Manual therapy is the whole of measured, directional techniques the physiotherapist applies with their hands to the joints and soft tissues. Its aim is not only to relieve pain but to open restricted joint movement, relax tightened muscles and re-establish a disrupted movement pattern.
Manual therapy does not give lasting results on its own. To preserve the movement opened by hand it must be supported by exercise — so every session is planned together with an exercise program specific to you.
At my clinic in Kağıthane I work one-on-one; during the session I do not attend to another patient at the same time, the whole time is reserved for you.
Who is it suitable for?
- People with low-back pain, disc herniation and pain radiating to the hip/leg
- People with neck pain, loss of neck curve and neck herniation
- People with desk-work-related back, shoulder and nape tension
- People with frozen shoulder or shoulder impingement syndrome
- People with jaw joint (TMJ) pain and locking
- People who develop joint stiffness after surgery
- People with tension-type headache
Which techniques are used?
The choice of technique is made according to the diagnosis, the severity of the pain and the state of the tissue. In practice I often combine:
- Joint mobilization: opening restriction by giving the joint controlled, repeated and gradual movement
- Soft-tissue techniques: deep-tissue and release applications that reduce tension in muscle and fascia
- Trigger-point work: releasing the tender points in a muscle that refer pain to another area
- Stretching and muscle energy techniques: gaining flexibility using the muscle’s own contraction
- Kinesiology taping: taping that helps carry the session’s effect between sessions
Who is manual therapy not applied to?
Manual therapy is a safe method, but it is not suitable in every situation. The following are questioned at assessment and, if needed, I refer you to a physician:
- Acute fracture, dislocation or suspicion of one
- Advanced osteoporosis
- Active infection or unexplained fever
- Known or suspected tumor
- Progressive neurological loss (loss of strength, disturbance of bladder/bowel control)
- Uncontrolled use of blood thinners
In how many sessions do results appear?
In a recent complaint limited to a single area, marked relief may be seen within a few sessions. In long-standing problems that have become a movement habit, a program of 8–12 sessions is more realistic.
At the first assessment I tell you the estimated number of sessions clearly; I do not recommend unnecessary sessions.
What happens in a session?
- 01
First assessment
History of the pain, movement tests, muscle strength and flexibility measurements and posture analysis.
- 02
Hands-on therapy
Mobilization and soft-tissue applications chosen according to the findings.
- 03
Exercise
Targeted exercises taught in that session to preserve the movement opened.
- 04
Home program
Daily-life adjustments and a written program to apply between sessions.
Common questions about Manual Therapy
Is manual therapy painful?
Are manual therapy and massage the same thing?
Can manual therapy be done for my disc herniation?
How long does a session last?
The information on this page is for general information and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice or diagnosis. A diagnosis is made by a physician. For your complaint, please consult a healthcare provider.