Manual therapy is a specialised form of physiotherapy: joints, muscles and nerves are examined and treated using targeted hand techniques. It is primarily used when joints are blocked or restricted in their mobility. Gentle mobilisations and active exercises complement each other to form a comprehensive treatment approach.
Typical Areas of Use
- Neck and back pain
- Restricted joint mobility
- Radiating pain in the arm or leg
- Temporomandibular joint problems
- Complaints following immobilisation, e.g. after plaster cast
How It Works
- 1At the beginning, the therapist examines the interaction between joints, muscles and nerves and checks where mobility is restricted or painful.
- 2Treatment consists of gentle, repeated mobilisation techniques and targeted soft tissue techniques — usually whilst lying or sitting on the treatment couch.
- 3In addition, you learn active exercises that stabilise the regained mobility and prevent relapses.
- 4The findings are reassessed at each session and the technique adjusted accordingly.
How to Prepare
- Wear comfortable clothing; the area to be treated should be easily accessible.
- Bring the physician's prescription and any existing medical reports.
- Inform the therapist if you are taking blood thinners or suffer from osteoporosis.
Side Effects & Risks
- Temporary intensification of symptoms or muscle soreness after treatment is possible and usually subsides quickly.
- Tenderness to pressure at the treated areas for one to two days.
- In the case of certain pre-existing conditions (e.g. osteoporosis, recent injuries), certain techniques are deliberately omitted — inform the therapist about your medical history.
- Serious complications are very rare when mobilisation is performed professionally and gently.
After treatment, the area may feel loosened but also slightly sensitive; light movement in everyday life is usually better than rest. Drink plenty of fluids and observe how your body reacts — this will help the therapist during the next session. Contact your therapist if pain becomes significantly worse, newly radiates into the arms or legs, or if numbness, dizziness or paralysis occurs.
Cost & Insurance
In Switzerland, manual therapy is usually carried out as part of physician-prescribed physiotherapy and is then covered by basic health insurance; the deductible and co-payment apply as usual. Without a prescription, treatment must generally be paid for privately or may be covered by supplementary insurance — check with your insurer if in doubt.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between manual therapy and massage?
- Massage primarily treats the muscles and serves to relax them. Manual therapy goes further: it specifically examines and treats joints and their interaction with muscles and nerves, and combines hand techniques with active exercises.
- Does manual therapy involve 'cracking' joints?
- In physiotherapeutic manual therapy, the focus is on gentle, repeated mobilisations, not jerky movements. Rapid thrust techniques are primarily the domain of chiropractic and specially trained practitioners.
- Does the treatment hurt?
- The techniques can be briefly uncomfortable at tense or blocked areas, but should not cause severe pain. Say so immediately if something is too intense — the technique can always be adjusted.
- How many sessions are needed?
- This depends on the nature and duration of the symptoms. Often it becomes clear within the first series of nine sessions how well the treatment is working; if necessary, the doctor will prescribe further sessions.
- Does health insurance cover manual therapy?
- Yes, if it is provided as part of physician-prescribed physiotherapy, basic health insurance covers the costs — minus the deductible and co-payment. Without a prescription, you generally pay for it yourself.