the first doctor found on the Internet, you take a big risk: even one wrong move by a novice chiropractor can become too expensive.

Manual therapy is an ancient medical art. Translated from Latin means "hand treatment", in simple words, this is a treatment using massage techniques. Even ancient Greek healers used massage and some other methods to rid the patient of a variety of ailments.

According to Hippocrates himself, one of the most important areas of medicine is spinal therapy. With its help, it is possible to insert displaced vertebrae, thereby relieving the patient of diseases that, at first glance, seem to be in no way connected with the disease of the spine: pharyngitis, diseases of the kidneys and bladder, tuberculosis, etc. In addition to ancient Greece, manual therapy has found wide application among the inhabitants of China, India, the Mediterranean and Europe.

Despite its mature age, this treatment method remains one of the most common in modern medicine. Although, it is worth noting that it was not recognized until the end of the 19th century: until the world's first school for osteopaths opened in the United States of America in 1882, and in 1895 for chiropractors. Both schools studied manual therapy, but the approach to treatment was different.

Pupils of the first school sharpened their attention to physiotherapy, gymnastics and massage. In the treatment of the spine, osteopaths used the so-called “long limbs” technique, where the trunk served as one lever, and the limb served as another. As for chiropractors, they used forceful techniques.

The main disadvantage of both educational institutions was that people who did not even have a primary medical education studied in schools. Therefore, without even having basic knowledge in the field of medicine, they always called the spine the cause of any disease.

Thus, in order to eliminate this or that disease, osteopaths and chiropractors searched for and eliminated a spinal defect (subluxations, intervertebral hernia, displacement of the vertebrae, etc.), which leads to pinching of blood vessels and nerves.

Therapeutic procedures carried out by students of both schools were aimed at special kneading, turning, pressing and other methods of repositioning displaced vertebrae. Of course, these mechanical effects of hands on organs and tissues have a positive effect and effectively affect the human body as a whole.

It should be noted that recovery does not occur due to manual therapy, but due to the individual abilities of the body to rebuild and recover under the influence of internal and external stimuli.

In the middle of the last century, a new school of manual therapy opened. But here, unlike the first two institutions, only highly qualified doctors were trained. From that moment on, manual therapy treatment became safer than before, because it was carried out only by highly qualified specialists.

As for the present, manual therapy is widely used in the medical practice of many doctors, called manual therapists. The qualification of each such specialist is confirmed by the corresponding certificate. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of manual therapy.

Disadvantages of Manual Therapy

The disadvantages of this field of medicine include the existing contraindications. So, manual therapy cannot be applied to people suffering from all types of oncological diseases, thrombosis, acute infectious diseases, increased intracranial and arterial pressure, inflammatory processes in the spinal cord and brain.

It is worth noting that improper treatment can have a deplorable effect on health. For example, to a violation of the central nervous system. Of course, a highly qualified chiropractor will not allow this.

Therefore, before you “give” the fate of your health into the wrong hands, make sure that you have come to a specialist, and not an omnipotent healer who treats patients with manual therapy methods.

Advantages of the technique

However, there is no doubt that manual therapy is useful. Moreover, the positive effect exerted during the procedures has been scientifically proven and confirmed. Perhaps the main advantage of this field of medicine is the ability to instantly eliminate pain. In addition, manual therapy can be easily combined with medical treatment prescribed by a doctor. Moreover, the positive effect of such treatment will be several times higher. But a positive result of applying the technique will be only if a professional works with you. In this case, the benefits that spinal therapy with hands gives are really great.

So we talked about what manual therapy is, the benefits or harms of it. If you decide to improve yourself with the help of manual therapy methods, then you need to remember the following:

1. Treatment can be carried out only after studies that will help identify possible contraindications;

2. Health, and life along with it, can only be entrusted to certified, qualified specialists;

3. During treatment, strictly follow all instructions given to you by your doctor. Otherwise, it may end badly for you.

Manual therapy is a method of treatment with the hands; a technique with which a specialist affects various parts of the spine, muscles, joints and ligaments to eliminate spasms, displacements and functional blocks. It is used in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, which not only effectively restores the health of the back, but also stimulates blood circulation, strengthens muscles and joints, and gives them tone.

