Manual Therapy
What is Manual Therapy?
Manual therapy is a specialized physical therapy method that utilizes specific, hands-on techniques without the assistance of devices or machines.
Skilled hand movements intended to produce any or all of the following effects: improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion of the joint complex; mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints; induce relaxation; change muscle function; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or movement restriction.
Manual physical therapy generally involves two kinds of movement: soft tissue work and joint mobilization/ manipulation.
Soft Tissue
Certified physical therapists often perform soft tissue work. Muscles, nerves, and tendons are examples of soft tissues in the body. Often including massage techniques, soft tissue therapy involves applying pressure to soft tissues in order to relax muscle tension, break scar tissue, reduce inflammation, ease pain, or promote circulation.
Joint Mobilization/ Manipulation
Manual therapy also often includes joint mobilization and manipulation to reduce pain and help the body return to regular functioning.
What can Manual Therapy help with?
Neck pain
Neck injuries
Hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder problems
Hip, knee, ankle, or foot problems
Accident-caused injuries
Work-related injuries
Muscle spasms/ tension