Short answer: Manual therapy is a set of hands-on techniques a physiotherapist uses to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle and connective-tissue tension. Unlike massage, it is based on an assessment and combined with exercise; its aim is to correct movement, not only to relax.
When is it used?
- Mechanical back and neck pain
- Shoulder impingement and stiffness
- Joint stiffness after immobilisation
- Recovery after sports injuries
- Tension-type headaches
How it differs from massage
Massage aims at general relaxation. In manual therapy the physiotherapist first tests which joint or tissue is the problem, then applies mobilisation and soft-tissue techniques to that area, always supported by exercise.
Does it hurt?
Usually not; some techniques cause mild tension. Slight sensitivity for a day or two afterwards is normal.
How many sessions?
Typically 4–6 for acute problems, 8–12 for chronic ones. The goal is independence through exercise, not dependence on sessions.
Manual therapy in Beylikdüzü
See shoulder pain or request an appointment.
