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.

Test your knowledge of the introduction and myofascial release in manual therapy. Learn about the definition, aims, and techniques of manual therapy for soft tissue and joint structures.