Manual Therapy in Sharjah

What is manual therapy?

Manual therapy is a group of hands-on techniques used by physical therapists to treat pain and stiffness in joints, muscles and nerves. The therapist uses their hands to move a joint, apply pressure to soft tissue or guide a limb through a movement, with the force and speed chosen to suit what the examination finds.

The main aim of manual therapy is to open a window of easier movement. After a stiff joint has been mobilised or a tight muscle eased, the body often moves more freely and with less pain for a while. The exercise that follows in the same session uses that window to build lasting strength and control, which is why manual therapy and exercise are paired.

At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, manual therapy is provided by the hospital's own physical therapists, who work closely with the orthopedic surgeons. It is one part of the wider physiotherapy service and is used within programmes for the back, neck, shoulder, knee and other joints.

Who needs it

Manual therapy is often part of treatment for:

• Stiff, painful joints in the spine, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle or wrist
• Back and neck pain, alongside a programme such as back pain physiotherapy
• Headaches that come from the upper neck
• Stiffness after a fracture, operation or long period in a cast, sling or brace
• Muscle tightness and trigger points after strain or overuse
• Sports injuries, alongside sports injury treatment
• Irritated nerves, such as in sciatica or arm pain from the neck

The physical therapist decides whether manual therapy suits you after the examination, taking into account your age, bone health, recent injuries, medicines such as blood thinners, and your own preference.

What happens

Before any hands-on treatment, the physical therapist explains which technique is planned, where it will be applied and what you may feel, and asks for your consent. You can ask for a chaperone, and you can ask the therapist to stop or change the technique at any time.

The main techniques are:

• Joint mobilisation. Slow, rhythmic movements of a joint, ranging from small gentle oscillations to calm pain, to larger movements at the end of the available range to stretch stiffness.
• Joint manipulation. A single small, quick movement applied to a joint, most often in the spine. It sometimes produces a click or pop, which is the sound of gas released within the joint fluid. Manipulation is used selectively and only with your agreement.
• Soft tissue techniques. Sustained pressure, kneading and stretching of muscles, tendons and the connective tissue around them.
• Muscle energy techniques. You push gently against the therapist's hand, then relax as the joint is moved a little further, using your own muscle work to gain range.
• Nerve mobilisation. Gentle, controlled movements of a limb that help a sensitive nerve glide more freely.

The therapist rechecks your movement straight after a technique. A clear change in range or pain confirms the technique is worth continuing; the result then guides which exercises follow.

Preparing for it

• Wear loose clothing that allows the area to be reached, such as shorts or a vest top.
• Tell the therapist about your health, including osteoporosis, recent fractures, blood thinners, pregnancy, previous surgery and any recent illness.
• Share your preferences, such as the gender of the therapist or a chaperone, when booking.
• Eat lightly before the session, as lying face down after a large meal is uncomfortable.
• Bring scan reports or letters from your doctor if you have them.

Afterwards

Mild soreness, similar to after exercise, is common for a day after manual therapy, and many people feel looser and more comfortable soon after the session. Use that easier movement: do the home exercises the therapist gives you the same day, as they build on the change the hands-on work has made.

Drink water, particularly in the Sharjah heat, and keep active with walking. If you have a desk job, a driving job or manual work, the therapist suggests short movements to repeat through the day to keep the benefit.

Contact the hospital if pain increases sharply and keeps rising after treatment, or you notice new numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or leg. **Go to the emergency department straight away if you develop sudden dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, or a severe headache after neck treatment.**

Cost and insurance

Manual therapy is billed as part of a physiotherapy session, so it is usually covered by UAE insurance plans that cover physiotherapy, with a doctor's referral, pre-approval and a session cap. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.