Tissue Manipulation
What is Tissue Manipulation?
Tissue manipulation or tissue mobilisation is a method frequently employed in massage and manipulation therapy to treat musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain. The method is focused at improving the health condition of the tissues (muscles, nerves, skin, tendons, and ligaments).
Tissue manipulation increases body fluid circulation, reduces inflammation, relieve pain, and releases tension in the tissues. Due to its technical process, tissue manipulation is only done professionally by professional physiotherapists and osteopaths.
Forms of Tissue Manipulation
There are several methods employed in tissue manipulation. The type used in any particular physiotherapy treatment depends on the condition being treated. Some of these methods include:
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is one of the oldest and commonest manipulation therapies and health practices known. The therapy procedure consists of a group of manual techniques used to apply movable or fixed pressure to the body. Swedish massage is the most common form and works on the superficial layers of muscle and in the direction of flow to the heart. Other types include sports massage, cross friction massage, deep tissue massage, and neuromuscular massage.
Trigger Point Therapy (Myofascial Release)
Myofascial trigger points are sensitive spots in the skeletal muscle. The fascia is a thin tissue that wraps the muscle and most body structures. Trigger point therapy majorly consists of pressing and rubbing on these trigger points to provide relief from pain. The method relaxes contracted muscle, stimulates muscle stretch reflex, and improves fluid circulation.
Joint Manipulation
Joint manipulation is a form of manual therapy which is used to achieve a therapeutic effect. The treatment is aimed at target synovial joints and causes a movement that goes beyond normal limits of motion. Joint manipulation is used to restore the motion of a joint following prolonged loss of motion or injury. The method is risky and is performed by expert chiropractors and osteopaths.
Conditions that can be treated with Tissue Manipulation
Due to its application and mechanism of action, tissue manipulation is very helpful in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. These include common musculoskeletal conditions such as sciatica, radiculopathy, ligament sprain, epicondylitis, tendinitis, back pain, osteoarthritis, and lumbago among others.
