What is Manual Therapy, and How Can it Help?
Manual therapy techniques are defined as skilled hand movements and passive movements of joints and soft tissue. In other words, this method employs the practitioner’s hands rather than machines. This common method may be used with other treatments, such as strengthening exercises or active stretching.
Our physiotherapists at Stonegate Physiotherapy and Massage in Airdrie use manual therapy either alone or with other techniques to help our patients restore their functions, reduce pain, and promote overall well-being. Whether you’ve had a recent injury, are suffering from symptoms of an underlying condition, or are unsure about the source of your pain, our physiotherapists could help you recover safely and comfortably so you can return to the activities you enjoy!
Call our clinic today to learn more and request your first appointment.
What Conditions Is Manual Therapy Used For?
Our physiotherapists often use manual therapy techniques to address a variety of conditions that hinder mobility and cause discomfort. The most common conditions treated with this hands-on method include musculoskeletal disorders, soft tissue injuries, and chronic pain syndromes, such as:
- Neck and back pain: Manual therapy techniques such as massage or soft tissue mobilizations have been shown to decrease pain, relieve stiffness, and increase function.
- Headaches: Our physiotherapists can treat headaches and migraines with techniques like trigger point release and joint mobilization, which help alleviate pain and tension.
- Sports injuries: We treat several sports injuries at (practice name) with manual techniques, such as sprains and strains, rotator cuff injuries, and shin splints.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Pelvic floor dysfunction includes symptoms like incontinence, constipation, and muscle spasms in the pelvic area. Manual therapy can help treat pelvic floor dysfunction by improving blood flow to the affected muscles, as well as helping the muscles stretch and relax.
- Chronic pain syndromes: Conditions like fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, and chronic back pain can benefit from our hands-on techniques. Soft tissue work, including massage, can help relax muscles, increase circulation, break up scar tissue, and ease pain.
If you’ve been diagnosed with or are suffering from symptoms of a condition, be sure to call our clinic for information. Our physiotherapists can create a treatment plan tailored to your condition and unique needs.
Manual Therapy Techniques
Common hands-on techniques include:
- Soft tissue mobilization: Soft tissue mobilization is a technique that relieves pain and tension by targeting the soft tissues of the body. Your practitioner will manipulate the tissues in your muscles, tendons, and fascia to restore tissue movement and ease tension.
- Joint mobilization and manipulation: Our physiotherapists use joint mobilization and manipulation methods to reduce pain, improve your range of motion, and restore function in the joints. These techniques work by guiding the joints and surrounding tissues with mild to strong forces and varying speeds.
- Myofascial release: Myofascial release is a type of gentle massage that works to release tightness and pain throughout your myofascial tissues. Your physiotherapist will locate the restrictions in your fascial tissues and apply gentle pressure until the tension is released.
- Trigger point therapy: Trigger point therapy uses the hands to apply pressure to specific areas of tightness or “knots” within muscles. This can help to reduce pain and improve muscle function.
- Passive stretching: Passive stretching is fully led by your therapist which allows you to fully rest your body in a specific position. This method can help restore your range of motion and increase flexibility.
What to Expect From Treatment
Your practitioner will start with a comprehensive assessment to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients. He or she will discuss your medical history and general health factors, which will help them better understand your condition or ongoing concerns. This first session allows for the development of a targeted and effective treatment strategy.
Next, a hands-on assessment will be conducted by your physiotherapist. This may involve palpation and observation to identify areas of pain, tightness, and dysfunction, which provides valuable insight into the cause of your discomfort. In addition, range of motion and strength tests may be performed. After the assessment has been completed, your provider will design a treatment plan that is customized to your needs, health, and recovery goals.