Manual Therapy can take many different forms as a therapeutic treatment. Typically, it involves the gentle use of hands to manipulate muscles, mobilise joints and massage soft tissue with the aim to reduce pain and improve movement.
What is Manual Therapy?
Manual Therapy focusses on reducing pain and restoring mobility through physical touch. Touch-based healing dates back at least 2500 years, with early forms practised in Egypt, China, Greece and Rome.
The philosophy of Manual Therapy takes a holistic view of the body and its ability to heal itself, with the relationship between joints, muscles, fascia, and nerves at the forefront.
Methods and techniques in Manual Therapy continue to evolve and include joint mobilisation, muscle manipulation, soft tissue massage and stretching. These are used to assist with treating a range of conditions including back pain, joint stiffness, arthritis, migraines, sports-related injuries and more.
Manual Therapy at Ultra Health Therapies
The Manual Therapy techniques used at Ultra Health Therapies are designed to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, ease discomfort and encourage a deeper connection to the self. After conducting a thorough assessment with you, our experienced and caring practitioners will create a personalised plan to target the source of pain and discomfort. These tailored treatments may be combined with exercise or as part of a broader treatment plan in order to support your long-term health and optimum well-being.
Potential Manual Therapy Benefits
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese manual therapy that draws on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Meaning ‘finger pressure’ in Japanese, Shiatsu uses fingers, thumbs, elbows, and palms to apply targeted pressure along the body’s meridian lines. These pathways are believed to support the flow of vital energy (Qi), and stimulating them may help restore balance, release tension, and activate the body’s natural healing abilities.
Shiatsu focuses not only on physical relief but on reconnecting you to your vital centre—the hara. In Japanese culture, the hara refers to the abdomen, but it also represents the true core of one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual self. It’s believed that when tension is released and energy is restored to the hara, a deeper sense of connection, vitality, self-compassion, and inner peace naturally returns.
Each Shiatsu session may also include gentle stretching and soft tissue massage to improve flexibility and support overall wellbeing. At Ultra Health Therapies, our practitioners offer Shiatsu with precision and care to help you reconnect with your body, calm your mind, and revitalise your spirit.
Remedial Massage
Remedial massage is a hands on therapeutic treatment that is used to help bring balance to the body through the systematic treatment of muscles, tendons and ligaments. During your remedial massage session, your practitioner will identify a possible cause for the pain you are experiencing.
Various deep tissue methods of rubbing, pressure, suction and trigger point relief maybe used during your treatment. Your practitioner aims to focus the treatment on the root cause while helping to improve your posture, relieve tight muscles and break down tissue adhesions or ‘knots’ to restore joint movement and relieve strain and painful injuries.
Remedial massage can be tailored to your specific condition and often draws on the expertise of multiple therapies, including cupping, massage, deep tissue releases, fascia release techniques, and dry needling. Your therapist will discuss the best options for you during your session for your consideration. At Ultra Health Therapies, our practitioners will be able to guide you on the benefits of each technique suggested and focus the treatment according to your health goals.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on treatment that supports the body’s natural balance. The techniques used involve minimal pressure and are designed to promote relaxation, reduce tension in the muscles and nervous system, and support overall wellbeing.
At Ultra Health Therapies, our practitioners are trained to sense subtle rhythms within the body. This includes the natural, tide-like rhythm of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. By tuning into this rhythm, our practitioners can identify areas of tension or restriction and support the body in releasing them.
Craniosacral therapy draws on both biomechanical and biodynamic principles. In simple terms, biomechanical approaches focus on gently identifying and releasing physical restrictions in the body. The treatment is delivered by your practitioner using a very light touch allowing the body space and to settle and naturally restore balance in its own time.
Each session is tailored to your individual needs. Your practitioner will talk you through the process so you feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout your care.
Start your journey to optimum health with Manual Therapy
At Ultra Health Therapies, our qualified Manual Therapy practitioners offer personalised treatments with the aim to ease discomfort, enhance mobility, and support your overall wellbeing.
FAQs about Manual Therapy
- How do I know if Manual Therapy is the right treatment for me?
Our practitioners will do a full assessment with you to decide if Manual Therapy is suitable for you or if another approach would be more effective.
- How many treatments will I need?
This depends on the problem you present with and how your body responds. Some people may need just a few sessions while others might need ongoing care. Our practitioners will tailor a treatment plan that’s just right for you.
- Should I exercise after the treatment?
Gentle exercise is often encouraged after manual therapy treatment to support recovery and strengthen your body. You’ll be in good hands with our practitioners who will give you advice about the exercise you should do.
- Do I need a referral from a doctor?
No referral is necessary for manual therapy and you can book an appointment directly with one of our experienced practitioners.
- What are your prices per consultation?
Consultations vary depending on treatment, length of session and the practitioner. You can see all available appointments and prices if you go to Book an Appointment.
- Can I use manual therapies alongside my other medical treatments?
Yes, Manual Therapy is often used alongside other physical therapy interventions and conventional medical treatments. However, it’s always best to check with your medical provider first.
