Principles of examination and treatment in manual medicine.

Manual medicine is a diagnostic and therapeutic technique, comprising the use of the hands. It is a complement to general medical diagnosis and therapy of the locomotor system, underlining the value of the information which can be obtained by manual contact with the patient. Particularly the physician's work within manual medicine will be discussed. Some general medical principles are looked upon as obvious: The physician's general responsibility, the necessity of a correct diagnosis, prescription of correct medication or surgery, organization of rehabilitation and evaluation of work capacity.