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

Manual physical therapy in Augusta, MO. Physical therapy is a medical are of expertise that focuses on the use of physical methods, such as exercise, manual therapy, and other treatments, to treat physical impairments, disabilities, and pain. At Axes, our Augusta, MO physical and occupational therapists get our patients back to the activities they enjoy doing most by using proven treatment methodologies. One treatment that consistently works for our clients is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Augusta, 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 experiencing an illness or injury in Augusta, MO that’s preventing you from living the life you want, contact Axes through our website or call the location nearest you to find meaningful relief.

What Is Manual Physical Therapy?

The IFOMPT 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 known 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. This approach can be used to address a wide range of conditions and injuries, including chronic pain, arthritis, muscle spasms, and more. It can help to promote blood flow and relearn how to move correctly, ultimately restoring function.

The aim of manual physical therapy is to help patients regain optimal health and function through non-surgical interventions that can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as guided exercise. Research demonstrates that a combination of manual physical therapy and other treatments, such as exercise prescription, is more successful than either therapy used independently. At Axes, our Augusta, MO physical therapists only use treatment plans that are backed by evidence.

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

Manual physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and injuries. Here are some examples:

• Back pain — Manual physical therapy has been proven to relieve chronic low back pain, which almost 9 out of 10 American adults experience at some stage in their lives.
• Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also help patients who are experiencing neck pain, which may be the result of poor posture, stress, or injury.
• Sports injuries — Physically active people in Augusta, MO who suffer from sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and ACL tears can get back on the field quicker through manual therapy.
• Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can help manage the symptoms of arthritis, a degenerative disease caused by the the protective tissue in joints wearing down over time. Manual Therapy can be used to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints, improve mobility, and slow the progression of the disease.
• Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes pain throughout the body or at multiple sites.
• 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 help treat. If you are suffering from pain or lack of motion, consult with an Axes Augusta, MO physical therapist to discover if manual physical therapy is suitable for your injury or condition. After one of our free injury screenings, we’ll form a team with you and your doctor to return you to the activities you love most with techniques that have been proven to work.

Manual Techniques Axes’ Augusta, MO Physical Therapists Use

There are several different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Augusta, MO may use, such as:

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization involves administering pressure to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The goal of soft tissue mobilization is to reduce pain, increase range of motion, and promote healing by manipulating the soft tissues. This can be accomplished using numerous different techniques including massage therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.

During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist administering pressure and smooths out the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in a specific manner to break up adhesions, release trigger points, and improve circulation. Soft tissue mobilization is frequently used to help conditions such as sports injuries, chronic pain, back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. It is best when used alongside other treatments such as exercise and stretching to help patients achieve optimal results.

Joint Manipulation

Joint mobilization is a moderate technique in which the therapist applies controlled movements to the joint along its natural path. The aim of joint mobilization is to reestablish joint mobility and offer pain relief by passively stretching the joint capsule and surrounding structures. Joint mobilization is often used for patients who have limited range of motion in a joint, and there typically isn’t any audible cracking sounds.

Joint Mobilization

Joint manipulation is a cousin of joint manipulation, and is a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique that involves a sudden and controlled force to the joint. The aim of joint manipulation is to reestablish a joint’s range of motion and reduce pain by realigning the joint and breaking up any restrictions. Joint manipulation often produces an audible popping or cracking sound, which is caused by the release of gas bubbles in the joint capsule.

Joint manipulation is commonly used for patients who have acute joint pain, restricted joint mobility, or a joint that needs to be realigned. You need to remember that joint manipulation should only be performed by qualified healthcare professional, as it does carry certain risks, such as injury or making the current injury worse.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a manual therapy technique that is used to treat myofascial pain and dysfunction. Fascia is a thin, tough, and elastic connective tissue that surrounds and supports out internal organs and structures. Myofascial release works by applying sustained pressure and stretching to the fascia and underlying muscle tissue to release tension and restore normal function. Myofascial release is can be part of a treatment plan for a wide variety of injuries and conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

During your session, the physical therapist applies mild to moderate, sustained pressure to specific areas of the body where there is tension in the fascia. The pressure is applied slowly, allowing the fascia to elongate and release. The therapist may also use stretching and other techniques to enhance the benefits of the myofascial release.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is a technique that involves applying pressure to particular points within a muscle or fascia that are tender or painful. The goal of trigger point therapy is to release tension and reduce pain in the affected area. It’s often used by Augusta, MO physical therapists to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, and sports injuries.

During your trigger point therapy appointment, the therapist uses their hands or a specialized tool to apply direct pressure to the part of your muscle that is affecting you. More pressure is applied as the session progresses, and it’s 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 advise trigger point dry needling.

Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Augusta, MO

There are many benefits to manual physical therapy, 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.
• Increased flexibility — By restoring movement and function to the body, manual physical therapy can help people perform daily tasks and other activities more effectively. Improved mobility can also reduce the likelihood of falls and other injuries.
• 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 particularly great for patients recovering from surgery or other invasive procedures.
• Improved posture — Manual therapy can offer you a better posture by properly aligning your muscles and joints and soothing over affected tissue.
• Improved mental health — Manual therapy can be a calming experience, because it releases endorphins, the body’s own, homegrown feel-good hormone.
• Improved 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 experience less anxiety, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally returning to the things they love.

Other services we offer in Augusta, MO include:

• Neck Pain Treatment
• Physical Therapy Clinic
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
• Sciatica Treatment
• Sports Medicine
• Hand Pain Physical Therapy
• Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment
• Hip Pain Treatment
• Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
• Stroke Rehabilitation

Manual Physical Therapy in Augusta, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a proven and safe approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Augusta, MO. By using their hands to manipulate and mobilize certain parts of the body, physical therapists can help patients achieve optimal health and function without the need for invasive procedures or medications. At Axes, we focus on giving our patients positive client experiences by helping Augusta, MO residents return 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 nearest you.