Manual Therapy in Jeddah: What It Is and How It Helps Joints and Muscles

Manual therapy is a core part of physiotherapy at IPC Jeddah, the International Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Center in Al Zahra District. Here are short answers to the questions patients ask most.

What is manual therapy?

Manual therapy is hands-on treatment by a trained physiotherapist. The therapist uses their hands to move joints, stretch and release muscles and soft tissue, and find out where movement is restricted or painful. It is a clinical treatment based on an examination, not a relaxation massage.

What is manual therapy used for?

It is most often used for back pain, neck pain from desk work, stiff or painful shoulders, knee and hip problems, and stiffness after an injury or an operation. The aim is to reduce pain and make movement easier, so that you can do your exercises and your daily activities.

What techniques does a manual therapist use?

Common techniques are joint mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques, stretching and guided movement. Therapists at IPC Jeddah hold certificates in orthopaedic manual therapy, clinical dry needling, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation (IASTM) and dry cupping, and choose what fits the findings of your examination.

Is manual therapy the same as chiropractic or massage?

No. They overlap, but they are not the same. Massage works mainly on muscles for relaxation. Chiropractic focuses on the spine and on joint adjustments. Manual therapy in physiotherapy combines hands-on joint and soft-tissue work with exercise and advice in one treatment plan. IPC Jeddah offers both manual therapy and chiropractic care.

Does manual therapy hurt?

You may feel pressure or a stretch, and a treated area can be a little sore for a day afterwards. It should not be sharply painful. Tell your therapist what you feel so the technique can be adjusted.

When should I see a doctor first?

See a doctor first if your pain follows a fall or an accident, or if you have fever, unexplained weight loss, numbness or weakness in an arm or a leg, loss of bladder or bowel control, or pain that is constant and worse at night.

Where can I get manual therapy in Jeddah?

IPC Jeddah (International Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Center) is on Hisham Mohiedeen bin Nazer Street, Al Zahra District, Jeddah. The clinic works to German physiotherapy standards and has more than 40 years of experience. It is open Saturday to Thursday, 09:30 to 20:00, and closed on Friday. Male and female physiotherapists are available. Payment is by cash or card. To book, call 050 667 3533.

More questions? See our Physiotherapy in Jeddah FAQ

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