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Manipulative and bodily therapies
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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[ Chiropractic
In chiropractic, the relationship between the structure of the spine and the function of the nervous system is believed to be the key to maintaining or restoring health. The primary method of achieving balance is spinal manipulation.
Chiropractic manipulation is often helpful in treating low back pain, headaches, and entrapped nerve syndrome. Overall, however, evidence for the effectiveness of manipulation in treating disorders not directly related to the musculoskeletal system has not been established. Serious complications from spinal manipulation (e.g., low back pain, occipital nerve injury, cervical artery injury) are rare.
Massage therapy
Manipulation of body tissues is used to improve overall well-being and reduce pain and stress. The therapeutic value of massage for many musculoskeletal disorders and stress is well known. Massage has been shown to help reduce muscle soreness, pain due to back injuries and fibromyalgia, and to help reduce anxiety in cancer patients. Massage therapy is also effective in treating low birth weight infants, preventing maternal genital injuries during childbirth, relieving chronic constipation, and managing asthma.
Reflexology
A type of massage therapy that relies on hand pressure applied to specific areas of the legs; these areas are believed by practitioners to correspond to various organs or systems of the body via meridians. Stimulating these areas is believed to clear blockages of energy responsible for pain or illness in the corresponding part of the body.