This practical book offers an extensive examination of how manual therapy (MT) techniques work, and how to match the most suitable techniques to different conditions. Drawing on evidence-based research, it explores the physiological, neurological and psychophysiological responses of the human body to MT techniques. In doing so, it helps MT practitioners deliver a more effective and safer treatment for a broader range of conditions.

CONTENTS

SECTION 1 The effect of manipulation on the tissue organization

• Introduction


• Manual therapy in the tissue dimension


• Assisting repair with manual therapy


• Affecting fluid flow with manual therapy


• Assisting adaptation: manual stretching


• Pain relief by manual therapy: the local tissue dimension


• Overview and summary of Section 1


• References

SECTION 2 Neurological organization in manual therapy

• Manual therapy in the neurological dimension


• The motor system


• Proprioceptive stimulation by manual therapy techniques 


• Affecting the lower motor system with manual therapy


• The adaptive code for neuromuscular re-abilitation


• Abilities, inability and re-abilitation


• Treating the intact motor system: behavioural and psychomotor dysfunctions


• Neuromuscular organisation in musculoskeletal damage


• Re-abilitating the damaged motor system


• Pain relief by manual therapy – neurological mechanisms


• Muscle tone


• Overview and summary of Section 2


• References

SECTION 3 Psychological and psychophysiological processes in manual therapy

• Manual therapy in the Psychological/psychophysiological dimension 


• Origins of therapeutic potential of touch


• Psychological influences of manual therapy 


• Psychophysiology of manual therapy


• Manual therapy in the psychosomatic field 


• Touch as a therapeutic intervention


• Pain relief by manual therapy: psychological processes


• Overview and summary of Section 3 References

SECTION 4 Overview and clinical application

• Overview and clinical application of the science