Manual Therapy Approaches in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Summary
Manual therapy encompasses a suite of hands-on techniques designed to assess, treat and rehabilitate disorders of muscles, joints, ligaments and associated connective tissues. Core modalities include joint mobilisation, manipulation, soft tissue techniques and traction. Practitioners aim to restore normal motion, reduce pain and improve function by applying graded forces, adjusting tissue tension and enhancing neuromuscular control. Clinical outcomes reflect both biomechanical effects, such as improved joint kinematics and tissue extensibility, and neurophysiological mechanisms, including modulation of pain perception and reflex muscle activity. The evidence base has expanded to encompass objective measures via imaging, biomechanical analysis and patient-reported outcomes. Integration with exercise and education underpins contemporary practice, emphasising self-management and long-term benefit. Manual therapy remains globally significant, with applications in acute care, chronic pain syndromes and postoperative rehabilitation. Recent advances explore dosage parameters, method-specific outcomes and the role of adjunctive technologies to optimise individualised care pathways.
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Manual Therapy Approaches in Musculoskeletal Disorders publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in manual therapy approaches in musculoskeletal disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Mobilisation: A graded manual force applied to a joint to improve accessory motion and reduce stiffness.
Manipulation: A high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust delivered to a joint to restore range and influence neuromuscular responses.
Myofascial release: A soft tissue technique that applies sustained pressure to fascial restrictions to alleviate tension and enhance mobility.
Kinematics: The study of motion of joints and segments without regard to the forces that cause the movement.
Traction: A longitudinal force applied to a limb or spine to separate joint surfaces, relieve compression and improve circulation.
References
- Effect of Scapular Fixation on Lateral Movement and Scapular Rotation during Glenohumeral Lateral Distraction Mobilisation. Healthcare (2023).
- Relevance of Tibial Fixation during Tibiotarsal Joint Traction: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (2024).
- The Effect of Scapular Fixation on Scapular and Humeral Head Movements during Glenohumeral Axial Distraction Mobilization. Medicina (2022).
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