What is manual therapy?
Manual therapy is a group of hands-on techniques used by physical therapists to address a range of symptoms and conditions. When done correctly, physical therapy can be highly effective at relieving pain and improving function, though it's worth understanding that manual therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.
Joint manipulation
Joint manipulation is a technique designed to increase range of motion, reduce muscle spasm, and stretch fibrous connective tissue. It can help treat conditions such as headaches, shoulder impingement, back pain, or tennis elbow, and it can be performed by a range of health professionals, including chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, and physical therapists.
Soft tissue work
Soft tissue work is an integral part of physical therapy and can effectively treat conditions such as muscle strains, sprains, and herniated discs. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can become rigid, tight, and painful when overused or injured, from stress, disuse, or improper exercise technique, and scar tissue that develops after an injury can further limit range of motion and muscle activation. Soft tissue work helps break up these adhesions and reduce tension by manually manipulating muscles, tendons, and ligaments, increasing blood flow to the area and promoting healing.
Traction
Traction is a minimally invasive option that helps decompress the spine after a herniated disc or ruptured vertebra, reducing pain and allowing more free movement. Physical therapists can apply either manual or mechanical traction, manual traction involves strapping the neck and head into a harness connected to an apparatus that applies a gentle pulling force.
Range of motion
Range of motion is the extent to which a joint can move in different directions, and it can be restricted by injury, disease, or a lack of mobility from inadequate rehab. Maintaining healthy range of motion matters for overall wellbeing, when it's limited, strength and flexibility suffer, which can lead to muscle imbalance and poor posture. Manual therapy, an age-old approach to improving joint and soft tissue mobility, tailors its techniques, adjusting speed, force, and distance, to the specific area and condition, taking biomechanical, neurophysiological, and psychological factors into account to relieve pain, stiffness, and tension.
If you're interested in learning more about manual therapy and how it can benefit you, contact our team to schedule an appointment.