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

Manual Physical Therapy in Barnhart, MO: A Hands-On Approach to Healing

Manual physical therapy in Barnhart, MO. Physical therapy is a medical are of expertise that focuses on the use of physical methods, such as exercise, stretching, and other techniques, to help patients regain optimal physical function. At Axes, our Barnhart, MO physical and occupational therapists return our clients to the activities they enjoy doing most by using proven treatment methodologies. One such treatment method is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Barnhart, MO uses their hands and specialized instruments to safely and effectively relieve pain and restore motion to your joints and soft tissue. If you’re experiencing an illness or injury in Barnhart, MO that’s preventing you from living the life you want, contact Axes through our website or reach out to the location most convenient for you to get back to the life you want.

What Is Manual Physical Therapy?

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 400 BCE. Also called hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the practice of physical therapy. It’s a type of treatment 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, back and neck pain, sports injuries, and more. It can help to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function.

Manual physical therapy endeavors to help patients achieve optimal health and function through non-surgical interventions that can be used alone or in concert with other techniques, such as guided exercise. Studies show that a combination of manual physical therapy and other treatments, such as exercise prescription, is more effective than either treatment plan used by itself. At Axes, our Barnhart, MO physical therapists exclusively prescribe treatment plans that are backed by evidence.

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

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

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

Back pain — Manual physical therapy can be effective in treating chronic low back pain, which up to 84%of American adults suffer from at some stage in their lives.
Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also be used to treat neck pain, which can be caused by poor posture, anxiety, or an accident.
Sports injuries — Physically active people in Barnhart, MO who sustain sports injuries including 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 is a great way to reduce limited joint movement, improve range of motion, and impede the disease from spreading further.
Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes pain throughout the body or in multiple areas of the body.
Headaches — Manual physical therapy can also be effective in treating headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.

These are just a few examples of the many conditions and injuries that manual physical therapy can provide meaningful relief for. If you are experiencing pain or lack of motion, reach out to an Axes Barnhart, MO physical therapist to discuss if manual physical therapy is right for you. After you come to us for a free free injury screenings, we’ll work in concert with you and your doctor to return you to the activities you enjoy doing most with treatments that have been proven to work.

Manual Techniques Axes’ Barnhart, MO Physical Therapists Utilize

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

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization involves administering pressure to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The objective of soft tissue mobilization is to reduce pain, increase flexibility, and promote healing by encouraging the flow of blood. This can be done using numerous different techniques including massage therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.

During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist exerts pressure and stretches the soft tissues in a particular manner to break up adhesions, release trigger points, and improve circulation. Soft tissue mobilization is often used to aid conditions such as sports injuries, chronic pain, back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. It is often used alongside other therapies to help patients recover quicker, safely, and effectively.

Joint Manipulation

Joint mobilization is a passive technique in which the therapist guides the joint through slow movements along its natural path. The objective of joint mobilization is to reestablish joint mobility and offer pain relief by gently stretching the joint capsule and surrounding soft tissues. Joint mobilization is often used for patients who have stiffness in a joint, and it is usually performed without causing any audible cracking sounds.

Joint Mobilization

Joint manipulation, on the other hand, is a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique in which the physical therapist applies a quick and controlled force to the joint. The aim of joint manipulation is to regain a joint’s range of motion and relieve pain by readjust the joint and breaking up any adhesions. Joint manipulation often produces a recognizable popping or cracking sound due to the release of gas bubbles in the joint capsule.

Joint manipulation is typically used for patients 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 associated with certain risks, like injury or exacerbation of an existing condition.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a manual therapy technique that is used to treat myofascial pain and dysfunction. Fascia is a band or sheet of connective tissue that serves to cushion the body’s internal organs, as well as providing structural support and facilitating movement. With myofascial release, your Barnhart, MO physical therapist applies sustained pressure and stretching to the fascia and underlying muscle tissue to let go of tension and regain normal movement. 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 a myofascial release session, the physical therapist applies mild to moderate, sustained pressure to specific body parts where there is tension in the fascia. The pressure is applied slowly, allowing the fascia to lengthen and release. The therapist may also use stretching and other techniques to enhance the effects of the myofascial release.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy works by applying pressure to specific points within a muscle or fascia that are tender or painful. The aim of trigger point therapy is to release painful knots in the muscles. It’s often used by Barnhart, 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 goes on, 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 improve the benefits of the trigger point therapy. In some cases, your physical therapist may recommend trigger point dry needling.

How Manual Physical Therapy in Barnhart, MO Can Help You

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

Decreased 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 get back to activities they enjoy.
Increased flexibility — By restoring normal function, manual physical therapy can help patients 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 encouraging blood flow to the region.
Faster recovery — Manual physical therapy can help to encourage the body’s natural healing process, which can speed up the recovery process. This can be especially great for patients who recently had surgery or other medical procedures.
Improved posture — Manual therapy can help improve posture by properly aligning your muscles and joints and soothing over affected tissue.
Reduced anxiety — Manual therapy can be a calming experience, as it releases endorphins, which naturally reduces stress and improves mental health.
Improved quality of life — With all the previous benefits in place, manual physical therapy can improve your overall quality of life. Patients can find relief because of less stress, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally returning to the activities they love.

Other services we offer in Barnhart, MO include:

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

Manual Physical Therapy in Barnhart, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a powerful and effective approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Barnhart, 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 provide positive client experiences by helping Barnhart, 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.