The scientific basis of manual medicine. Point by point

This paper summarises the scientific basis of manual medicine point by point. It starts with the realisation that blockages are not the result of a single structure, in our case the joint, but arise in connection with other reflex changes, with muscular hardening, especially trigger points, playing a large part. Professionally performed palpation, which shows up resistances and tensions in the tissues, is essential from the clinical point of view. The most common reason for chain reactions in the locomotor system is impaired functioning of the deep stabilising muscles. The treatment of trigger points in the deep stabilising muscles normalises the function of the locomotor system, and actively exercising the function of the deep stabilising muscles in the trunk and also in the foot is especially effective in terms of a lasting cure. Besides the muscles and the nervous system, the soft tissues also have an important role. Despite the enormous complexity of the structures of the locomotor system blockages are not, then, nonspecific disturbances, but a clinically diagnosed functional pathology of the locomotor system.