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

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

Manual physical therapy in Crystal City, MO. Physical therapy is a healthcare profession 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 Crystal City, MO physical and occupational therapists return our clients to the activities they enjoy doing most by using treatments that have been proven to work. One treatment that consistently works for our clients is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Crystal City, 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 an illness or injury in Crystal City, MO that’s keeping you from the things you love most, contact Axes through our website or get in touch with the location nearest you to find meaningful relief.

Manual Physical Therapy Defined

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 400 BCE. Also referred to as hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the realm 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 can help to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function.

The goal of manual physical therapy is to help patients get back to the activities they enjoy through non-invasive techniques that can be used by themselves or in combination with other treatments, such as exercise and stretching. 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 on its own. At Axes, our Crystal City, MO physical therapists exclusively utilize treatment plans that have been proven to work.

Manual Physical Therapy Crystal City, MO | Injury Recovery | Orthopedic Rehab Near Crystal City

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Help With in Crystal City, 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 up to 84%of American adults suffer from at some juncture in their lives.
Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also be used to treat neck pain, which may be the result of poor posture, stress, or an acute injury.
Sports injuries — Crystal City, MO athletes who suffer from sports injuries like 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 condition that stems from the the protective tissue in joints wearing down over time. Manual Therapy can be used to reduce issues in your joints, improve range of motion, and slow the progression of the disease.
Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tenderness in particular areas of the body.
Headaches — Manual physical therapy can also be effective in treating headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.

These are just some of the many conditions and injuries that manual physical therapy can provide lasting relief for. If you are experiencing pain or tenderness, reach out to an Axes Crystal City, MO physical therapist to find out if manual physical therapy is right for you. After one of our free injury screenings, we’ll work in concert with you and your physician to get you back to the activities you love most – safely and effectively.

Manual Techniques Axes’ Crystal City, MO Physical Therapists Use

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

Soft Tissue Mobilization

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

During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist applies pressure and smooths out 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 combined with 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 guides the joint through slow motions along its natural path. The aim of joint mobilization is to restore 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 stiffness in a joint, and it is usually performed without causing any audible popping 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 goal of joint manipulation is to reestablish a joint’s range of motion and relieve pain by readjust the joint and breaking up any restrictions. Joint manipulation can produce a perceptible popping or cracking sound, which is caused by 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 is out of alignment. It is important to note that joint manipulation should only be done by medical professional who has experience with it, as it does carry certain risks, like 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 cushion the body’s internal organs, as well as providing structural support and facilitating movement. With myofascial release, your Crystal City, MO physical therapist applies 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 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 lengthen 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 specific points in soft tissue that are tender or painful. The goal of trigger point therapy is to release painful knots in the muscles. It’s often used by Crystal City, MO physical therapists to treat a variety 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 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 improve the effects of the trigger point therapy. In some cases, your physical therapist may advise trigger point dry needling.

How Manual Physical Therapy in Crystal City, MO Can Help You

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 can experience an improved quality of life and get back to activities they enjoy.
Enhanced mobility — By restoring movement and function to the body, manual physical therapy can help patients 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 encouraging blood flow to the region.
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 particularly great for patients who recently had an operation or other medical procedures.
Improved posture — Manual therapy can help improve posture by releasing tension in the muscles and fascia that support the spine and other joints.
Reduced stress — Manual therapy can be a relaxing experience, because it releases endorphins, which naturally reduces stress and improves mental health.
Better quality of life — By decreasing pain and restoring mobility, manual physical therapy can help patients to enjoy a better quality of life overall. Patients may experience less stress, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally returning to the things they love.

Other services we offer in Crystal City, MO include:

Manual Physical Therapy Crystal City, MO | Chronic Pain Treatment | Physical Therapy Near Crystal City

Manual Physical Therapy in Crystal City, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a powerful and safe approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Crystal City, 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 Crystal City, MO residents get back to the activities they love with proven 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.