Indications And Contraindications

Manual therapy is one of the methods of treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is used for diseases of the vertebrogenic factor, as well as for functional blockade, which limits mobility of a functional nature. In addition, mobility in the spinal segments may change, which is also important to consider when performing treatment with manual therapy.

However, manual therapy is not always an appropriate treatment method. There are certain indications and contraindications for its use.

According to A. Stoddart, there are five degrees of mobility of the spine and limbs. The first degree is characterized by complete immobility in the joint, which is possible, for example, during inflammatory processes. In this situation, manipulations and mobilizations are impossible. In the second degree, there is an almost complete “blockade” of the joint, in which pain is expressed, but some movements in the joint are present. In this case, it is possible to carry out PIR techniques, manipulations and mobilizations. In the third degree, there is a slight “blockade” of the joints, which makes the use of manual treatment quite effective. In the fourth degree, joint mobility is normal; manual therapy is not required. The fifth degree is characterized by hypermobility of the joints (their excessive mobility). Manual therapy is not recommended for this degree of mobility.

There are a number of contraindications to the use of manual therapy. First of all, these are infectious processes occurring in the joints and spine, for example, an active form of rheumatism, osteomyelitis, spondylitis. Tumors of the brain and spinal cord, spine, joints, limbs and other organs are also contraindications. Various etiologies of spondylopathies, inflammatory diseases of the spinal cord and meninges are also contraindications. Postoperative conditions of the spine and instability of the PDS (above grade II), fresh injuries of the joints and spine, ankylosing spondylitis, scoliosis (above grade III), juvenile osteochondrosis, disc myelopathies, sequestration of disc herniation, polyarthritis (grade III-TV) are also contraindications to manual surgery therapy. Finally, acute diseases of the cerebral and coronary circulation, chest organs, gastrointestinal tract, infections and inflammatory processes are also contraindications.

It is important to note that manual therapy should only be performed by qualified professionals with appropriate training and experience. If there are contraindications to manual therapy, patients are advised to turn to other treatment methods.

Thus, manual therapy is an effective treatment method for certain diseases of the musculoskeletal system, however, its use has certain indications and contraindications. Consulting a specialist and conducting a thorough examination before starting treatment will help avoid unwanted consequences.