Traditional Manual Medicine Therapies is a broad term that ‘covers manual, mechanical, thermal or electrical therapies performed in accordance with the principles of traditional medical theories’ and is grouped with ‘Acupuncture Medicine’ (Source: WV Acupuncture Act). Manual therapy techniques are skilled active and passive movements of joints and soft tissues and are intended to improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion; induce relaxation; mobility or manipulates soft tissue and joints; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation, or restriction.  Techniques may include manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction, massage, mobilization/manipulation, and passive range of motion.

What does that mean for you as a patient?

It means when your body hurts, feels clunky, stiff, sore, inflamed or just doesn’t feel right, Manual Therapies, often in conjunction with Acupuncture, are used to rehabilitate your body. This is particularly helpful in the event of an injury or auto accident.

Does Manual Therapy have it’s roots in Traditional Medicine?

Yes, what you see today as three separate distinct western disciplines of chiropractic, massage and physical therapy have their roots in Traditional Medicine.

• Tui na, which literally means “pinch and pull”, refers to a wide range of Traditional Medicine therapeutic body work and massage. Modern Traditional Medicine may use percussive devices.
• Gua-sha a method in Traditional Medicine in which the skin on the back, neck, shoulders, buttocks and/or other limbs are lubricated and then pressured and scraped in strokes with a round edge instrument.  Gua-sha may help to break down scar tissue and connective tissue, improving movement in the joints.
• Cupping is a practice used in traditional medicine in several parts of the world. It involves creating suction on the skin using a ‘cup’. Negative pressure is created in the cup to remove oxygen before placing it on the skin or by attaching a suction device to the cup after it is placed on the skin.

Booking an Acupuncture Medicine appointment, whether needles are part of your therapy or not, includes an exam to determine if Manual Therapy is appropriate for you.