Foundations of Manual Therapy - Understanding its Role in an Integrative Approach to Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

Physical therapists continue to debate the efficacy and utility of manual therapy in physical therapy practice. There is a myriad of philosophies and paradigms related to the use of manual therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. The objective of this course is to review some of the foundational science behind the mechanisms of manual therapy and how with this knowledge, therapists can utilize manual therapy as an effective mode of treatment in a multifaceted and integrative approach to the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

Program Agenda

A. Manual Therapy: A Brief History and Tale of Evolution (10 minutes)
B. What Manual Therapy is and What Manual Therapy Isn’t (15 minutes)
1. Structural/Pathoanatomical Focus
2. Important Neurophysiological and Psychosocial components
a. Therapeutic Alliance
C. Manual Therapy as a Component in Multi-Faceted physical therapy care (15 minutes)
1. Background/Personal Perspective
a. No singular philosophy
b. Pain Modulation/Patient response
c. Priming the system for movement and loading
2. Key Components to using Manual Therapy as a tool in a Multi-Faceted approach
a. Explanation to the patient
b. Clear goal for use
a1. Big picture
D. Foundational Concepts in the Administration of Manual Therapy (10minutes)
1. Determining when appropriate and not appropriate
2. The role of your hands
a. Reducing threat
b. Promoting de-sensitization
3. Dosing
E. Question and Answer/Discussion (10 minutes)