A hands-on approach to pain and mobility.
Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment used to relieve pain, increase mobility, reduce swelling and inflammation, and help you reach other movement goals. Techniques differ based on the area being treated, but all are designed with biomechanical, neurophysiological, and psychological factors in mind. Some techniques target joint structures to increase mobility and range of motion for musculoskeletal conditions, while others target soft tissue and neurovascular structures to improve blood flow.
An umbrella term for many techniques.
Manual therapy is an umbrella term for the range of treatments physical therapists use, including massage, joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques, strain-counterstrain techniques, active release techniques, and muscle energy methods, among others. To determine whether manual therapy is right for you, talk with your therapist and have them provide an evaluation. From there, your therapist should craft a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs and goals, and should be willing to accommodate your schedule. If you are not satisfied with the first therapist you see, switching within the same clinic is easy to do.
What manual therapy actually does.
Manual therapy is a hands-on technique used by your physical therapist to increase joint flexibility, alignment, and movement, applying several measured movements with varying force and speed. These techniques help relieve pain, increase range of motion, and enhance mobility, and may also break up scar tissue and ease muscle spasms.
Joint mobilization applies targeted pressure to an affected joint to increase mobility and reduce pain, while soft tissue techniques target adhesions in muscles, ligaments, and fascia. Treatment methods vary from therapist to therapist depending on the area being treated, but the underlying goal is always the same: better function and a better quality of life.
One session, then a course of care.
Manual therapy uses your therapist's hands instead of machines or other tools to reduce pain, increase mobility, limit swelling and inflammation, and enhance flexibility. Techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue massage help you move better and restore function, and can be especially beneficial for people with limited joint movement, joint pain, or those recovering from more serious injuries.
Typically, patients begin to feel relief after just one session. That said, it usually takes several sessions for the body to fully respond and adjust to the treatment, particularly with more passive techniques like joint mobilization or manipulation. These are usually combined with more active therapy, such as strengthening and balance training, to improve movement while reducing pain over the full course of care.
If you are interested in trying manual therapy, our team at Tribeca Physical Therapy can walk you through what to expect and build a plan around your goals.