Manual Physical Therapy in Defiance, MO: A Hands-On Approach to Healing
Manual physical therapy in Defiance, MO. Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty that focuses on the use of physical methods, such as exercise, stretching, and other treatments, to help patients regain optimal physical function. At Axes, our Defiance, MO physical and occupational therapists return our clients to the things they enjoy doing most by using treatments that are backed by evidence to work. One treatment we’ve found successful is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Defiance, 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 Defiance, MO that are keeping 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?
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 known as hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the area of physical therapy. It’s a treatment methodology in which the physical therapists utilizes 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, arthritis, sports injuries, and more. It can help to promote blood flow and relearn how to move correctly, ultimately restoring function.
Manual physical therapy endeavors to help patients return to the activities they enjoy through non-invasive treatments that can be used by themselves or alongside 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 effective than either therapy used by itself. At Axes, our Defiance, MO physical therapists only prescribe treatment plans that are backed by evidence.
What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Treat in Defiance, MO
Manual physical therapy can be used to treat numerous different 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 deal with at some juncture in their lifetime.
- Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also be used to treat neck pain, which can be caused by poor posture, stress, or injury.
- Sports injuries — Those who play sports in Defiance, MO who suffer from sports injuries like 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 condition used to describe a group of conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints. Manual Therapy is a great way to reduce limited joint movement, improve flexibility, and impede the disease from progressing further.
- Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that is characterized by wide-ranging musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tenderness in specific areas of the body.
- Headaches — Manual physical therapy can also be great at 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 experiencing pain or limited mobility, consult with an Axes Defiance, MO physical therapist to find out if manual physical therapy can help you find relief. 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 in ways that have been proven to work.
Manual Techniques Axes’ Defiance, MO Physical Therapists Use
There are several different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Defiance, MO may recommend for your treatment, including:
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization involves exerting pressure to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The objective of soft tissue mobilization is to relieve pain, increase mobility, and promote healing by breaking down scar tissue. This can be done using various techniques such as massage therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.
During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist exerts pressure and smooths out the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in a specific manner to break up adhesions, release trigger points, and improve blood flow. Soft tissue mobilization is commonly 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 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 utilized slow movements to the joint along its natural path. The objective of joint mobilization is to restore joint mobility and offer pain relief by gently stretching the joint capsule and surrounding structures. Joint mobilization is often used for patients who have limited range of motion in a joint, and it is usually performed without causing any audible popping sounds.
Joint Mobilization
Joint manipulation is on the other side of the spectrum, and 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 reestablish joint mobility and relieve pain by readjust the joint and breaking up any adhesions. Joint manipulation can produce a recognizable popping or cracking sound, which is the rsult of the release of gas bubbles within the joint.
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 performed by a physical therapist, as it does carry 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 connective tissue made up of collagen and elastin fibers 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 let go of tension and regain normal function. Myofascial release is often used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, and TMJ.
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 gradually, 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 works by applying pressure to specific points in soft tissue 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 Defiance, MO physical therapists to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, and sports injuries.
During a trigger point therapy session, the therapist uses their hands or a specialized tool to apply direct pressure to the part of your short tissue that is affecting you. The pressure is applied slowly 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 benefits of the trigger point therapy. In some cases, your physical therapist may suggest trigger point dry needling.
Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Defiance, MO
Manual physical therapy can do wonders for your body and lifestyle, including:
- Reduced pain — Manual physical therapy can help feel better during your treatment plan. By reducing pain, patients have an improved quality of life and can start getting their lifestyle back sooner.
- Enhanced range of motion — By restoring optimal movement health, manual physical therapy can help people move more easily. Improved mobility can also help in future injury prevention.
- Improved circulation — 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 faster. This can be especially advantageous for patients recovering from surgery 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 anxiety — Manual therapy can be a calming experience, because it releases endorphins, the body’s own, homegrown feel-good hormone.
- Improved quality of life — By reducing pain and improving mobility, manual physical therapy can improve your overall quality of life. Patients may find relief because of less anxiety, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally returning to the activities they love.
Other services we offer in Defiance, 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 Defiance, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Manual physical therapy is a powerful and safe treatment option for a wide range of conditions and injuries in Defiance, MO. By using their hands to manipulate and mobilize the soft tissues and joints 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 Defiance, MO residents return to what they enjoy the most with evidence-backed 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 most convenient to you.
