How can manual therapy help me?

 

If you are experiencing increased pain and stiffening in any of your joints and muscles, manual therapy is often helpful. Patients seek out this type of physical therapy for a variety of mobility issues. Manual therapy involves specialized hands-on techniques that target areas of your body that are limited in motion and works to improve your movement and reduce your pain. Manual therapy is especially beneficial if you are experiencing spine problems, joint injuries, or other health conditions.

​

What is manual therapy?

Manual therapy is the hands-on component of physical therapy, but there are several different sub-categories within the practice of manual therapy. Each has its own benefits, depending on what the underlying problem is.

Among the most widely used are:

 

Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization focuses on muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Often if a patient hasn’t had a chance to use a set of muscles due to illness, or has been injured in that area, the tissues can become scarred, and robbed of the precious fluids that promote flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization focuses on limbering up these damaged areas while promoting overall wellness.

 

Joint Mobilization
A “restricted joint” issue often occurs after an injury, such as falling and twisting your back or wrenching your shoulder. The injury to the joint leads to muscle spasms and restricted movement. A skilled physical therapist practices joint mobilization movements, such as a “glide and slide” of opposing bones, in order to get the joints working properly again.

 

Neuromuscular Techniques
At times, muscles work themselves into abnormal states, in which the muscle’s stretch reflex has difficulty relaxing. To treat this, physical therapists use a technique known as “strain/counter strain” that guides the problematic muscle into positions that are “opposite” the ones at which pain and tenderness start. Staying in this position of slight tension helps relieve the spasms by gently pulling the muscles into the opposite direction of the reflex spasms.

 

Where can I get manual therapy for my pain and stiffness?

 

Our expert physical therapists are highly qualified to practice manual therapy. With years of specialized training, we provide gentle, hands-on therapies that address a broad range of muscle and joint conditions and injuries. This includes soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and neuromuscular techniques to help you feel better. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

 

Sources:

http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/physical-therapy/manual-physical-therapy-pain-relief

http://guidetoptpractice.apta.org/content/1/SEC38.extract