Spinal Therapy
Specialised Spinal and Manual Therapy at HTC
Manual therapy, or manipulative therapy, is a physical treatment primarily used by Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, and Chiropractors to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability.
It commonly includes the manipulation of muscle tissue, joint mobilisations, and also techniques for other soft tissue structures including nerve tissue.
Manual therapy is indicated as improving clinical outcomes related to neuro-musculoskeletal conditions when performed in a targeted and controlled manner with an evidence-based practice approach.
Most Physical therapists employ manual therapy techniques within their fields and these techniques may be employed to benefit a wide range of functional improvements from breathing to nerve pain.
HTC’s Lead Therapist Stuart Unthank is a specialist in manual therapy and is a qualified member of the MACP (Manipulative Association of Chartered Physiotherapists) and also a member of the IFOMT (International Federation of Manual Therapists).
He specialises in spinal manual therapy in particular.
Techniques may be used in both static positions or during slow controlled movements called ‘mobilisations’ to improve function in localised or larger component movements.
Slow controlled vertebrae mobilisations at particular levels can significantly improve neck movement and decrease associated/referred pain. Techniques such as these may decrease nerve irritation and indirectly improve nerve function.
The nerves for the upper limbs mainly exit from the mid-neck to upper chest spine levels.
Practiced accurately and in line with appropriate indications, higher grade mobilisations (sometimes called manipulations) may drastically improve freedom of movement. which, would then be the basis of maintaining revitalised flexibility via targeted movement exercises.