Manual therapy is a type of physical treatment that uses hands-on techniques to improve mobility. This may include soft tissue work and joint manipulation techniques. This technique utilizes measured movements with varying speed, force and distances (known as an ‘amplitude’) to loosen tight tissues around a joint, reduce pain in both the joint and surrounding tissue, increase flexibility and alignment.
It Increases Blood Flow
Manual therapy is a hands-on technique used to increase tissue extensibility, promote blood flow for healing and restore functional mobility. It involves the kneading, pressing and manipulating of muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons and other connective tissues in order to increase their flexibility and promote healing. This treatment helps patients of all ages reduce pain and discomfort while increasing range of motion. It has also proven beneficial for chronic conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis. Visit PT 360° Sports Medicine & Spine Therapy to learn more about our physical therapy services.
Additionally, it increases blood flow to an injured area, which can help reduce inflammation. Furthermore, it regulates the anabolic response system – responsible for building muscle protein – by stimulating circulation to that area.
Recent research examined the effects of massage therapy and the Graston technique on calf blood flow. They discovered that both techniques had a beneficial effect on brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD), as measured by ultrasound. This finding is significant as it implies a systemic rather than local response in blood flow.
It Reduces Scar Tissue
After trauma, injury or surgery, scar tissue will form to protect vital organs and muscles of the body. As this scar heals, it goes through a process known as remodeling.
Remodeling causes abnormal clusters of cells to be replaced with aligned tissue, making the tissue stronger and better equipped to withstand daily stresses that your body puts on it.
However, this process may take weeks or months. If the scar fails to remodel correctly, it could lead to joint contractures – shortening and tightening of fibers that make movement difficult.
Manual therapy techniques such as massage and the Graston technique can be employed to break up scar tissue that may be impeding on your mobility. This helps realign collagen fibers and allows you to regain normal range of motion. Learn more about manual therapy and how it can help you.
It Increases Mobility
Manual therapy is a physical treatment that utilizes the hands of therapists to reduce inflammation and increase range of motion for patients. It often combines with exercise in order to promote faster healing times.
At a manual therapy session, your physical therapist will conduct an exhaustive assessment of your condition to identify the most effective treatment plan. They then craft a customized strategy to alleviate pain and other symptoms using specialized techniques tailored specifically for each patient. For patients in need of specialized care, consider our pediatric physical therapy services.
Your therapist may employ various manual therapy techniques like massage, joint mobilization and manipulation, deep friction massage and more to address your pain. These movements are intended to increase circulation, break up scar tissue and relax muscles – leading to eventual relief from symptoms.
Physical therapy typically consists of joint mobilization/manipulations and soft tissue work. Both involve measured movements at various speeds to move bones and joints. Depending on the patient’s condition, therapists will adjust how much force is applied.
It Reduces Pain
Manual therapy is an evidence-based physical treatment that utilizes a physical therapist’s hands to manipulate and move joints and soft tissue. It has been known to increase range of motion, reduce swelling, promote mobility and decrease pain and restriction.
Utilizing measured movements at various speeds and forces to twist, pull or push bones and joints into position. This loosens tight tissues around a joint, improves flexibility and range of motion, relieves pain and assists with alignment.
Manual therapy utilizes biomechanical, neurophysiological and psychological factors to maximize healing benefits. For instance, when treating a knee injury, manual therapy uses specific joint manipulation and mobilization techniques that promote better joint mobility.
Furthermore, increased circulation helps reduce inflammation and pain by breaking up scar tissue, by improving circulation in the body. This prevents the buildup of irritants such as free radicals and inflammatory compounds that cause discomfort, stiffness and decreased range of motion. It may even encourage natural healing processes by increasing blood flow to areas in need and breaking up scar tissue.
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