Perceptions and beliefs of physical therapists regarding the mechanisms of manual therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Manual therapy (MT) is a widely utilized approach for managing musculoskeletal pain and functional disorders, particularly through joint mobilizations. Traditionally explained by immediate biomechanical processes, a paradigm shift has occurred in the last few decades, recognizing neurophysiological mechanisms as crucial contributors.

Objectives

To evaluate whether this shift is also reflected by clinicians, this study explores the beliefs and perceptions of physical therapists regarding the mechanisms underlying MT through an online survey design. The focus was if dominantly peripheral biomechanical model or a neurophysiological explanatory model prevails.

Methods

The study involved a national cross-sectional survey of 569 physical therapists, average age 3

SUBMITTER: Carvalho GF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12357050 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature