Physical Therapy and Manual Therapy Techniques
Probably one of the most difficult physical therapy techniques to explain to a layman is manual therapy. Manual therapy is generally considered to be part of any physical therapy practice, but a practice that specializes in manual therapy interventions uses techniques to free up restrictions in the body that create poor movement and generate pain.
Manual therapy is not painful, studies done in Texas show; in fact, manual therapy is more effective in relieving pain than non-steroidal anti-inflamatories (NSAID), muscle relaxants, or painkillers. (view the study) Additional studies show that manual therapy is faster and more effective than physical therapy alone (see the study).
Individuals with conditions causing problems with the moving parts of the body can benefit from manual physical therapy. Research shows the use of manual physical therapy can help when treating acute and chronic lower back and neck pain, muscle-tension headaches, hip and knee osteoarthritis, and shoulder pain. In many cases, manual therapy combined with therapeutic exercise can significantly reduce pain and improve function during the first treatment.
Manual therapy intervention is used to decrease pain and improve range of motion in stiff joints and muscles. Once pain has been reduced and joint mobility improved it is much easier for you, the patient, to regain optimal movement patterns.. in short, to do what you love with less restrictions and much less pain.
Mobilization, a key component of manual therapy, consists of a skilled therapist guiding passive movements of joints and associated soft-tissue structures. Our manual therapists use positional release therapy, myofacial release therapy, and muscle energy techniques to move patients toward recovery.
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