What it involves
At PHYSIOWORKS in Nea Smyrni, 'manual therapy' covers a family of techniques. Which ones are used is decided by the clinical assessment:
- Joint mobilisation — controlled, rhythmic movement to increase range of motion
- Myofascial release — work on fascia and soft tissue
- Trigger point therapy
- Muscle energy techniques (MET), where you actively participate
- Neurodynamic techniques for nerve mobility
- Therapeutic massage as a supporting tool
When it helps
Manual therapy is most valuable where there is mechanical restriction or raised muscle tone: neck pain and cervicogenic headache, low back pain, shoulder stiffness, post-operative joint stiffness, and posture-related musculoskeletal pain from work.
It isn't appropriate for everyone. In some situations — active inflammation, advanced osteoporosis, recent fracture, certain vascular conditions — techniques are modified or avoided. That's why assessment and history-taking always come first.
What to expect in a session
The first session starts with history and clinical examination: where it hurts, when, what makes it worse, what eases it, which movements are restricted. Hands-on treatment follows, typically 20–30 minutes within a 45–60 minute session.
It's common to feel an immediate improvement in mobility. It's also common to feel mildly stiff for a day afterwards, especially in the first sessions. What is gained by hand then needs exercise to hold — which is why every session ends with home exercises.
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