Osteopathic Concept: Our skilled therapists utilize manual techniques based on osteopathic principles to assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions.
Through hands-on manipulation and mobilization, we aim to restore joint mobility, alleviate pain, and improve overall function.
Manual therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy delivered with the hands as opposed to a machine or device. Here are some main key features of manual therapy
Manual therapy is a hands-on approach employed by physical therapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat soft tissues and joint structures. Drawing on techniques that have strong correlations with chiropractic methods, this practice aims to modulate pain, increase range of motion (ROM), reduce or eliminate soft tissue inflammation, induce relaxation, improve tissue repair, and facilitate movement. Both manual therapy and chiropractic care share an emphasis on manual adjustments and manipulations, aiming to achieve optimal alignment and functionality. By incorporating elements from chiropractic practice, manual therapy provides a comprehensive strategy to enhance body functionality effectively.
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Better outcomes are often achieved when patients consult a doctor or therapist of their choice promptly. Addressing issues early on increases the likelihood of a swift resolution, rather than waiting and hoping for improvement over an extended period.
Therapy can be enjoyable as you learn about your body's functions and intricacies. Gaining this knowledge can help prevent recurring health issues in the long run.
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It’s worth noting that every patient is unique, and the presence of one of these contraindications doesn’t always mean manual therapy is out of the question. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of a thorough evaluation and history taking before treatment. When in doubt, therapists should liaise with other healthcare professionals to ensure the safety and appropriateness of the intervention.
When attending a manual therapy session, especially for the first time, it’s important to be prepared. Here’s a list of items and information you may need to bring with you:
Medical History: Including any records, reports, or documentation of past surgeries, injuries, illnesses, or conditions.
List of Medications: Current and past medications, including over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, and supplements.
Diagnostic Reports: If you’ve recently had imaging (like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans) or other diagnostic tests related to your condition, bring copies of the results.
Referral or Prescription: If your doctor or another healthcare professional referred you for manual therapy, bring any referral letters or prescriptions with you.
Comfortable Clothing: Wear or bring loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement. This helps the therapist access and assess the area that needs treatment.
Footwear: Depending on the area of concern, you might need appropriate footwear, especially if gait analysis is part of your assessment.
List of Questions or Concerns: It’s always a good idea to have a list of questions or concerns to discuss with your therapist, ensuring you get the most out of your session.
Insurance Information: If your treatment is covered by insurance, bring your insurance card and any necessary paperwork or pre-authorization information.
Form of Payment: In case there are fees that need to be covered out-of-pocket or co-pays.
Notebook or Journal: Some patients find it helpful to have a notebook or journal to jot down exercises, advice, or information given during the session.
Previous Treatment Information: If you have had prior treatments (like physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or other interventions) for the current issue, it’s helpful to provide details about what treatments were done and how they affected your condition.
In Switzerland, the healthcare system is comprehensive, but the way treatments, including manual therapy, are covered can depend on various factors:
Basic Health Insurance (Mandatory Health Insurance – LaMal): Switzerland has mandatory health insurance (known as LaMal – L’Assurance Maladie). If a doctor prescribes manual therapy or physiotherapy, the basic insurance generally covers a portion of the cost. However, there is typically a deductible that patients have to reach first, and then there is a coinsurance (often 10% of the costs) up to a certain maximum that patients need to pay out-of-pocket each year.
Supplementary Insurance: Many Swiss residents also opt for supplementary (or complementary) health insurance to cover health services not paid for by the mandatory insurance or to get higher reimbursements. Depending on the policy, this insurance might cover more sessions or different types of treatments within manual therapy.
Out-of-Pocket: If you are seeking manual therapy without a doctor’s prescription or if your insurance does not cover it, you may have to pay out-of-pocket. It’s always a good idea to inquire about prices ahead of time.
Recognition of the Therapist: It’s crucial to check if the manual therapist or physiotherapist is recognized by your insurance. In Switzerland, not all therapists are acknowledged by every insurance company, which means insurance might not cover their services, even with a doctor’s prescription.
Accident vs. Illness: If the need for therapy arises from a work or non-work-related accident, the costs may be covered differently, often through accident insurance, rather than the regular health insurance.
Limit on Sessions: Even if manual therapy is covered, there might be a limit on the number of sessions that are paid for in a given time frame.
In summary, while manual therapy can be covered in Switzerland under various circumstances, it’s essential to check your specific insurance details, verify the recognition status of your therapist, and be aware of deductibles and coinsurance. If unsure, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider directly or consult with the manual therapist about payment expectations.
