Manual Physical Therapy in Affton, MO | Injury and Chronic Pain Treatment

Manual Physical Therapy in Affton, MO: A Hands-On Treatment

Manual physical therapy in Affton, MO. Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty that focuses on the use of physical methods, such as exercise, manual therapy, and other treatments, to help patients regain optimal physical function. At Axes, our Affton, MO physical and occupational therapists get our patients back to the activities they love by using proven treatment methodologies. One treatment we’ve found successful is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Affton, MO uses their hands and specialized instruments to safely and effectively relieve pain and restore motion to your joints and muscles, tendons, and ligaments. If you’re suffering pain or mobility issues in Affton, MO that are preventing you from living the life you want, contact Axes online or reach out to the location most convenient for you to find lasting relief.

Manual Physical Therapy Defined

The International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists Incorporated defines “manual therapy” as:

a specialized area of physiotherapy / physical therapy for the management of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, based on clinical reasoning, using highly specific treatment approaches including manual techniques and therapeutic exercises.

Manual physical therapy dates back to over 2,000 years ago. Also referred to as hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the area of physical therapy. It’s a treatment methodology that involves the therapist using their hands to manipulate, mobilize, and massage the patient’s muscles, joints, and soft tissues. Doing this can help address a wide range of conditions and injuries, including chronic pain, back and neck pain, sports injuries, and more. It encourages the body to promote blood flow and relearn how to move correctly, ultimately restoring function.

The goal of manual physical therapy is to help patients return to the activities they love most through non-invasive techniques that can be used alone or alongside other treatments, such as guided exercise. Research demonstrates that a combination of manual physical therapy and other types of physical therapy, such as exercise prescription, is more successful than either therapy used on its own. At Axes, our Affton, MO physical therapists only prescribe treatment plans that have been proven to be safe and effective.

Manual Physical Therapy Affton, MO | Injury Recovery | Orthopedic Rehab Near Affton

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Help With in Affton, MO

Manual physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and injuries. Below are some of the most common:

Back pain — Manual physical therapy has been proven to relieve chronic low back pain, which up to 84%of American adults experience at some juncture in their lives.
Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also help patients with neck pain, which may be the result of poor posture, anxiety, or an acute injury.
Sports injuries — Those who play sports in Affton, MO who sustain sports injuries including sprains, strains, and ACL tears can get back to the top of their game quicker with the help of manual therapy.
Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can help manage the symptoms of arthritis, a degenerative disease that stems from the the protective tissue in joints wearing down over time. Manual Therapy can be used to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints, improve flexibility, and slow the progression of the disease.
Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that causes pain throughout the body or in multiple areas of the body.
Headaches — Manual physical therapy can also be effective in relieving headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.

These are just a few of the many conditions and injuries that manual physical therapy can provide lasting relief for. If you are suffering from pain or lack of motion, consult with an Axes Affton, MO physical therapist to discuss if manual physical therapy can help you find relief. After you come to any of our locations for a free free injury screenings, we’ll form a team with you and your doctor to return you to the activities you enjoy doing most with techniques that have been proven to work.

Manual Techniques Our Affton, MO Physical Therapists Use

There are several different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Affton, MO may recommend for your treatment, including:

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization is the technique of administering pressure to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The goal of soft tissue mobilization is to relieve pain, increase range of motion, and promote healing by smoothing out scar tissue. This can be achieved using numerous different techniques such as massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.

During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist exerts pressure and smooths out the soft tissues in a particular manner to break up scar tissue, release trigger points, and improve circulation. Soft tissue mobilization is commonly used to treat conditions such as sports injuries, chronic pain, back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. It is often combined with other therapies to help patients achieve optimal results.

Joint Manipulation

Joint mobilization is a light technique in which the therapist applies controlled movements to the joint within its natural range of movement. The aim of joint mobilization is to regain joint mobility and offer pain relief by passively stretching the joint capsule and surrounding structures. Joint mobilization is a manual physical therapy technique that can help patients who have limited range of motion in a joint, and it is usually performed without causing any audible cracking sounds.

Joint Mobilization

Joint manipulation is on the other side of the spectrum, and is a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique that involves an abrupt and controlled force to the joint. The objective of joint manipulation is to regain a joint’s range of motion and limit pain by readjust the joint and breaking up any adhesions. Joint manipulation can produce a recognizable popping or cracking sound, which is caused by the release of gas bubbles within the joint.

Joint manipulation is typically used for people who have acute joint pain, limited joint mobility, or a joint that needs to be realigned. It is important to note that joint manipulation should only be done by a physical therapist, as it can be accompanied by certain risks, such as injury or making the current injury worse.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a kind of physical therapy treatment that is used to treat myofascial pain and dysfunction. Fascia is a connective tissue made up of collagen and elastin fibers that surrounds and supports the organs and instructions inside our bodies. Myofascial release works by applying sustained pressure and stretching to the fascia and underlying muscle tissue to let go of tension and regain normal movement. Myofascial release is often used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, and TMJ.

During a myofascial release session, the physical therapist applies gentle, sustained pressure to specific body parts where there is tension in the fascia. The pressure is applied gradually, allowing the fascia to stretch and release. The therapist may also use stretching and other techniques to further the effects of the myofascial release.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is a technique that involves applying pressure to particular points in soft tissue that are giving the patients problems. The aim of trigger point therapy is to release tension and reduce pain in the affected area. It’s often used by Affton, MO physical therapists to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, and sports injuries.

During a trigger point therapy session, the therapist uses their hands or a specialized tool to apply direct pressure to the trigger point. The pressure is applied gradually and sustained for several seconds or longer, allowing the trigger point to release. The therapist may also use stretching and other techniques to enhance the benefits of the trigger point therapy. In some cases, your physical therapist may suggest trigger point dry needling.

How Manual Physical Therapy in Affton, MO Can Help You

Manual physical therapy can do wonders for your body and lifestyle, including:

Reduced pain — Manual physical therapy can help to relieve pain and discomfort caused by injuries and chronic conditions. By reducing pain, patients have an improved quality of life and can start getting their lifestyle back sooner.
Enhanced range of motion — By regaining normal function, manual physical therapy can help people perform daily tasks and other activities more effectively. Improved mobility can also help in future injury prevention.
Improved bloodflow — Some manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization, can help boost circulation by increasing blood flow to the affected body part.
Faster recovery — Manual physical therapy can help to promote healing and reduce inflammation, which can lead to a shorter recovery time. This can be especially beneficial for patients recovering from an operation or other invasive procedures.
Improved posture — Manual therapy can help improve posture by releasing tension in the soft tissue that support the spine and other joints.
Improved mental health — Manual therapy can be a relaxing experience, as it releases endorphins, the body’s own, homegrown feel-good hormone.
Better quality of life — With all the above benefits in place, manual physical therapy can help patients to enjoy a better quality of life overall. Patients may find relief because of less anxiety, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally being able to get back to the things they enjoy the most.

Other services we offer in Affton, MO include:

Manual Physical Therapy Affton, MO | Chronic Pain Treatment | Physical Therapy Near Affton

Manual Physical Therapy in Affton, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a proven and effective approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Affton, MO. By using their hands to manipulate and mobilize certain parts of the body, physical therapists can help patients achieve optimal mobility and function without the need for invasive procedures or medications. At Axes, we provide positive client experiences by helping Affton, MO residents get back to what they enjoy the most with evidence-backed treatment modalities. To learn more about what Axes can do for you, contact us through our website or reach out to the location most convenient to you.