Musculoskeletal Therapy

Musculoskeletal Therapy is a bodywork modality designed to treat the soft tissue and skeletal structures using a variety of soft tissue manipulation and joint release techniques. The key aim of musculoskeletal therapy is to restore balance in the forces applied by muscles on the bones around joints to create improved skeletal alignment and mechanical function. A body with optimal alignment and mechanical function can be free of musculoskeletal pain, more resilient and better able to avoid injury.

The musculoskeletal therapist must have skills to interpret the signs and symptoms presented by the client, in order to be able to provide targeted and effective treatment. Musculoskeletal therapists therefore carry out a number of detailed assessments prior to and during the treatment process. Some of these assessments are outlined below:

• Visual assessment: The client is asked to assume various positions such as standing and sitting. The observations provide clues on alignment and help identify dominant and weak muscles, as well as compensation patterns.
• Range of movement: The client’s affected joint is moved through various planes of movement by the client and the therapist. The range of movement and pain reported by the client provide information on the likely soft tissue structures causing the client’s musculoskeletal injury or symptoms.
• Orthopedic tests: These include a very wide range of special tests designed to help identify the exact structures affected in the client’s condition. Muscle and nerve function: These tests are designed to check the strength of muscles or integrity of the nerves supplying them with information.
• Palpation assessment: Experienced therapists gain a lot of information through palpation, including muscle tone, fibrousness in muscles and ligaments and joint stiffness or laxity.
• Movement assessment: The therapist observes the client perform certain movements such as walking, running, squatting, lunging, etc, to help identify muscle strength imbalances in the body.

In musculoskeletal therapy, we cross-check the results of the above tests to determine the underlying cause and formulate a clear strategy. We then select the most appropriate techniques from a wide range including remedial massage, Bowen therapy, myofascial release, and joint release techniques. Our advanced soft tissue, massage and joint release techniques are described on our Treatment Techniques page.

Another important component of Musculoskeletal Therapy is the provision of tailor-made exercises including stretching and strengthening. These exercises are designed to help reverse the muscle imbalances which have been perpetuating the client’s condition, improving the effectiveness of the treatments, and helping the client play an active role in their own recovery.

Musculoskeletal Therapy is extremely effective for a wide range of conditions.

You can find out more about our treatment techniques here.

Musculoskeletal Therapy Limassol