Manual Therapy Techniques Used in Hands-On Physical Therapy Clinics
Unlike other physical therapy treatment techniques that employ exercise equipment, machines, or other modalities, manual therapy focuses on hands-on techniques, using the therapist’s hands to mobilise joints, manipulate soft tissues, and restore physical function.
Manual Therapy Techniques Used in Hands-On Physical Therapy Clinics
During hands-on physical therapy in Ashburn, VA, specialists employ several manual therapy techniques to target specific tissues. Each technique has its unique approach. However, the goal of each method remains the same - to address pain, restore movement, and improve physical function. Some of the most common manual therapy techniques used in hands-on physical therapy include:
Soft Tissue Mobilization
This manual therapy technique involves the application of hands-on pressure to the soft tissues of the body - muscles, tendons, nerves, fascia, and ligaments- to improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and promote faster tissue healing. Physical therapists employ this manual therapy technique while providing services, such as deep tissue massage, to reach deeper muscle layers. Soft tissue mobilization can treat several conditions, ranging from muscle strains, scar tissue, and postural tension to several sports injuries.
Joint Manipulation
This manual therapy technique involves a quick, precise thrust applied to a joint to restore its normal range of motion. More often than not, there is an audible “pop” when this technique is used, due to the release of joint pressure. Joint manipulation can improve range of motion, reduce joint restriction, and relieve pain in people suffering from mechanical low back pain, joint locking, certain spinal misalignments, etc.
Joint Mobilization
This manual therapy technique is similar to joint manipulation. It involves a controlled, passive movement of a joint performed at different speeds and intensities, depending on your needs, to improve motion and reduce pain. However, it does not involve quick thrusts like joint manipulation. Physical therapists may employ joint mobilization when treating stiffness from arthritis, frozen shoulder, post-surgical recovery, and several other conditions.
Myofascial Release
The fascia is a web-like connective tissue that surrounds and provides support for the muscles, bones, and organs. However, it may become tight or restricted due to injury, stress, or poor posture, causing pain and limiting mobility. Physical therapists may employ the slow, sustained pressure and stretching techniques of myofascial release to loosen fascia restrictions, improve flexibility, reduce chronic pain, and restore normal movement.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points are hyperirritable spots within muscle fibers, often called knots, that can cause localized or referred pain. These trigger points are treated by a manual therapy technique that involves a physical therapist applying sustained pressure with their hands to deactivate them. Trigger point therapy can provide relief from several conditions, including neck and shoulder pain, tension headaches, and muscle tightness, etc.
Conclusion
Manual therapy is one of the most important techniques of physical therapy because its hands-on method allows therapists to directly feel, assess, and treat the body in a way that machines or exercise-based methods alone cannot. Therefore, if you seek personalized and effective treatment options, you should consider undergoing manual therapy at State of the Art Physical Therapy.
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