Lymphoedema & Lipoedema Therapy
Managing swelling with manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging and exercise.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on joint and soft-tissue techniques, combined with exercise, to ease pain and help you move more freely.
What is manual therapy?
Manual therapy is the umbrella term for techniques a physiotherapist applies by hand to the joints, muscles and connective tissue. Used for the right person at the right time, it can help ease pain, improve joint range of motion and make movement easier.
I see manual therapy as one part of an active treatment plan rather than a stand-alone fix. Reinforcing the movement you gain with exercise is what helps the effect last.
I choose the techniques that suit you in line with your doctor’s diagnosis and recommendations and the assessment findings.
Common conditions
- Low back and neck pain
- Tension and pain in the upper back and around the shoulder blades
- Restricted shoulder movement, e.g. frozen shoulder
- Joint stiffness after a fracture or surgery
- Muscle tension and trigger-point pain
- Jaw joint (temporomandibular) problems
- Headaches arising from the neck (following a medical assessment)
- Stiffness after an ankle sprain
This list is for general information. The right approach for you is decided after an assessment.
When to see a doctor
If you have unexplained weight loss, constant pain that wakes you at night, a fever, a recent injury, or numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, you need a medical assessment before manual therapy.
How we work together
I plan each step with you, at a pace that suits you.
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Assessment
I use movement tests and an examination of the joints and soft tissues to understand where the pain comes from and what is limiting movement. This is also when we rule out situations where manual therapy is not appropriate.
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Plan
We set goals and plan the right techniques together with the exercises that will support them.
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Treatment
I apply methods such as joint mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques and stretching, keeping you comfortable and explaining each step as we go.
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Reinforcing with exercise
I show you exercises to do in the session and at home so that you keep the movement you have gained.
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Reassessment
I track changes at every session and update the plan when needed.
The first step: an assessment
If you have questions about manual therapy or would like to start, leave a request and I will call you so that we can find a suitable time together.
Frequently asked questions
See all questions-
Does manual therapy hurt?
Treatment is usually well tolerated. Some techniques cause a brief feeling of pressure or stretch, and I adjust the intensity based on your feedback. You may feel slightly tender afterwards, but this usually settles quickly.
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Will one session be enough?
That depends on the cause of your symptoms and how long you have had them. Manual therapy is usually part of a planned course of treatment alongside exercise. After the assessment, we discuss how many sessions you are likely to need.