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

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

Manual physical therapy in Bismarck, MO. Physical therapy is a healthcare profession 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 Bismarck, MO physical and occupational therapists get our patients back to the things they enjoy doing most by using treatments that are backed by evidence to work. One treatment that consistently works for our clients is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Bismarck, 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 pain or mobility issues in Bismarck, MO that are keeping you from living the life you want, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to find lasting relief.

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 has been used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. Also referred to as hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the area 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 numerous different 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.

The aim of manual physical therapy is to help patients regain optimal health and function through non-invasive techniques that can be used alone or in concert with other treatments, such as exercise and stretching. Research demonstrates that a combination of manual physical therapy and other types of physical therapy, such as exercise prescription, is more effective than either treatment plan used by itself. At Axes, our Bismarck, MO physical therapists only prescribe treatment plans that have been proven to work.

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

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Treat in Bismarck, 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 has been proven to relieve chronic low back pain, which up to 84%of American adults deal with at some juncture 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, anxiety, or an accident.
Sports injuries — Physically active people in Bismarck, MO who suffer from sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and ACL tears can get back on the field quicker with the help of manual therapy.
Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can be used to treat arthritis, a degenerative disease used to describe a group of conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints. Manual Therapy is a great way to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints, improve mobility, and impede the disease from spreading further.
Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tenderness in specific 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 of the many conditions and injuries that manual physical therapy can provide lasting relief for. If you are experiencing pain or limited mobility, consult with an Axes Bismarck, MO physical therapist to find out if manual physical therapy can help you find relief. After one of our free injury screenings, we’ll work in concert with you and your doctor to get you back to the activities you love most – safely and effectively.

Manual Techniques Axes’ Bismarck, MO Physical Therapists Utilize

There are many different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Bismarck, MO may use, 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 objective of soft tissue mobilization is to reduce pain, increase mobility, and promote healing by manipulating the soft tissues. This can be done using various techniques including massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.

During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist applies pressure and stretches the soft tissues in a specific manner to break up adhesions, release trigger points, and improve blood flow. Soft tissue mobilization is commonly used to help conditions such as sports injuries, chronic pain, back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. It is often used alongside other treatments such as exercise and stretching to help patients recover quicker, safely, and effectively.

Joint Manipulation

Joint mobilization is a moderate technique in which the therapist guides the joint through controlled motions within its natural range of motion. The objective of joint mobilization is to improve joint mobility and reduce pain by gently 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 there typically isn’t any audible popping sounds.

Joint Mobilization

Joint manipulation, on the other hand, is a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique that involves a quick and controlled force to the joint. The aim of joint manipulation is to restore joint mobility and reduce pain by realigning the joint and breaking up any adhesions. Joint manipulation can produce a recognizable popping or cracking sound due to the release of gas bubbles in the joint capsule.

Joint manipulation is most commonly 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 performed by qualified healthcare professional, as it can be accompanied by certain risks, such as 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 thin, tough, and elastic connective tissue that serves to cushion the body’s internal organs, as well as providing structural support and facilitating movement. Myofascial release works by applying sustained pressure and stretching to the fascia and underlying muscle tissue to let go of tension and restore 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 your session, the physical therapist applies gentle, sustained pressure to specific body parts where there is restriction 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 enhance the benefits of the myofascial release.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy works by applying pressure to certain 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 Bismarck, 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 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 enhance the effects of the trigger point therapy. In some cases, your physical therapist may suggest trigger point dry needling.

Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Bismarck, MO

There are many benefits to manual physical therapy, including:

Reduced pain — Manual physical therapy can help feel less pain while you’re recovering. By reducing pain, patients can experience an improved quality of life and can start getting their lifestyle back sooner.
Increased flexibility — By restoring normal function, manual physical therapy can help Bismarck, MO resident perform daily tasks and other activities more effectively. Improved mobility can also decrease the risk of falls and other accidents.
Improved bloodflow — Some manual therapy techniques, like soft tissue mobilization, can help boost circulation by increasing blood flow to the affected area.
Faster recovery — Manual physical therapy can help to promote healing and reduce inflammation, which can make your recovery quicker. This can be especially advantageous for patients who recently had an operation or other invasive procedures.
Improved posture — Manual therapy can offer you a better posture by releasing tension in the soft tissue that support the spine and other joints.
Improved mental health — Manual therapy can be a tranquil experience, as 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 can find relief because of less anxiety, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally returning to the activities they enjoy the most.

Other services we offer in Bismarck, MO include:

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

Manual Physical Therapy in Bismarck, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a powerful and effective treatment option for a wide range of conditions and injuries in Bismarck, MO. By using their hands to manipulate and mobilize the soft tissues and joints of the body, physical therapists can help patients achieve optimal mobility and function without the need for surgical options or prescription drugs. At Axes, we focus on giving our patients positive client experiences by helping Bismarck, MO residents return to what they enjoy the most with proven treatment modalities. To see if manual physical therapy could be a part of your treatment plan, contact us through our website or call the location most convenient to you.