Rheumatology
Manual medicine in Lugano
Hands-on examination and treatment of painful functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system: joint blockages, restricted movement, muscle tension and trigger points. A conservative method, with SAMM qualification. The technique is with the hands; the pathway at the Lugano practice can also include other therapies.
- SAMM qualification
- Hands-on examination and treatment
- A conservative method, in the rheumatology pathway
How it works
Assessment
History and examination with the hands. Joint blockages, restricted movement, muscle tension and trigger points are looked for. Findings and treatment for this technique stay with the hands.
Joint manoeuvres
For joint blockages and restricted movement, manoeuvres on the joints and spinal segments are used (mobilisation or manipulation). This is not surgery.
Soft tissue
Muscle tension and trigger points are treated with soft-tissue techniques, such as massage and stretching. They stay distinct from the joint manoeuvres.
In the pathway
A conservative method within the rheumatology visit. When useful, alongside ultrasound, interventional pain therapy or acupuncture, in the same pathway.
When we offer it
Joints
Joint blockages and restricted movement, as on the rheumatology card. Whether it is indicated is decided at the visit, after the hands-on examination.
Muscles
Muscle tension and trigger points.
Combinations
When useful, alongside interventional pain therapy, musculoskeletal ultrasound or acupuncture. It does not replace the whole plan on its own.
A conservative method
The Rheumatology page describes manual medicine as a conservative orthopaedic method, without drugs or surgery: that applies to the hands-on technique, not to the whole pathway. The practice may also offer ultrasound, injections or acupuncture. We do not claim an absence of side effects.
Frequently asked questions
What is manual medicine?
Hands-on examination and treatment of painful functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The physician holds the SAMM qualification. Joint manoeuvres (blockages, restricted movement) are distinguished from soft-tissue techniques (muscle tension, trigger points).
Is it used without drugs?
The technique itself is with the hands: in that session it does not use drugs or surgery. That does not mean the practice pathway excludes drugs, injections or other therapies. Indication and combinations are defined at the visit.
Can it be combined with other therapies?
It can sit in the same pathway as rheumatology, musculoskeletal ultrasound, interventional pain therapy and acupuncture. The choice is made at the visit.
Is it covered by insurance?
The practice is RME certified and, in Ticino, bills complementary insurers: with complementary insurance, under certain conditions, the treatment can be reimbursed. Patients with basic insurance only receive a clear cost estimate at the visit and pay directly.
Scientific sources
- Rubinstein SM, et al. Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2019;364:l689. doi:10.1136/bmj.l689
- Paige NM, et al. Association of Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Clinical Benefit and Harm for Acute Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2017;317:1451–1460. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.3086
More sources on the page Rheumatology.
Related treatments
This therapy is part of Rheumatology.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
For musculoskeletal pain the practice follows several routes, often combined. The specialist visit, with ultrasound when needed, clarifies which one is indicated in your case.
Acupuncture
Needles, needle-free laser or ear acupuncture, performed by a specialist physician.
Interventional pain therapy
Ultrasound-guided injections of joints and soft tissues, with hyaluronic acid or PRP when indicated.
PRP for joints and tendons
Plasma prepared from the patient's own blood and injected into tendons and joints.
Laser therapy
Laser light applied locally, in the joint or in the bloodstream, without drugs.
The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. The indication, expected benefits and risks of every treatment are assessed individually during the specialist consultation.
Let's assess manual medicine together
Indication and technique (joint or soft tissue) are defined after the specialist consultation.
We accept referrals and second-opinion requests from your physician, via HIN. dr.djordjevic@hin.ch
How to reach us
In Lugano, a short walk from USI and EOC
The practice is centrally located in Italian-speaking Switzerland, also reachable from Mendrisio, Bellinzona, Locarno and Chiasso, and is easy to reach from Italy, Milan, Como, Varese and Lombardy by car and by train.
By car: the practice's own car park is right in front. By public transport: a short walk from USI.
Address
Via Alessandro Volta 1
6900 Lugano
Opening hours
Monday and Wednesday 08:00–16:30
Friday 08:00–13:30