Manual Physical Therapy in Clarkson Valley, MO: A Hands-On Treatment
Manual physical therapy in Clarkson Valley, MO. Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty that focuses on the use of physical methods, such as exercise, stretching, and other treatments, to treat physical impairments, disabilities, and pain. At Axes, our Clarkson Valley, 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 such treatment method is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Clarkson Valley, MO uses skilled hand movements, including joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and manipulation, to improve joint and muscle function, reduce pain, and restore mobility.. If you’re experiencing pain or mobility issues in Clarkson Valley, MO that are keeping you from living the life you want, contact Axes online or call the location most convenient for you to find meaningful relief.
What Is Manual Physical Therapy?
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 practice of physical therapy. It’s a type of treatment in which the physical therapists utilizes their hands to manipulate, mobilize, and massage the patient’s muscles, joints, and soft tissues. Doing this can help address numerous different conditions and injuries, including chronic pain, back and neck pain, muscle spasms, and more. It encourages the body to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function.
Manual physical therapy seeks to help patients return to the activities they love most through non-surgical interventions that can be used by themselves or in combination with other techniques, such as guided exercise. Studies show that a combination of manual physical therapy and other types of physical therapy, such as exercise prescription, is more successful than either treatment plan used independently. At Axes, our Clarkson Valley, MO physical therapists exclusively use treatment plans that are backed by evidence.
What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Help With in Clarkson Valley, MO
Manual physical therapy can be used to treat numerous different conditions and injuries. Here are some examples:
- Back pain — Manual physical therapy can be effective in treating chronic low back pain, which almost 9 out of 10 U.S. adults experience at some point in their lifetime.
- 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 Clarkson Valley, 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 be used to treat arthritis, a degenerative disease caused by the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Manual Therapy is a great way to reduce limited joint movement, improve flexibility, and slow the progression of the disease.
- Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that is characterized by wide-ranging musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tenderness in localized 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 lasting relief for. If you are experiencing pain or stiffness, reach out to an Axes Clarkson Valley, MO physical therapist to discuss if manual physical therapy is right for you. After you come to any of our locations for a free free injury screenings, we’ll work alongside with you and your doctor to get you back to the activities you enjoy doing most – safely and effectively.
Manual Techniques Axes’ Clarkson Valley, MO Physical Therapists Utilize
There are many different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Clarkson Valley, MO may use, such as:
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization is the technique of exerting pressure to the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The goal of soft tissue mobilization is to relieve pain, increase flexibility, and promote healing by encouraging the flow of blood. 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 administering pressure and elongates the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in a specific manner to break up scar tissue, release trigger points, and improve blood flow. 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 achieve optimal results.
Joint Manipulation
Joint mobilization is a moderate technique in which the therapist utilized controlled movements to the joint within its natural range of motion. The aim 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 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 an abrupt and controlled force to the joint. The objective of joint manipulation is to regain a joint’s range of motion and reduce pain by readjust the joint and breaking up any adhesions. Joint manipulation often produces an audible popping or cracking sound due to the release of gas bubbles within the joint.
Joint manipulation is commonly used for people who have acute joint pain, limited joint mobility, or a joint that is out of alignment. It is important to note that joint manipulation should only be performed by medical professional who has experience with it, as it can be accompanied by certain risks, such as injury or exacerbation of an existing condition.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a kind of physical therapy treatment that is used to treat myofascial pain and dysfunction. Fascia is a thin, tough, and elastic connective tissue that serves to protect 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 release tension and regain 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 a myofascial release 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 stretch and release. The therapist may also use stretching and other techniques to boost the benefits 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 tender or painful. The objective of trigger point therapy is to release painful knots in the muscles. It’s often used by Clarkson Valley, 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 session, 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 benefits of the trigger point therapy. Occasionally, your physical therapist may suggest trigger point dry needling.
How Manual Physical Therapy in Clarkson Valley, 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.
- Enhanced flexibility — By regaining movement and function to the body, manual physical therapy can help Clarkson Valley, MO resident move more easily. Improved mobility can also help in future injury prevention.
- Improved bloodflow — Some manual therapy techniques, like soft tissue mobilization, can help improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the affected body part.
- Faster recovery — Manual physical therapy can help to encourage the body’s natural healing process, which can lead to a shorter recovery time. This can be especially great for patients who recently had surgery or other invasive procedures.
- Improved posture — Manual therapy can help improve posture by properly aligning your muscles and joints and soothing over affected tissue.
- Reduced stress — Manual therapy can be a calming experience, because it releases endorphins, which naturally help you feel better.
- Better quality of life — With all the above benefits in place, manual physical therapy can improve your overall quality of life. Patients can experience less anxiety, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally returning to the things they enjoy the most.
Other services we offer in Clarkson Valley, MO include:
- Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
- Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
- Migraine Relief
- Sprain and Strain Treatment
- Geriatric Physical Therapy
- Injury Rehabilitation
- Pain Management Services
- TMJ Treatment
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
Manual Physical Therapy in Clarkson Valley, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Manual physical therapy is a proven and safe approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Clarkson Valley, 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 surgical options or prescription drugs. At Axes, we provide positive client experiences by helping Clarkson Valley, 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 online or reach out to the location nearest you.
