THERAPY
Manual therapy Maribor – gentle hands-on techniques without rough manipulation
DR. SERGEY VERBITSKIY
Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment of muscles, joints and connective tissue. For pain in the lower back, neck, shoulders or hips, Dr. Sergey Verbitskiy looks for the spot where movement has become stuck and releases it step by step – with sensitivity, without rough grips and at your pace.
Hands-on treatment of muscles, joints and fascia
In manual therapy we work with our hands: we feel for tension, assess mobility and release the tissue that keeps the pain going. Treatment is adapted to your condition, and massage is always part of it.

Conversation and assessment
First we assess posture, mobility and areas of tension.
Gentle techniques
Joint mobilisation and myofascial release, without rough manipulation.
Advice for home
Guidance on movement and posture so the result lasts.
How a manual therapy session works
1. Conversation and assessment
We talk through your complaints and assess mobility, posture and tension.
2. Massage and mobilisation
Massage prepares the tissue, followed by gentle joint mobilisation, myofascial release and, if needed, craniosacral therapy.
3. Advice and follow-up
Advice for home and a check-up to assess progress.
A combination of techniques, tailored to you
In manual therapy we do not rely on a single technique. Treatment includes:
- massage, which is always part of the therapy,
- myofascial release,
- craniosacral therapy and our own developed techniques.
We use a similar approach in chiropractic, where we also use gentle, controlled techniques. If you are interested in the professional background of the method, read what manual medicine is.
Which manual therapy techniques we use
After the examination we choose the technique or combination of techniques that suits your condition. With Dr. Verbitskiy the most common are:
- Manual medicine and manual therapy: assessment of the functional state of the spine and joints, and hands-on techniques chosen to suit your condition.
- Muscle energy techniques: the patient takes part with gentle active effort and controls the intensity.
- Myofascial release: hands-on release of tense muscles and fascia.
- Osteopathic techniques: a holistic approach to the musculoskeletal system.
- Gentle chiropractic mobilisation: for joint and spinal mobility, without harsh manipulations.
- Craniosacral therapy: very gentle techniques around the head, neck and sacrum.
- Visceral therapy: gentle manual techniques in the area of the internal organs.
- Therapeutic (medical) massage: preparing the muscles and supporting manual treatment.
Types of therapeutic massage
We adapt therapeutic massage to the problem and how you feel. More on the page therapeutic massage in Maribor. The most common types:
- Therapeutic massage of the spine and neck: releasing tense muscles for back, lower back and neck problems.
- Myofascial massage: hands-on release of fascia and tight muscle areas.
- Lymphatic drainage: gentle manual massage that stimulates lymph flow. Used for a feeling of swelling, for example heavy or swollen legs.
- Shiatsu: Japanese point massage for relaxation and balance.
- Tuina: traditional Chinese manual massage with pushing and pulling movements.
- Tibetan massage with warm pouches: on the patient's request.
What it can help with
Manual therapy suits pain that comes from tense muscles, stiff joints and limited mobility.
- 🔹 Lower back pain after long sitting or physical work
- 🔹 Neck pain and limited rotation
- 🔹 Pain between the shoulder blades and shoulder tension
- 🔹 Headaches from neck tension
- 🔹 Hip pain
Hands as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool
Reports first
At the first visit I begin by reviewing the findings you bring with you: X-ray images, X-ray and MRI reports and other results. Then I continue the examination with my hands.
Hands-on testing
Hands are extremely sensitive to warmth, tension and the mobility of tissues. With them I feel where muscles are tense, where a joint is restricted and where a particular structure in the body is pulling. The hands-on testing is already part of the treatment.
Choosing the technique
I choose the technique according to the findings and how you feel: from a very gentle touch to moderate pressure. We talk throughout about what feels comfortable for you, so you stay in control of the treatment.
Next step
At the end we agree on the next appointment. If the examination shows that further investigation is needed, I will refer you for it.
From massage to manual therapy
Healing by hand is as old as humankind. As early as ancient Greece and Rome, massage, stretching, traction and manual alignment of joints were used, and similar techniques are known from Asian traditions, including Thai massage. At that time all of this was simply called massage.
Later, individual schools gave their approaches names: in 1874 Andrew Taylor Still began developing osteopathy, and in 1895 Daniel David Palmer gave the first chiropractic adjustment (chiropractic). In the 20th century manual medicine also developed as a medical discipline.
Traditional Thai massage also includes passive stretches, rotations and gentle mobilisation of the whole body, much as we know them in osteopathy today. The common thread in all these approaches is the therapist's hands. That is why in practice I combine the best of each school and adapt to the individual. More about therapeutic massage.
How much does manual therapy cost in Maribor?
The price depends on the duration of the therapy: from €30 (20 minutes) to €100 (60 minutes). The consultation with the doctor is included, and the time is not strictly measured.
What our patients say
Verbitskiy, Manualna terapija - Osteopatija, diagnostika, rehabilitacija, d.o.o. · Maribor
Watch videos about manual therapy and osteopathy on our YouTube channel.
Visit YouTube channel →Problems patients come to manual therapy with
People most often come to us with these problems:
- 🔹 Pain in the back, lower back and neck
- 🔹 Disc herniation and sciatica
- 🔹 Joint pain (shoulder, knee, hip)
- 🔹 Muscle tension and limited mobility
- 🔹 Problems after injury or overuse
- 🔹 Recurring pain that keeps coming back
Frequently asked questions about manual therapy
Answers to patients' most common questions.
What is manual therapy?
A hands-on treatment that combines massage, gentle joint mobilisation and fascial release.
Is manual therapy painful?
No. We work gently and without rough manipulation; it usually feels relaxing.
How much does manual therapy cost?
Manual therapy costs from €30 (20 minutes) to €100 (60 minutes): 30 minutes €50, 45 minutes €70. The consultation with the doctor is included in the price.
What is the difference between manual therapy and chiropractic?
Manual therapy covers a wider range of gentle hands-on techniques for muscles, joints and fascia, while chiropractic focuses mainly on the spine and joints. In both we use gentle, controlled techniques chosen to suit your condition. More: chiropractic and manual medicine.
How many sessions do I need?
You often notice a change after the first; the number depends on the problem and how long the pain has lasted.
How quickly does manual therapy work?
Many people feel relaxation and easier movement after the first session. For long-standing problems several sessions are usually needed; the response differs from person to person.
How do I book manual therapy?
Call +386 30 665 947 or write on WhatsApp. Before the first appointment you can briefly describe your problem on WhatsApp free of charge and discuss whether manual therapy is suitable.
Contact us
Get in touch with any questions or to book an appointment. If you are not sure whether manual therapy is the right choice, write to us on WhatsApp: the short consultation is free.
Please bring one large towel with you to your appointment.
Please confirm your appointment by phone or WhatsApp one hour beforehand, or two hours beforehand if you are travelling a long way. This way you avoid a wasted trip if an appointment has to be rescheduled at short notice.