Manual Therapy: Introduction and Myofascial Release

Manual Therapy

• The primary aim of manual therapy is to restore optimal function and alleviate pain in the musculoskeletal system.

Musculoskeletal System

• The musculoskeletal system is considered a system of chains and links enveloped by fascia.
• The system consists of muscles, joints, and connective tissue.
• Nervous tissue is not mentioned as a component of the musculoskeletal system.

Functional Chain

• The musculoskeletal system can be seen as a functional chain.
• Components of the functional chain include muscles, joints, and connective tissue.
• The nervous system is not considered part of the musculoskeletal functional chain.

Manual Therapy Focus

• Manual therapy focuses on treating abnormal muscle function and joint dysfunction.
• It also concerns itself with treating functional disturbances in the spine or extremity joints.
• The primary purpose of manual therapy is to improve mobility, strength, and functional ability.

Somatic Diagnosis

• The science of somatic diagnosis in manual therapy is concerned with identifying and treating dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal system.

Essence of Manual Therapy

• The essence of the art and science of manual therapy is the identification and correction of aberrant function in the musculoskeletal system.
• Aberrant function in the functional chain is correlated to pain and musculoskeletal dysfunction.