ACTIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY and sports injury clinic

TREATMENTS . . . Manipulation

Hands-on treatment by physiotherapists can be categorised as the three 'Ms' - manipulation, mobilisation and massage.

An expert knowledge of anatomy and how it works allows the physiotherapist to use these techniques to increase movement, restore function and relieve pain.

In general, manipulation involves a forceful thrust, pushing a stiff or blocked joint beyond its restricted range of movement. Mobilisation uses more passive movements within or at the limit of the joint range.

Massage is more gentle still, using the stretching of soft tissue, like muscles and tendons, to effect relaxation and pain relief..

The three 'Ms' are particularly beneficial in the treatment of neck and low back pain, resulting from stiffness in the spinal joints.