From the vibrant, rolling countryside of the South Downs to the fresh sea air of Brighton seafront, there is so much beauty to explore in Sussex. But when aches, pains, and stiffness begin to interrupt your adventures or even prevent you from carrying out your more general daily activities, the drive to find a healthcare professional who can alleviate your symptoms and suffering can become all-encompassing.
Using techniques such as massage, mobilisation, and stretching, manual therapy is a second-to-none branch of hands-on therapies that can completely transform patients' quality of life by reducing or removing their symptoms, enabling them to live their life to the fullest once again. However, the range of different types of manual therapy is extremely broad, so finding the branch that suits you is essential to you receiving the best care and the best chance at a new lease of life following your treatment.
To learn more about the different types of manual therapy, and to choose which one is the best choice for you, read on for a full breakdown of each of the most celebrated manual therapy branches.
What is Manual Therapy?
Physical therapy is an umbrella term that encompasses a broad range of hands-on therapy treatments used to treat musculoskeletal complaints including physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic therapy, and sports therapy.
Manual therapy uses techniques including soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilisation, and joint manipulation. The aim is to reduce pain through modulating pain signals, improve movement and function by increasing the range of motion in patients' joints, reduce muscle tension by decreasing muscle tone, and decreasing swelling and inflammation.
Manual therapy can be lifechanging for individuals who are experiencing chronic pain, joint stiffness, or difficulty moving around independently. We're here to provide you with information on the different types of manual therapy to help you with making an informed decision on the specific branch that is best for you.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a science-based manual therapy discipline that focuses on restoring movement and function in the wake of injury, illness, or disability. It aims to not only treat specific complaints but also to improve patients' overall mobility, strength, and wellbeing through a broad range of targeted rehabilitation techniques.
Physiotherapy treats a wide range of complaints, including the following:
- Mobility and balance problems
- Sports injuries and post-operative rehabilitation
- Chronic conditions such as arthritis or sciatica
- Postural issues and repetitive strain injuries
- Recovery from stroke or neurological conditions
Individuals of any age looking to manage their acute pain, regain their independence, or prevent further injury would suit physiotherapy treatment in Sussex.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a form of preventative and therapeutic medicine that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. It aims to restore function to the body and to alleviate existing issues that are preventing the body from healing itself.
Osteopathy treats a wide range of complaints, including the following:
- Generalised aches, pains, and strains
- Muscle spasms and cramps
- Neck pain, headaches, and migraines
- Mid back, lower back, and rib pain, including trapped nerves
- Joint pain, including arthritic and rheumatic pain
From babies to the elderly, osteopathy is a great choice for anyone looking to reduce their pain and relax their muscles, bones, and joints, or even individuals looking to add a treatment into their self-care or wellness routine.
As such, those looking to heal the underlying cause of their pain, discomfort, stiffness, or subpar health in order to reduce their symptoms and live a healthier life should consider opting for an osteopathic massage treatment in Sussex.
Chiropractic Therapy
Chiropractic therapy focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the spine. Chiropractors aim to properly align the spine and the joints to improve the body's overall function and wellbeing.
Osteopathy treats a wide range of complaints, including the following:
- Back pain and neck pain
- Headaches and migraines caused by tension
- Joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility
- Poor posture and alignment issues
- Spinal dysfunction or discomfort
From office workers with poor posture to scoliosis patients, chiropractic therapy in Sussex is suitable for a huge range of individuals who suffer with joint strain or back problems on a regular basis; it helps to maintain spinal health and prevent further injury.
