World Manual Therapy Encyclopedia

Maitland Joint Mobilization

Gentle, rhythmic rocking of a joint, graded I to IV by how far into the range you go, chosen by how irritable the patient's pain is.

Kaltenborn–Evjenth Mobilization

Mobilization that uses joint shape (the convex-concave rule) to pick the glide direction, and traction grades to loosen, take up slack, or stretch.

Mulligan Mobilization With Movement (MWM)

A sustained joint glide applied by the therapist while the patient performs the movement that normally hurts, aiming for an instant pain-free result.

Mulligan NAGs, SNAGs & Self-SNAGs

Neck and spine glides applied along the facet joint while the patient moves actively (SNAG) or in gentle oscillation (NAG).

Manual Traction & Joint Distraction

A gentle pull that separates joint surfaces to reduce compression and test or calm symptoms.

HVLA Thrust Manipulation

A fast, small, controlled thrust at the end of a joint's range, used only after careful screening and supervised training.

Assessment & Clinical Reasoning

4 techniques · Step-by-step lessons

PAIVM & PPIVM Spinal Assessment / Mobilization

Hands-on spinal examination: PPIVMs test movement between vertebrae through natural bends; PAIVMs test small glides between them.

Paris Approach to Orthopedic Manual Therapy

A step-by-step orthopedic examination that decides first whether a joint needs mobilizing, stabilizing or something else, then treats and retests.

McKenzie Method — Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (MDT)

An assessment system that uses how symptoms respond to repeated movements to guide a self-management exercise plan.

Mennell Joint-Play Approach

Testing tiny involuntary joint movements ('joint play') that you cannot do by yourself, to find out if a joint is blocked.

Osteopathic & Neuromuscular

8 techniques · Step-by-step lessons

Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

A gentle muscle contraction by the patient against your precise resistance, followed by a stretch or movement into the new range.

Strain Counterstrain / Positional Release

Finding a tender point, then holding the body in the position of most comfort for about 90 seconds to settle it.

PNF Manual Techniques

Using the patient's own gentle muscle contractions, with your hand resistance, to improve range, strength and control.

Facilitated Positional Release (FPR)

A short, gentle method: find the neutral position of a tight area, add a small compression, then move toward comfort for a few seconds.

Balanced Ligamentous Tension (BLT)

A very light osteopathic method: hold a joint at the point where its ligaments feel evenly balanced, until the tissue seems to settle.

Spencer Shoulder Technique

A seven-step osteopathic sequence of gentle, rhythmic shoulder movements used for stiff shoulders.

Still Technique

An osteopathic method that moves the tissue into ease, adds a small compression, then guides it through the restriction.

Osteopathic Articulatory Techniques

Slow, rhythmic, repeated joint movements, taken a little further each time toward a stiff direction.

Soft-Tissue & Fascial

9 techniques · Step-by-step lessons

Cyriax Deep Transverse Friction

Firm, small rubbing strokes across the fibres of a tendon or ligament, applied exactly on the sore spot.

Myofascial Release (Direct & Indirect)

Slow, sustained pressure or stretch on the tissue envelope (fascia) until it feels like it softens, either into the restriction (direct) or toward ease (indirect).

Soft-Tissue Mobilization

Hands-on strokes, kneading and pressure on muscle and soft tissue to relax it, improve circulation and improve movement.

Trigger-Point Pressure Release

Steady pressure held on a tender knot in a muscle until its pain eases, usually followed by stretching.

Fascial Manipulation

A system (Stecco) that uses tender points along fascial lines, treated with deep friction, to treat pain and movement problems.

Active Soft-Tissue Release

Hold a tight spot with your hand while the patient actively moves the muscle from short to long beneath your contact.

Fascial Distortion Model (FDM)

A model (Typaldos) that sorts pain into six fascial 'distortions', each treated with a specific manual technique.

Rolfing / Structural Integration

A structured series of deep soft-tissue sessions aimed at improving posture and movement.

Bowen Technique / Bowenwork

Very light rolling moves on the muscles with built-in pauses; popular but with little strong evidence.

Instrument & Cupping

2 techniques · Step-by-step lessons

Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Using a smooth hand-held tool to stroke and press the soft tissue to find tight areas and improve movement.

Myofascial Decompression / Dry Cupping

Using suction cups on the skin to lift the tissue, either held still or moved, to ease tightness and pain.

Neural & Specialized

6 techniques · Step-by-step lessons

Neurodynamic Mobilization

Gentle movements that slide or lightly tension a nerve so it moves freely and tolerates movement better.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Very light, slow skin-stretching strokes that move fluid toward the lymph nodes, done in a set order.

Scar Mobilization

Gentle massage, skin-rolling and stretching of a healed scar so it moves more freely and feels less tight.

Osteopathic Lymphatic Pump Methods

Rhythmic pressure on the chest, belly or feet to encourage lymph and fluid movement, used as an adjunct in some settings.

Visceral Manipulation / Visceral Fascial Therapy

Gentle hand pressure on the abdomen to affect the movement of organs and their connective tissue, with limited evidence.

Craniosacral Therapy

Extremely light touch on the head, spine and sacrum, with claims about subtle rhythms that are not supported by evidence.