Manual Therapy

If you are suffering from an injury, surgical procedure, or medical condition, manual therapy may be for you. Physical therapists have a variety of treatment options they can offer patients. Manual therapy offers double benefits, not only promoting healing of the affected area but also provides relaxation to the tissues in the surrounding areas. A physical therapist uses a hands-on method to improve a patient’s soft tissue and joint restrictions, as well as alleviate pain in the musculoskeletal system. This is accomplished by using passive joint and hand movements to improve the patient’s range of motion, improve inflammation and swelling, and ease up on restrictions the patient has that hamper their ability to engage in day-to-day activities.

Manual Therapy Benefits

There have been multiple studies that confirm the excellent results that manual therapy yields when combined with a course of exercises developed by a physical therapist specifically for the patient.

Some of the benefits include:

• Decreases patient’s sensitivity and pain
• Flexibility improvement
• Joint mobility improvement
• Motor control improvement
• Motor recruitment improvement
• Overall function improvement
• Quality of movement improvement
• Reduction in muscle spasms
• Reduction in muscle tension
• Reduction of pain

There are other important benefits to manual therapy that many patients find comforting. First of all, this therapy is not only safe, but it is also painless and non-invasive. There are also no harmful medications that you have to wait to see if they will work and no frustrating or even dangerous side effects.

Even better, most patients see improvement in their condition after just one session.

Types of Manual Therapy Techniques

Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment by clinicians to treat muscle aches, joint pain, and limited range of motion. It encompasses a variety of techniques including soft tissue mobilization of muscles, specific joint mobilization, and joint manipulation.The three most notable forms are:

• Manipulation is the application of a rapid force into a joint(s). Manipulation is often associated with an audible popping sound called cavitation. It is usually used on the arms, legs, neck, and back. During this type of manual therapy, the physical therapist will gently apply strength to a certain part of the patient’s body. This slight pressure gently stretches the soft tissues in the area. This helps brings the tissues back to normal.
• Mobilization is a slower, more controlled process of articular and soft-tissue stretching intended to improve joint mobility. Mobilizations are painless and secure, enabling the patient’s range of motion to gradually increase. Mobilization is often used when the patient is suffering from a restricted joint (usually causing intense pain with injury).
• Soft tissue massage is typically the repetitive rubbing, stripping, or kneading of muscle and fascia tissues to facilitate healing – nothing like the kind of massages you would get at a spa. Soft tissue massages by a physical therapist are geared towards breaking up scar tissue and adhesions that are a result of an injury or any type of inflammation. This method also helps to increase the patient’s blood supply and circulation, which is especially beneficial to the healing of the affected soft tissue and muscles.

More specific methods include:

• ​Soft Tissue Mobilization
• Strain-Counterstrain
• Joint Mobilization
• Muscle Energy Techniques
• Passive Range of Motion
• Myofascial Release

Manual therapy has been proven to be an important part of an overall conservative treatment plan for a variety of conditions including:

• Adhesive Capsulitis
• Shoulder Impingement
• Shoulder Stiffness/Limited Range of Motion
• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
• Golfers Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
• Pinched Nerves
• Limited Joint Range of Motion
• Capsule Tightness
• Postsurgical Stiffness
• Much More

Manual therapy is typically part of a complete treatment plan that is customized for your specific needs. Give us a call to learn how we can incorporate it into your rehabilitation program.

Enhancing Recovery Through Manual Therapy Techniques

Manual therapy techniques play a crucial role in our approach to physical rehabilitation and overall well-being. By utilizing these hands-on methods, we aim to provide effective pain relief, improve mobility, and promote faster recovery for our patients. Let's delve into how these techniques can enhance recovery and why they are an integral part of our treatment plans.

Understanding Manual Therapy

Manual therapy involves skilled hand movements and manipulation of the body's soft tissues and joints. Our therapists at LeMoine Physical Therapy use a variety of techniques, including joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, and myofascial release, tailored to each patient's specific needs. This personalized approach allows us to address the underlying issues causing pain and discomfort, leading to more effective and lasting results.

Benefits Of Hands-On Treatment

One of the primary benefits of manual therapy is pain relief. By targeting specific areas of tension and discomfort, we can help alleviate pain without relying solely on medication. This approach is especially beneficial for patients dealing with chronic pain conditions, as it provides a non-invasive alternative to traditional pain management methods.

Improving Mobility And Function

Restricted mobility and impaired function are common issues we encounter in our practice. Manual therapy techniques help restore normal movement patterns by addressing joint stiffness and muscle tightness. Through techniques such as joint mobilization and manipulation, we can improve the range of motion and flexibility, enabling patients to move more freely and perform daily activities with ease.

Enhancing Circulation And Healing

Proper blood flow is essential for healing and overall health. Manual therapy promotes increased circulation to the affected areas, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the tissues. This boost in circulation not only accelerates the healing process but also helps reduce inflammation and swelling, providing relief from pain and discomfort.

Addressing Muscle Imbalances

Muscle imbalances are a common cause of pain and injury. Through targeted manual therapy techniques, we can identify and address these imbalances, helping to restore proper muscle function and alignment. This not only alleviates current pain but also prevents future injuries by promoting balanced and efficient movement patterns.

Holistic Approach To Rehabilitation

At our clinic, we believe in a holistic approach to rehabilitation. Manual therapy is just one component of our comprehensive treatment plans. By combining these techniques with exercise therapy, patient education, and other modalities, we provide a well-rounded approach that addresses the root causes of pain and dysfunction. This integrated approach ensures that our patients receive the best possible care and achieve optimal outcomes.

Building A Therapeutic Relationship

The hands-on nature of manual therapy allows us to build strong therapeutic relationships with our patients. This close interaction fosters trust and communication, enabling us to better understand each patient's unique needs and concerns. By working closely together, we can develop personalized treatment plans that are tailored to each individual's goals and preferences.

Promoting Long-Term Wellness

Our commitment to manual therapy extends beyond immediate pain relief. We strive to empower our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain their health and well-being in the long term. Through education and ongoing support, we help patients develop healthy habits and self-care strategies that promote sustained recovery and prevent future issues.

Experience The Benefits Of Manual Therapy

If you're experiencing pain or discomfort, or if you're looking to enhance your recovery process, we invite you to experience the benefits of manual therapy at our clinic. Our skilled therapists at LeMoine Physical Therapy are dedicated to providing personalized care that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve your health and wellness goals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, more active life.

Contact Our Clinic Today

If you are having issues with joint or tissue pain, have suffered an injury, or dealing with a condition that a physical therapist can help with, contact LeMoine Physical Therapy to schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated physical therapists and find out if it would be a good treatment option for you. Call our office today.