Manual therapy, a subset of physical therapy techniques, is used to assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions through hands-on interventions. It can be suitable for people of all ages, but the approach and techniques will vary depending on the age and specific needs of the patient. Here’s a breakdown:
Infants and Babies: Manual therapy can be used to address conditions like torticollis (twisted neck), plagiocephaly (flattened head on one side), and certain congenital muscular conditions. Pediatric manual therapists have specialized training to safely treat this age group.
Children: As children grow and become more active, they can experience various musculoskeletal issues, including postural problems, sports injuries, and growing pains. Manual therapy, combined with exercise, can be beneficial. Again, therapists with pediatric training are preferred for this age group.
Adolescents: This age group, especially active teenagers or those undergoing rapid growth spurts, can benefit from manual therapy for issues like scoliosis, sports injuries, and postural problems.
Adults: Adults seek manual therapy for a range of issues, from acute injuries to chronic conditions. This might include back pain, neck pain, joint issues, post-operative rehab, and more. The techniques and intensity can be adapted based on the individual’s condition and pain threshold.
Elderly: Older adults can benefit from manual therapy to address age-related conditions like osteoarthritis, decreased mobility, and balance issues. However, therapists must be cautious due to the increased prevalence of conditions like osteoporosis in this age group. Gentle techniques, often combined with exercises to enhance strength and flexibility, can be especially beneficial.
Contraindications and Considerations:
While manual therapy can be suited for every age, there are contraindications and special considerations:
The fragility of bones in both the very young and elderly means that techniques must be adapted or avoided in certain conditions (e.g., osteogenesis imperfecta in children or osteoporosis in older adults).
A thorough assessment is essential to ensure there aren’t any contraindications like fractures, infections, tumors, or certain vascular issues.
The patient’s comfort and understanding of the therapy are crucial, especially with children.
Parental consent and presence might be required when treating minors.
In summary, manual therapy can be tailored to benefit individuals across the lifespan. However, the choice of techniques and the approach must be age-appropriate, and therapists should have relevant training and experience for the age group they are treating. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine if manual therapy is appropriate for a specific individual and condition.
Manual therapy based on osteopathic concepts (often referred to as osteopathic manipulative treatment or OMT) and basic manual therapy share similarities but also have distinct philosophies, approaches, and benefits.
Holistic Approach: Osteopathy emphasizes the interrelationship between the body’s structure and function. The treatment considers the body as a whole and aims to improve not just the symptomatic area but the overall health of the individual.
Self-Healing Mechanism: Osteopathy believes that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. The treatment techniques aim to remove the barriers to this self-healing mechanism.
Variety of Techniques: OMT uses a broader range of techniques, which can include stretching, gentle pressure, and resisted movements.
Addresses Root Causes: Rather than just treating the symptom, osteopathic practitioners aim to identify and treat the root causes of the patient’s discomfort.
Cranial Osteopathy: Osteopathic manual therapists may have training in cranial techniques, which believe that gentle manipulations of the skull can affect the rhythmic flow of the cerebrospinal fluid and benefit the patient.
Visceral Manipulation: Osteopathic manual therapists might also use visceral manipulation, working on the internal organs to release restrictions and improve function.
Focus on Musculoskeletal System: Traditional manual therapy primarily addresses musculoskeletal issues like joint dysfunctions, muscle tensions, and fascial restrictions.
Techniques: These can include joint mobilizations, manipulations, soft tissue techniques, and specific stretches.
Targeted Approach: The focus is often more localized, targeting the specific area of dysfunction or pain.
Philosophy: While both emphasize hands-on techniques, osteopathic manual therapy operates from a holistic philosophy, viewing the body as an integrated unit of function.
Scope of Treatment: Osteopathic concepts include treatments beyond just the musculoskeletal system, such as cranial and visceral approaches.
Techniques: Both use hands-on techniques, but OMT incorporates a broader range of methods that may not be commonly used in traditional manual therapy.
Treatment Goals: While both approaches aim to reduce pain and improve function, osteopathic treatments often also target the enhancement of the body’s self-healing mechanisms.
Duration and Frequency: OMT sessions might be less frequent and possibly longer in duration, depending on the practitioner’s approach.
It’s important to note that the best approach often depends on the individual patient’s needs, condition, and preferences. Some patients might benefit more from a traditional manual therapy approach, while others might find osteopathic techniques more effective. It’s always advisable to discuss with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable approach.
