A modern way to teach and practice manual therapy

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Manual Therapy
• Musculoskeletal Conditions

Background:

• Musculoskeletal conditions are a primary cause of global disability.
• Manual therapy (MT) is frequently recommended for musculoskeletal conditions.
• Traditional MT principles lack current evidence, but MT as part of care is effective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a modern, evidence-based framework for MT teaching and practice.
• The framework moves away from outdated traditional manual therapy (TMT) principles.
• It is based on safety, comfort, efficiency, communication, collaboration, and person-centered care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of contemporary evidence and new teaching methods.
• Convened international experts in manual therapy.
• Iterative discussions, public presentations, and feedback incorporation achieved consensus.

Main Results:

• A new framework for manual therapy teaching and practice was developed.
• The framework integrates passive and active, person-empowering interventions.
• It emphasizes a therapeutic alliance within a healing environment.

Conclusions:

• Manual therapy interventions should combine passive and active approaches, including exercise and education.
• A strong person-practitioner therapeutic alliance is crucial.
• The proposed framework should guide the teaching and practice of manual therapy.