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MANUAL THERAPY
Manual therapists are experts in the musculoskeletal system. Manual therapists examine, assess and treat ailments in the musculoskeletal system in order to restore or improve the bodys functions. They can make differential diagnoses, i.e. differentiate between diseases of the musculoskeletal system and other dangerous diseases with the same symptoms (for example fractures, injuries, cancer or inflammation).
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During the examination, the manual therapist can request diagnostic imaging (X-ray/MR/CT) and refer to a specialist. As part of the treatment, the manual therapist may refer to physiotherapy. You do not need a referral from a doctor to get social security reimbursement from a manual therapist. Manual therapists can also provide sick leave.
MANUAL THERAPISTS HAVE EITHER:
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A) examination in clinical masters studies in manual therapy for physiotherapists at a Norwegian university or equivalent education
B) approval for the use of manual therapy tariff A8 and has passed an exam in differential diagnostics, laboratory analyzes and education in radiology equivalent to a Norwegian masters education.
In both cases, the manual therapist also has special training in social security topics.
It takes seven years to be trained as a manual therapist.
Admission requirements for the education:
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4 years education in physiotherapy (3 years at university + 1 year rotation service)
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1 year of practice
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Research method (equivalent to 9 credits)
INJECTIONS
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The use of Injections in the musculoskeletal system for diagnostics and pain management will be a useful supplement for manual therapists who are primary contacts
Manual therapists mainly work in the municipal health service and an increase in competence among the manual therapists in the use of injections will relieve the GPs and the specialist health service.
WHICH PATIENTS DOES A MANUAL THERAPIST TREAT?
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The manual therapist treats pain in muscles and joints throughout the body, for example:
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Headache, dizziness, tinnitus.
Jaw problems
Neck and shoulder problems
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Arm complaints:
Tennis and golfer's elbow.
Osteoarthritis in wrists and finger joints.
Tendonitis.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
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Back problems:
Lumbago
Sciatica
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Pelvic complaints:
Pelvic dislocation and pelvic joint syndrome
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Hip complaints:
Mucositis
Osteoarthritis
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Knee pain:
Ligament injuries
Mucositis
Knee pain
Osteoarthritis
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Ankle pain:
Ligament injuries
Wear and tear damage
Foot complaints:
Achilles tendonitis
Heel spur
Foot deformities
(Some manual therapists specialize in treating children)
WHAT DOES A MANUAL THERAPIST DO?
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Examination: The manual therapist carries out a thorough physical examination in order to make a clear diagnosis of the cause of the pain. Usually an examination takes between 40-60 minutes. The manual therapist gives you information about the condition. If it is necessary to find the cause of the pain, the manual therapist refers to X-ray/MRI or a specialist.
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Treatment: The manual therapist gives advice on how to deal with your ailments and instructions on what you can do yourself. The manual therapist can provide you with pain-relieving treatment and treatment that normalizes muscle and skeletal functions. Various treatment techniques are used for this: loosening joints that have locked (manipulation), stretching treatment (traction), massage, stretching, relaxation, back and neck school. What is special about manual therapists is that, in addition to the manual treatment methods, they can provide targeted treatment that aims to train the patients' reduced functional capacity. Manual therapists follow national and international guidelines in examination and treatment.