Manipulative Therapy

Manipulative Therapy is used in conjunction with the other modalities of treatment (i.e. physical therapy, dry needling, electrotherapy, heat, stretching, mobilization, etc.) to treat injuries and issues related to the spine. Manipulative therapy involves techniques that can move and loosen the spinal bones and joint structures that may be causing pain throughout the spine or pelvis or referred symptoms into the arms or legs. Great care is taken to ensure that these techniques are done in a slow and gentle manner to reduce the stress and trauma on the body.

Why is spinal manipulation needed?
Manipulative therapy is based on the theory that your spinal health is central to your overall health. It can sometimes rely on spinal manipulation to increase a joint’s range of motion. Our spine is made up of vertebrae. Between these vertebrae are intervertebral discs which act as shock absorbers of the spine; they take all of the weight-bearing and compressive forces. Vertebrae are attached to one another via the facet joints; these are the non-weight-bearing joints of the spine..

On a daily basis, each of our spines experiences wear and tear. This can be more severe depending on the person, occupation, family history and level and type of activity. “Wear and tear” causes the disc space between the vertebrae to narrow over time. This causes compression on the discs and therefore results in the facets moving closer together; this can cause the facet joints to lock. These joints can also lock up if the surrounding muscles are very tight. Because muscles are contractile and both ends of a muscle attach to bone, when they tighten up, it can cause bones to move out of position and lock up. When this happens, restrictions in range of movement occur which can lead to loss of mobility and cause pain and discomfort. Manipulative therapy can help to correct this.

Client Testimonials

BOB HILLIARD

Having suffered with long term back pain where neither surgery or endless alternative treatments have helped or eased the pain, one weekly session of combined stretching, exercise, deep tissue massage and dry needling, along with sound and practical advice from Meadbh, I am running pain free for the first time in 6 years.

Clonakity

M O'B

I am delighted with the treatment I received from Meadbh. For years, I suffered with headaches, sinus problems and a stiff neck. With the massage and needles, I have got great relief. I have great movement now and no headaches. I have even found that my sense of smell has improved as the sinuses have cleared. Meadbh gave me some home exercises to do which I find are very good.

Skibbereen

ANONYMOUS

18 months ago, I had an accident and I fractured my pelvis. Before I went to Meadbh, I found my muscles were very stiff and sore. I found it very hard to stoop or to pick something up from the floor. I was very stiff when I got up in the morning and it took a long time to get going. Things were getting worse. Now, after 4 treatments, I am able to do a lot more and the morning stiffness is almost gone. I am able to stand up straight again and I can even bend to touch my toes. The exercises that Meadbh gave me have helped a lot.

Skibbereen

THERESA

Before I started physio with Meadbh, I had fallen at home outside my door. I had hurt my left knee, wrists, fingers, and arms and had all aches and pains all over my body. I felt like a 90 year old person. After the first session with Meadbh, I was feeling better. Within a few weeks, I was getting back to normal and back walking. I would recommend anybody who has any type of aches and pains in knees, back or headaches to give Meadbh a try at physio. She is a brilliant person and is so relaxing. She has made me feel 100% well again. Thanks for everything.

Leap

FINBARR DALY

I had been struggling to shake off a lower back injury which had resulted in me experiencing a lot of stiffness and loss of flexibility in that area. I had also suffered an attack of sciatica from the same injury. This had been very painful and left me with a lot of soreness and tenderness down through the muscles in my leg.
Meadbh performed a combination of dry needle therapy and cranial therapy on my back and leg over the course of a number of weeks. I found this treatment to be very effective as it greatly reduced the symptoms I had experienced.
She also provided me with a program of exercises and stretches which were designed to strengthen my lower back and core region. I can say that this program has been of immense benefit to me as I am now feeling a lot stronger in this area. Meadbh is an excellent therapist with a tremendous passion for her job and I am very grateful to her for the treatment she provided.