Manual Therapy is a large Umbrella under which many specific hands-on techniques reside. There are 10 soft tissue techniques that we provide at SAAOL Ortho Care. To understand each technique in detail, continue reading below.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization: Soft tissue mobilization is used to loosen up tight muscles and encourage healing by moving the body's soft tissues. Back pain, neck discomfort, and joint issues are just a few of the many musculoskeletal pains that physiotherapists frequently use this approach to treat. The physiotherapist will move the soft tissues of the body using a variety of manual techniques, including massage and stretching, during a soft tissue mobilization session. Breaking up any bonds or scar tissue that may have developed in the muscles or surrounding tissues, assists to improve circulation and hasten the healing process. Soft tissue mobilization can help to increase the range of motion and lower the risk of further injury by releasing tension and boosting flexibility. To aid patients in achieving their recovery objectives, this method is commonly used along with other types of physical therapy, such as stretching and exercise.


• Scar Mobilization: Scar Mobilization uses deep tissue massage to remove collagen fibers and adhesions that may have built up in the body as a result of trauma, surgery, or injury. Bands of scar tissue known as adhesions occur between tissues and organs, limiting movement and causing pain and suffering. In a scar mobilization session, the physiotherapist will manipulate the tissues close to the scar using a variety of massage methods, including friction massage, acupressure, and trigger point. Adhesions can be broken down, circulation can be improved, and healing can be aided. Scar mobilization helps to increase the range of motion, lessen pain and suffering, and stop the growth of new scar tissue by removing collagen fibers and adhesions.


• Myofascial Release (MFR): Using continuous, moderate pressure on the fascia, a type of connective tissue that envelops muscles and organs all over the body is a manual therapy technique known as myofascial release (MFR). Physiotherapists often use this method along with other treatments prescribed for patients. The physiotherapist will apply light pressure with their hands to particular body parts during myofascial release therapy. To help the tissue release and relax, this pressure is delivered in a particular direction, following the fascial lines. Myofascial release can help to reduce pain and discomfort, improve flexibility and range of motion, and encourage rest and stress alleviation. It is frequently used to treat a variety of diseases, such as joint issues, back discomfort, and neck pain. Myofascial release is a gentle, non-invasive method that can be applied to patients of all ages and physical capacities, which is one of its main advantages. Depending on the particular demands of the patient, it may be utilized as a stand-alone treatment or as a component of an extensive rehabilitation program.


• Strain Counter Strain (PRT): The positional release technique (PRT), also known as strain counter strain, is a gentle manual therapy technique used by physiotherapists to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This method entails simultaneous tissue release and passive modification of the patient's body in a more pleasant or away from the painful or constrained direction of motion. In a strain-counter strain session, the physiotherapist will gently move the patient's body into a position that is pain-free and comfortable, keeping this position for a while to let the muscles and tissues relax. Pain can be reduced, muscle tension can be eased, and flexibility and mobility can be increased. In addition to back pain, neck discomfort, and joint issues, it can be used to treat a variety of other pains.

• Active Release Technique (ART): The Active Release approach (ART) is a manual treatment approach that reduces pain, stiffness, muscular tension, and dysfunction by removing scar tissue and adhesions that are causing soft tissue constraints. The patient actively exercises the afflicted muscle or ligament during an ART session while the therapist presses or keeps contact with the injured area. The narrowed soft tissue structures are successfully treated by the therapist by using their hands to feel the structure as it shifts beneath their contact. Pain can be reduced, range of motion can be increased, and overall function improves. Numerous musculoskeletal disorders, such as back pain, shoulder pain, and sports injuries, are commonly treated with ART. Any patient, regardless of age or physical condition, can benefit from this non-invasive, safe, and effective method.


• Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD): Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a mild skin-stretching massage method used to increase the flow of lymphatic fluid out of swollen limbs and lessen different kinds of edema. This method, which is carried out by a licensed physiotherapist, uses rhythmic, moderate motions to stimulate the lymphatic system and promote the passage of lymphatic fluid. MLD is frequently used to treat problems like lymphedema, a swelling that develops when the lymphatic system is obstructed or injured. Other types of edema, like post-surgical swelling or swelling due to injuries, can also be treated with this.
  

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• Joint Mobilization: Joint Mobilization is a manual treatment technique that uses passive traction or sliding motions to joint surfaces to preserve or restore joint play. Joint mobilization is used to enhance joint function and lessen pain, stiffness, and dysfunction. During joint mobilization, the physiotherapist applies light pressure on the joint with their hands in a specified direction and at a specific pressure level. This aids in preserving or reestablishing the typical roll-slide joint mechanics that take place as a person moves. Distraction, sliding, compression, rolling, and spinning are a few of the numerous kinds of joint mobilization procedures. Joint mobilization is frequently used to treat muscular-skeletal diseases such as osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, and stiff joints. Patients of all ages and physical capacities can benefit from this non-invasive, safe, and efficient treatment method.


• Joint Manipulation/Thrust/Mobilization: Joint manipulation, thrust, or mobilization is a manual therapy technique that uses passive skilled manual therapy techniques performed on joints and related soft tissues at varied speeds and amplitudes using physiologic or secondary motions, for therapeutic goals. To increase joint mobility, lessen discomfort, and restore normal joint function, a physiotherapist will use their hands to administer a fast, strong movement to the joint in a specified direction. Conditions including back pain, neck pain, and joint stiffness are frequently treated using this method. To maintain or restore joint play, joint mobilization, on the other hand, uses passive traction or gliding movements applied to joint surfaces. With the help of this method, joint dysfunction, discomfort, and stiffness can all be decreased.


• Muscle Energy Techniques: Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a manual treatment technique that utilizes the energy of the muscle in the form of mild isometric contractions to relax the muscles and enhance joint mobility. In patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction, this method is utilized to enhance joint function, lessen pain, and increase range of motion. In MET, the patient is instructed to carefully contract certain muscles while the physiotherapist opposes the motion. The next step is relaxation, after which the physiotherapist may use light pressure on the joint to aid in mobilization. To help with joint function improvement and stiffness reduction, the procedure may be performed numerous times. Several musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, neck discomfort, and joint stiffness, can be treated with MET. Conditions caused by muscular imbalances or postural problems respond well to it in particular. Additionally, MET is a mild and safe method that can be used for patients of all ages and fitness levels.


• MULLIGAN MOBILISATION Brian Mulligan, a physiotherapist from New Zealand created this manual therapy method known as The Mulligan Concept. It is a set of mobilization procedures used to treat musculoskeletal issues, especially those with the spine. The concept involves several methods, such as Mobilisation with Movements (MWMs), Natural Aypophyseal Glides (NAGs), and Sustained Natural Aypophyseal Glides (SNAGs). As a joint is moved through its range of motion, SNAGs require applying steady pressure to the joint. With a shorter hold time, NAGs employ a similar strategy. MWMs entail a mobilization force being applied while a joint is being moved through its range of motion. Compared to conventional passive mobilization treatments, this method is supposed to help joints move more freely, relieve pain, and swiftly regain function. The Mulligan Concept can be used to treat several musculoskeletal problems, such as stiff joints, neck pain, and back pain. Any patient, regardless of age or fitness level, can benefit from this safe and effective treatment method.