The analgesic mechanisms of manual physical therapy

Abstract

Recently, the central nervous system analgesic mechanisms have been reported for the analgesic effects of manual physical therapy, rather than the traditional mechanisms resulting from changes in peripheral tissues. A comprehensive model that includes the central nervous system and the analgesic mechanisms of manual physical therapy has been proposed. This article outlines the analgesic mechanisms of manual physical therapy based on the physiology of pain, classifying them into analgesic effects derived from manual stimulation and placebo analgesic effects. In addition, this article outlines the evidence for manual physical therapy.