Manual Therapy
A non-surgical, hands-on treatment that restores mobility to the spine and joints — going beyond pain relief to restore actual movement and function.
Hands-On Treatment for the Spine and Joints
Manual Therapy is a non-surgical treatment in which a licensed physical therapist uses hands-on techniques to work directly on the spine and joints. The goal is to restore joint mobility, release tight muscles and ligaments, and resolve the root cause of pain.
Rather than simply masking pain, it directly corrects the imbalance and functional decline that occur when a joint can't move properly. Techniques such as joint mobilization, joint manipulation, soft tissue release, and neural mobilization are combined according to your symptoms, and customized exercises are provided afterward to help prevent recurrence.
Who Benefits Most
Manual therapy is especially effective when limited mobility and muscle imbalance in the spine or joints are the underlying cause of pain.
Neck & Cervical Spine
Lower Back & Lumbar Spine
Shoulder & Joints
Post-Surgical & Post-Fracture Rehab
Manual therapy can also help with myofascial pain syndrome and other musculoskeletal conditions. Feel free to ask during your visit whether it's a good fit for your symptoms.
How It Works
Exam & Diagnosis
Our orthopedic specialist makes an accurate diagnosis using your symptoms and imaging, and confirms whether manual therapy is appropriate.
Preliminary Treatment
Physical therapy and/or medication are administered first for at least 2 weeks and 4 sessions. This is a required condition for Managed Benefit coverage under National Health Insurance.
Manual Therapy Prescribed
If the physician determines that improvement remains insufficient after preliminary treatment, manual therapy is prescribed.
Treatment & Progress Check
Sessions run at least 30 minutes, up to twice a week. Frequency and intensity are adjusted based on your recovery.
Covered by National Health Insurance from July 1, 2026
Manual therapy fees, which previously varied by clinic, are now standardized nationwide under the Managed Benefit system.
Cost & Session Limits
The figures below apply once the preliminary-treatment requirement (2+ weeks, 4+ sessions) has been met.
the remaining 5% is covered by National Health Insurance
combined total across all clinics nationwide, Jan–Dec
after surgery or fracture
Private Insurance Claims
| Policy Generation | Claim Guidance |
|---|---|
| Gen 1–3 | The co-payment (approx. ₩41,650) can typically be claimed under private health/indemnity insurance |
| Gen 4 | Claims are possible, but check your deductible and coverage limit |
| Gen 5 | Policies issued on or after May 6, 2026 exclude manual therapy from coverage |
Before Your Treatment
- Managed Benefit coverage requires at least 2 weeks and 4 sessions of preliminary treatment (physical therapy, medication, etc.) before manual therapy begins.
- Your annual session limit (15 or 24) is a combined total across every clinic nationwide. Once exceeded, further sessions switch to Non-Covered status, billed entirely out of pocket.
- 5th-generation private insurance policies (issued on or after May 6, 2026) exclude manual therapy from coverage. Please check your own policy generation in advance.
- Manual therapy may not be suitable in cases of fracture, severe osteoporosis, spinal tumor or infection, or vertebral artery abnormalities.
- Suitability for manual therapy is determined by the physician after examination, and the treatment plan may vary based on individual condition.