A modern way to teach and practice manual therapy

Roger Kerry, Kenneth J. Young, David W. Evans, Edward Lee, Vasileios Georgopoulos, Adam Meakins, Chris McCarthy, Chad Cook, Colette Ridehalgh, Steven Vogel, Amanda Banton, Cecilia Bergström, Anna Maria Mazzieri, Firas Mourad, Nathan Hutting

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Background: Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to global disability and health burden. Manual therapy (MT) interventions are commonly recommended in clinical guidelines and used in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Traditional systems of manual therapy (TMT), including physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, and soft tissue therapy have been built on principles such as clinician-centred assessment, patho-anatomical reasoning, and technique specificity. These historical principles are not supported by current evidence. However, data from clinical trials support the clinical and cost effectiveness of manual therapy as an intervention for musculoskeletal conditions, when used as part of a package of care.

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose a modern evidence-guided framework for the teaching and practice of MT which avoids reference to and reliance on the outdated principles of TMT. This framework is based on three fundamental humanistic dimensions common in all aspects of healthcare: safety, comfort, and efficiency. These practical elements are contextualised by positive communication, a collaborative context, and person-centred care. The framework facilitates best-practice, reasoning, and communication and is exemplified here with two case studies.

    Methods: A literature review stimulated by a new method of teaching manual therapy, reflecting contemporary evidence, being trialled at a United Kingdom education institute. A group of experienced, internationally-based academics, clinicians, and researchers from across the spectrum of manual therapy was convened. Perspectives were elicited through reviews of contemporary literature and discussions in an iterative process. Public presentations were made to multidisciplinary groups and feedback was incorporated. Consensus was achieved through repeated discussion of relevant elements.

    Conclusions: Manual therapy interventions should include both passive and active, person-empowering interventions such as exercise, education, and lifestyle adaptations. These should be delivered in a contextualised healing environment with a well-developed person-practitioner therapeutic alliance. Teaching manual therapy should follow this model.
    Original languageEnglish
    Article number17 (2024)
    Number of pages13
    JournalChiropractic & Manual Therapies
    Volume32
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 21 May 2024

    Keywords

    • Soft-tissue therapy
    • Physiotherapy
    • Chiropractic
    • Person-centred healthcare
    • Evidence-based healthcare
    • Manual Therapy
    • Osteopathy

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'A modern way to teach and practice manual therapy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this