Manual Therapy (MT) at Physiotherapy VITALITY in Frankfurt City Centre

Manual Therapy (MT) is a specialised physiotherapy treatment using targeted techniques for joints, muscles and soft tissues. The aim is to influence pain, improve mobility and restore function. At VITALITY – Practice for Physiotherapy and Training in Frankfurt city centre, we combine Manual Therapy with active exercises when appropriate—so the effects are not only noticeable short-term, but also stable long-term.

What is Manual Therapy?

Manual Therapy is a specialised physiotherapy approach in which therapists use specific hands-on techniques to treat movement restrictions and reduce pain. It often focuses on improving joint function, unloading overloaded structures and normalising movement patterns.

Typical components of Manual Therapy (depending on prescription and findings):

• Joint-specific techniques to improve mobility
• Soft tissue techniques (muscles, fascia) to regulate tension
• Treatment of functional restrictions (e.g. “blocked” feeling, protective muscle guarding)
• Pain relief through graded, targeted mobilisation
• Combined with active exercises to stabilise results

When is Manual Therapy useful?

MT is often particularly helpful when mobility is restricted or pain “blocks” movement.

Manual Therapy is commonly used for:

• Restricted movement and a “blocked” feeling (e.g. spine, thoracic spine, cervical spine)
• Joint complaints (e.g. shoulder, knee, hip, ankle)
• Pain related to faulty loading or overuse (e.g. recurring symptoms in daily life or sport)
• Limitations after injury or surgery (e.g. when range of motion is lacking)
• Jaw joint issues / TMJ / CMD (depending on indication and prescription)

Why MT is often combined with active physiotherapy (Exercise Therapy / KG)

Manual Therapy can provide fast relief when structures need unloading or when mobility has to be restored before movement becomes possible again. Long-term results usually improve when the gains are then stabilised actively—for example through strengthening, coordination and functional training. That’s why we combine MT with active elements based on your assessment, so you can become more resilient over time.

What a Manual Therapy session looks like at our clinic

We start with assessment and goal setting (mobility, pain behaviour, function in daily life). We then treat the relevant structures with targeted manual techniques and teach suitable movements/exercises so results transfer into your everyday activities. Over time we adapt the treatment so you gradually gain more freedom of movement, control and load tolerance.

Prescription, session length & appointments

Manual Therapy (MT) is prescribed by a doctor (public or private—depending on insurance and prescription). If you’re unsure which prescription is most appropriate, we’re happy to help you understand your options.

We usually schedule 40-minute appointments, because effective therapy needs enough time—not only for treatment, but also for history-taking, a brief reassessment, aligning goals and clear instruction. This leaves sufficient room to work therapeutically in a focused way.

Depending on your condition, your doctor may additionally prescribe Exercise Therapy (KG). A session can then be combined sensibly—for example 20 minutes MT and 20 minutes KG—so we can improve mobility and influence pain first, and then stabilise the results with active exercise. Overall duration depends, among other things, on how many sessions are prescribed and which goals we pursue together.

What’s the difference between Manual Therapy (MT) and Exercise Therapy (KG)?

MT is more passive: it uses targeted hands-on techniques to influence mobility and pain. KG is more active: you train function, stability and load tolerance. Often the combination is ideal—MT creates mobility, while KG stabilises it long-term.

Is Manual Therapy the same as massage?

No. Massage is one form of soft tissue treatment. Manual Therapy also includes joint-specific techniques and requires specialised physiotherapy training. Depending on your findings, soft tissue techniques may be part of MT, but MT is broader than massage.

Who is Manual Therapy suitable for?

For many patients with movement restrictions, joint complaints or pain that blocks movement. Whether MT is appropriate will be clarified based on your assessment and goals.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Your original prescription (or send it by email in advance), a towel, comfortable clothing and any relevant reports or previous findings.

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VITALITY – Practice for Physiotherapy and Training
Schillerstraße 30–40, 60313 Frankfurt am Main
Tel. +49 69 15343443
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