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Manual therapy is a crucial aspect of chiropractic care that involves the hands-on manipulation of a patient's tissues to restore proper biomechanics and alleviate pain. While many people may confuse manual therapy with massage, it goes beyond mere muscle manipulation. Manual therapy encompasses specific movements in various tissues, including joints, muscles, nerves, and fascia, aimed at improving biomechanical function.In recent years, various effective manual therapy methods have been developed worldwide, each with its unique approach and techniques. These methods require rigorous training, both domestically and internationally, to become a certified therapist in a particular method. Let's explore some of the prominent manual therapy methods taught in up coming chiropractic continuing education:
Cyriax Manual Therapy (Great Britain)
Cyriax manual therapy is a comprehensive system for examining, diagnosing, and treating spinal and peripheral joint issues. It focuses on thorough patient testing to accurately diagnose the source of pain, whether it's a joint, muscle, or nerve problem. Cyriax therapy includes techniques such as deep transverse friction and traction or manipulation.
Lewit Manual Therapy (Czech Republic)
Developed by Prof. Karel Lewit, this manual therapy method emphasizes examining and treating not only the site of pain but also other areas of the body. Lewit believed that the root causes of problems could often be found in interconnected pathologies throughout the body. He created numerous techniques for mobilizing, manipulating, and actively exercising patients to address these issues.
Kaltenborn-Evjenth Manual Therapy (Norway)
The Kaltenborn-Evjenth manual therapy approach involves specialized tests to identify the source of pain, whether it's a tense muscle, irritated nerve, or degenerated joint. Treatment techniques vary based on the test results, encompassing transverse massage, functional massage, post-isometric relaxation, joint mobilization, joint manipulation, and neuromobilization.
Maitland Manual Therapy (Australia)
Maitland manual therapy focuses on therapeutic techniques that target joints, muscles, and nervous tissue in both the spine and peripheral joints. It involves rhythmic, passive, painless movements (mobilizations) and rapid movements (manipulations) to eliminate pain, restore joint mobility, and normalize muscle tension. Maitland emphasized the relationship between spine movements and pain symptoms from the central nervous system.
McKenzie Manual Therapy (New Zealand)
McKenzie manual therapy is centered on healing the spine through active patient movements. Patients and therapists work together to find movements that bring significant improvement after repetitions. The therapy follows a strength grading principle, gradually progressing from patient-initiated movements to manual techniques like mobilization or manipulation if needed. Patient education on correct movement patterns is crucial for preventing overloads in the musculoskeletal system.
Mulligan Manual Therapy (New Zealand, Great Britain)
Mulligan's therapy combines active patient movements with passive joint corrections performed by a physiotherapist. The techniques involve painless, functional loading of joint surfaces, combining passive and active movement, applying overpressure at the end of painless ranges, and incorporating repetitions and homework exercises.
In chiropractic continuing education, these manual therapy methods play a vital role in enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes. Chiropractors undergo extensive training and certification in these methods to ensure they can provide the best possible care to their patients. By incorporating these techniques into their practice, you can address a wide range of joint, muscle, nerve, and fascia issues, leading to improved biomechanics and pain relief for their patients. CCEDseminars continues to strive to be your prime source of chiropractic continuing education! Click HERE to get started!
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