Manual therapy, also known as manipulative therapy, is physical therapy typically used in conjunction with traditional physical therapy techniques.
Instead of using a machine or device, our physiotherapists will use their hands to apply pressure to muscle tissue and replace the body's joints. Manual therapy is highly effective in the treatment of both acute and chronic pain. Optimal benefit is seen when manual therapy is used in conjunction with other treatments such as ice, heat, ultrasound, interventional therapy, subcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and exercise prescription.
The goal of manual therapy techniques is to relax tense muscles and limited joints to reduce pain and improve range of motion. In general, manual therapy techniques refer to the "use of three types of movement" work performed by physical therapists:
Soft tissue mobilization (including trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, etc.)
Applies pressure to the soft tissues of the body, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons
This pressure helps relax muscles, break up scar tissue adhesions, increase circulation and relieve pain.
Joint Mobilization
It may be a persistent pressure applied to the affected joints or a rhythmic oscillation.
It is a manual therapy technique that helps reduce pain and improve joint function and mobility.
Joint Mobilization
It involves a high-speed, low-amplitude thrust applied to a specific technique
Used when joint mobilization is not effective
Helps reduce pain and improve joint function and mobility
Often there is a cavitation or a popping sound as gas is released from the joint cavity.
Conditions That Can Be Treated With Manual Therapy
Neck pain (muscle spasm, neck hernia, etc.)
Low back pain (lumbar hernia, facet joint restriction, spinal stenosis, etc.)
Back pain (disc herniation, rib restriction, hernia, etc.)
Migraines / headaches
Fibromyalgia
Temporomandibular joint (Jaw) dysfunction
Shoulder pain (impairment syndrome, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injury, etc.)
Hip pain (hip bursitis, postoperative hip replacement, myofascial hip pain, hip impingement, etc.)
Knee pain (iliotibial band syndrome, patellofemoral dysfunction, post-surgical knee replacement, etc.)
Ankle pain (ankle sprains / ligament injuries-tears, rheumatic disorders)
If you are thinking of how to do physical therapy at home, you can watch our video demonstration by clicking here.
Take advantage of the free examination opportunity to benefit from our special treatment programs or to learn about your general health status.
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