Special practice of rheumatology

Due to a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, and prolonged sitting, many people suffer from musculoskeletal pain. Lower back, upper back, and neck pain are among the most common complaints—nearly 80% of people experience these at least once in their lifetime. Degenerative spinal diseases rank among the leading causes of temporary disability and premature retirement. Manual therapy focuses on diagnosing and treating reversible functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system (spine, limb joints, and muscles). It involves therapeutic interventions performed by hand—specific techniques derived from bone setting, osteopathy, and chiropractic methods. These techniques have been further developed by physicians and placed on scientific foundations. Dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system are indicated by reduced or excessive joint mobility. Manual medicine is used in cases of decreased mobility of joints and vertebrae, often accompanied by muscle stiffness and pain. The aim of manual therapy is to restore the dynamic movement and original posture of the spine and limbs by releasing joint restrictions and appropriately relaxing or strengthening the muscles—thereby reducing or eliminating pain. Manual therapy is preceded by a thorough physical examination, during which the practitioner assesses the movement of each vertebra and limb joint as well as the condition of the muscles. Therefore, the first session, which includes both the examination and the treatment, may last up to an hour. It is also essential to consider the results of imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Manual therapy can be a highly effective alternative to traditional treatments in cases of back, neck, and limb pain, or neck-related headaches. In many cases, improvement can be achieved significantly faster than with prolonged physiotherapy or balneotherapy treatments. Additionally, the duration of medication use can often be reduced. Most patients feel some relief after the first session, and typically three to four sessions are needed for noticeable improvement. However, in elderly patients or in cases of severe joint degeneration, significant improvement cannot be expected from this method either. It is important to emphasize that—unlike chiropractic treatment, which can be "learned" and applied by virtually anyone without a medical background after just a few days of training—manual therapy can only be performed comprehensively by a physician who has completed a specialized two-year training program and passed the final exam at Semmelweis University.