Manual Therapy, Manipulative Physiotherapy, Maitland Concept, Nordic Kaltenborn Concept, OMT, Mulligan Approach and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy are names which have become synonymous with the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries with joint mobilisations. These mobilisations can be a gliding movement, traction, or compression. Further, joint mobilisations may be a passive oscillatory technique, a sustained technique or a technique accompanied by movement. They are used to improve range of movement by reducing muscle spasm and pain.

After a thorough interview, the physiotherapist uses 'hands-on' techniques of assessment and treatment based on biomechanical and neurophysiological concepts to treat the joint dysfunction. Normally, manual therapy techniques are complemented by Muscle Energy Techniques, Myofascial Release Techniques, Dry Needling, Taping, Soft Tissue Massage and Exercises. What differentiates a standard physiotherapist from an excellent physiotherapist is their ability to apply their clinical reasoning and their efficacy to communicate.

Futher information can be found elsewhere on this site :

Manual Therapy (Maitland and Mulligans techniques) and Neural Mobilisations

Manual therapy in the treatment of pain and inflammation

 and view Contemporary Issues in Manual Therapy

Updated : 29 September 2012