Who Can Benefit From Manual Therapy?

Musculoskeletal pain and stiffness can be a real issue for many people. Fortunately, physical therapists are qualified to prescribe manual therapy techniques that can reduce discomfort and enhance quality of life.

Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment technique used to alleviate muscle pain, stiffness and mobility in humans. This may involve techniques such as kneading and manipulating muscles, joint mobilization or soft tissue massage.

Muscles

At a physical therapy session, your therapist will employ various hands-on techniques to increase muscle flexibility and mobility. This is an incredibly successful way to reduce pain, increase range of motion, and expedite recovery time.

Muscles are a vital part of the body and can be affected by various injuries. Our certified physical therapists possess advanced manual therapy skills to aid you in recovering from your injury or orthopedic surgery.

This treatment method is often combined with other forms of physical therapy, like strength training and balance exercises, to restore full function to your body. Additionally, it aids in chronic pain reduction.

Manual therapy refers to a broad category of physical therapy treatments, including soft tissue massage and various forms of manipulative therapy. This personalized approach tailors the treatment plan according to each patient’s individual needs and may reduce inflammation, provide muscle extensibility and loosen adhesions between muscles.

Joints

Manual therapy is a type of hands-on treatment that can reduce pain, improve mobility and enhance function. A physical therapist will examine your muscles, bones and joints prior to beginning manual therapy.

Your therapist will perform soft tissue work and joint mobilization/manipulations to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, break scar tissue, promote circulation, and enhance function. These treatments often incorporate massage techniques as well.

They may also utilize passive movement methods to loosen tightness and stiffness around your joints. These could include stretching, passive positioning, and gentle movements of the joint with varying pressure, speed, and amplitude that improve its range of motion.

The therapist may use these techniques to loosen up restricted joints, like the hip flexors in your back or knees. This makes exercises easier for you to do which is crucial for recovery and strengthening.

Nerves

If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms and legs, manual therapy may be just what the doctor ordered to improve mobility and limit nerve compression. It also has been known to reduce pain or stiffness associated with certain medical conditions and injuries.

Physical therapists employ a range of manual therapy techniques to address various musculoskeletal conditions. These may include joint manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, massage, Active Release Technique (ART), Strain-Counter Strain (MUFFT) techniques, muscle energy or PNF techniques, dry needling and acupuncture to name just a few.

Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of manual therapy techniques at relieving pain. They may be employed alone or combined with other pain management strategies for maximum effect.

Fascia

Fascia, which looks like stringy white spider webs, connects and supports many of your body’s bones, muscles, nerves, arteries and veins. Like ligaments and tendons, fascia is composed of collagen fibers.

Healthy fascia allows the body to move with ease. Unfortunately, when this connective tissue becomes damaged or tightened, it can lead to pain and other health problems.

Inflammation and trauma can dry up the hyaluronan that lubricates your fascia, leading to restricted movement. Manual therapy such as massage or trigger point therapy can break down adhesions and reduce inflammation in this area.

If your fascia is stuck or restricted in any way, manual therapy can help improve alignment, range of motion and reduce pain. Make sure you find a qualified physical therapist who uses fascial techniques.

For more information on manual therapy and other services we offer, please visit our pediatric physical therapy page or contact us to schedule an appointment with our team of specialists.