WHAT IS MANUAL THERAPY

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Manual therapy is a primary modality of physical therapy. It is a skilled application of hands-on techniques by a trained clinician to manipulate soft tissue, joints, and nerves. Manual therapy is important for multiple body systems, because hands-on manipulation can be very effective to decrease pain and tissue tension, improve quality of movement, and guide a patient through their exercises.

For example, let’s say you are having stiffness in your hip. During your sessions in the clinic, your therapist may employ manual therapy techniques like joint and soft tissue mobilization and/or massage to improve your range of motion and decrease stiffness and discomfort when you walk. 

 

Your therapist will assign exercises and stretches that you can complete independently, but manual therapy techniques can take your treatment to the next level. Application of manual therapy depends on your sensitivity, your stage in the healing process, and the potential benefits of the technique. 

 

BENEFITS 

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Manual therapy has many benefits, including reduced pain, reducing stress and strain, increasing joint mobility and soft tissue health, increased blood flow, and reduced inflammation. Along with appropriate exercise progression, the addition of manual therapy to your treatment is a great way to ensure that you return to what you love faster. Your joints and tissues are designed to function as a balanced system, and when dysfunction occurs, manual therapy can be a great way to begin restoring normal movement patterns.

 

Let’s use headaches as an example. During your evaluation, areas of joint & tissue stiffness may be identified and associated areas of weakness. Based on these findings, manual techniques can be applied to your spine to restore movement and decrease pain. Additionally, manual exercise progressions will be applied to promote strength and stability in weakened areas.  You can do only stretches if they are given, but stretches are combined with manual techniques, you should have a quicker response and decreased headaches. 

 

EXAMPLES OF MANUAL THERAPY TECHNIQUES

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Manual therapy is great for any joints that are not moving or any muscles that are extremely tight. For example, a hip flexor release is a common technique that loosens the muscle that runs from the front of the spine/pelvis down the thigh, or the hip flexor. This muscle may tighten while sitting for long periods of time, which can result in back pain. In order to get the most out of stretching the muscle, your therapist needs to manually release the muscle through soft tissue mobilization/massaging. 

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Another example is the use of manipulation techniques. Stiffness of the thoracic (middle) spine is known to be difficult to treat, but spinal manipulation can be a very effective way to restore function in this area, especially in conjunction with soft tissue techniques dry needling and a customized exercise program. Sam is trained for spinal manipulation in most joints in the body. 

 

IS MANUAL THERAPY RIGHT FOR ME?

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While manual therapy can be an essential component, it may not be right for everyone. Medical conditions that require improving stability might need a treatment that does not involve manual therapy, such as joint hypermobility (this is why some patients do not have long lasting relief or even feel worse after chiropractic care). Other conditions such as osteoporosis might not benefit from manual therapy due to lower bone density and the inherent risk of fracture. There are many other conditions that your therapist should be aware of before applying manual techniques.

 

On rare occasions, some patients are not as comfortable with being touched. Whether it is part of your personality or personal preference, your therapist will work with you and make sure you are comfortable while still getting the best possible treatment. 

 

 

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