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Main characteristic

The method of manual therapy consists in the fact that, first, a functional blockade is removed from the spinal column, after which symptomatic treatment is applied using relaxation manipulations.

Manual massage is the basis of intensive massage, and in order to get a positive result, a full course of treatment is required.

Mechanism of action

Manual therapy is an effective tool for combating many diseases. There are 3 directions of influence on the body:

• Peripheral. The action occurs at the level of soft tissues, provides a quick recovery, accelerates blood circulation, and normalizes the circulation of physiological fluid.
• Neurophysiological. The conduction of nerve impulses is normalized.
• Psychophysiological. It has an impact not only directly on the damaged area, but also on the state of the body as a whole.

During the course of procedures, a change in muscle tone is observed, self-regulation processes improve, the feeling of one's own body changes, behavioral reactions change and mood improves.



Methods

A chiropractor (a therapist who performs a manual massage procedure) chooses a specific technique depending on the patient's clinical picture. There are several methods of therapy, the main ones are the following:

• Arthro-vertebral method. Treats sore joints with traction push (intense massage). The technique contributes to the restoration of the functioning of the disc apparatus of the spine, copes with the pathological processes of nerve endings.
• myofascial technique. It is used in the treatment of extensive pathologies of the vascular system, pain in the joints, neurological diseases. Promotes the resumption of the reflexes of muscles and fascia.
• Visceral Therapy. It can be the main method of treatment, without the use of medications. It is used in the treatment of internal organs, such as the lungs, intestines, spleen, kidneys, reproductive system and others.
• cranial method. It is prescribed for diseases of the brain, affects the joints of the skull and neck muscles. Helps with frequent weakness, decreased concentration, memory impairment, severe headache attacks and in violation of intracranial pressure.



tricks

In medical practice, various techniques are used to carry out a particular manual procedure. The choice is purely individual, depending on the clinical conclusion of the patient, in addition, therapy is carried out at intervals of 1 to 3 days, the session time is from 15-30 minutes, no more than 15 procedures per year. The main methods are the following:

• Push mobilization. The specialist performs various manipulations directly on the affected joints. During the session, the doctor adjusts the displaced intervertebral discs, removes subluxations of the articular structures.
• Rhythmic mobilization. There are three types of procedures that imply a well-defined method of exposure. The stretching technique is intended for the surface of the joints, the rotating one affects the connective structures, the squeezing technique is used when it is impossible to use the above methods.
• Positional mobilization. A technique that involves a gradual stretching of the joints, resulting in the restoration of the functional reserve and the exclusion of any complications in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system.
• Postisometric relaxation. The procedure of intensive and smooth muscle stretching, as a result of which pain in the lumbar, thoracic, cervical and other parts of the spinal column disappears.

Diagnostics

In order to correctly assign a diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo an examination that will show the clinical picture of the patient. To begin with, the doctor conducts a survey, after which a number of diagnostic procedures are prescribed:

• analysis of urine and blood;
• radiography;
• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• CT scan;

According to the results of the diagnosis, ultrasound of the vessels of the brain, thyroid gland and pelvic organs can also be prescribed.

Indications for therapy

Manual procedures are prescribed for the complex treatment of various diseases, as well as for long-term drug therapy, which does not give positive results.

There are the following indications for use:

1. 1. Intervertebral hernia.
2. 2. Osteochondrosis.
3. 3. Scoliosis.
4. 4. Torticollis.
5. 5. Flat feet.
6. 6. Pseudostenocardia.
7. 7. Thoracalgia.
8. 8. Cervicalgia and others.

With osteochondrosis

The spine is the main organ, which consists of ligaments, muscles, blood vessels and nerves, which is why it is important to monitor its health.

Manual procedures for the treatment of osteochondrosis include a number of methods and techniques, which consist of the following components:

• massage;
• mobilization;
• immobilization;
• manipulation;
• functionality correction.

At the initial stage of the disease, this therapy will restore the mobility and activity of the musculoskeletal system.

For hernia treatment

Before the session, a CT scan should be performed, which will show the place where the hernia has formed. At the initial stage of the disease, the specialist uses traction mobilization, post-isometric muscle relaxation and stretching (manual or hardware).