Also known as hands-on physical therapy, manual therapy uses no devices or machines. Instead, we use our hands while performing skilled, specific techniques designed to ease pain, improve mobility, and help you obtain your goals faster. In general, manual therapy includes soft tissue work and mobilization/manipulation.
When performing soft tissue work, therapists apply pressure to the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles. This pressure can help relax muscles, increases circulation, break up scar tissue, and reduce or eliminate soft tissue inflammation.
Our therapists also commonly mobilize and/or manipulate joints. Mobilization/manipulation techniques assist to reduce pain, correct joint mechanics and allow for early return to exercises and daily function.
Our therapists undergo extensive training through the International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine (IAOM-US) and several of our therapists travel around the country teaching these same techniques to clinicians around the United States.
Manual Therapy can be a helpful treatment for a wide range of issues, including:
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle tension
- Low back pain
- Neck pain and injuries
- Hip, knee, ankle and foot problems
- Frozen shoulder
- Decreased flexibility
- Post-surgical pain
- Headaches and migraines
To learn more about manual therapy from a Modern physical therapist, give us a call.
