What is manual therapy?
Manual therapy is an umbrella term for a range of hands-on techniques used to relieve pain and stiffness while increasing range of motion in different areas of the body. These techniques draw on a combination of biomechanical, neurophysiological, and psychological elements to reduce pain and improve function, and they're applied directly to the affected joint, muscle, or connective tissue.
Joint mobilization
Mobilization is a technique that encourages movement in injured areas, using slow, deliberate motion to activate a joint or gentle sustained pressure to release tense muscle tissue. Physical therapists frequently use joint mobilization with patients who have a stiff neck, spine pain, or shoulder discomfort, and it can also help with hip, knee, and ankle pain and stiffness. It isn't the right fit for every condition, so it's worth talking with your physical therapist about whether it's a good option for you.
Myofascial release
Myofascial release eases pain by loosening tension in the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and links them to bones, blood vessels, nerves, and other organs. It's often included as part of a massage therapy session but can also be provided by chiropractors and other practitioners, and it typically involves hands-on stretching and massaging that restores motion and helps eliminate pain.
Traction therapy
Traction uses devices to apply controlled pressure to an area of the body. It's commonly used to apply tension to a dislocated joint, such as a dislocated shoulder, but can also keep muscles stretched to reduce spasm. Traction can be intermittent (alternating traction and relaxation in cycles of minutes), sustained (held for 20 to 60 minutes), or continuous (maintained for hours to days), and the force applied can be axial (a straight pull along the length of the body), a combination of axial and off-axis forces such as flexion or lateral bending, or positional, such as traction applied while standing.
Massage and joint manipulation
Massage applies pressure to muscles and soft tissue to help them relax, boost circulation, and break up scar tissue. A manual therapist may draw on a range of techniques to target specific areas, including kneading, rolling, petrissage, tapping, vibration, and percussion. Manipulation, sometimes called mobilization, uses measured movements at varying speeds and force to twist, pull, or push bones and joints into position, loosening the tissue around a joint, easing pain, and improving flexibility and alignment.
Manual therapy overall is delivered by professionals such as massage therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, and it can offer real relief from musculoskeletal issues like pain, stiffness, and swelling. If you're interested in learning more or scheduling an appointment, reach out to our team.