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

Manual Physical Therapy in Doe Run, MO: A Hands-On Approach to Care

Manual physical therapy in Doe Run, MO. Physical therapy is a medical specialty that focuses on restoring strength and mobility to patients who have experienced injury or illness. At Axes, our Doe Run, MO physical and occupational therapists get our patients back 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 Doe Run, 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 Doe Run, MO that’s preventing you from living the life you want, contact Axes through our website or call the location nearest you to get back to the life you want.

Manual Physical Therapy Defined

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 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 a wide range of conditions and injuries, including chronic pain, back and neck pain, muscle spasms, and more. It encourages the body to promote blood flow and relearn how to move correctly, ultimately restoring function.

The aim of manual physical therapy is to help patients achieve optimal health and function through non-surgical interventions that can be used alone or in concert with other forms of therapy, such as exercise and stretching. Studies show that a combination of manual physical therapy and other treatments, such as exercise prescription, is more effective than either therapy used independently. At Axes, our Doe Run, MO physical therapists exclusively prescribe treatment plans that have been proven to be safe and effective.

Manual Physical Therapy Doe Run, MO | Injury Recovery | Orthopedic Rehab Near Doe Run

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Help With in Doe Run, 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 American adults deal with 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, stress, or an acute injury.
Sports injuries — Those who play sports in Doe Run, 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 used to describe a group of conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints. Manual Therapy can be used to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints, improve range of motion, and impede the disease from progressing further.
Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition 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 relieving 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, consult with an Axes Doe Run, MO physical therapist to discuss if manual physical therapy can help you find relief. After you come to any of our locations for a free free injury screenings, we’ll form a team with you and your doctor to return you to the activities you enjoy doing most in ways that have been proven to work.

Manual Techniques Axes’ Doe Run, MO Physical Therapists Use

There are many different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Doe Run, MO may use, for example:

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization involves exerting pressure to the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The goal of soft tissue mobilization is to reduce pain, increase range of motion, and promote healing by manipulating the soft tissues. This can be accomplished 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 stretches the soft tissues in a specific manner to break up scar tissue, release trigger points, and improve circulation. Soft tissue mobilization is frequently used to aid conditions such as sports injuries, chronic pain, back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. It is best when combined with other therapies to help patients recover quicker, safely, and effectively.

Joint Manipulation

Joint mobilization is a gentle technique in which the therapist guides the joint through controlled motions 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 there typically isn’t 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 in which the physical therapist applies a sudden and controlled force to the joint. The objective of joint manipulation is to reestablish joint mobility and reduce 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 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 done by qualified healthcare professional, as it can be accompanied by 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 connective tissue made up of collagen and elastin fibers that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs throughout the body. With myofascial release, your Doe Run, MO physical therapist applies sustained pressure and stretching to the fascia and underlying muscle tissue to let go of tension and restore 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 your session, the physical therapist applies gentle, sustained pressure to specific areas of the body where there is restriction 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 works by applying pressure to particular points within a muscle or fascia that are giving the patients problems. The objective of trigger point therapy is to release painful knots in the muscles. It’s often used by Doe Run, 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 part of your muscle 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 your particular treatment plan, your physical therapist may recommend trigger point dry needling.

Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Doe Run, MO

There are many benefits to manual physical therapy, 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 range of motion — By restoring movement and function to the body, manual physical therapy can help Doe Run, MO resident move more easily. Improved mobility can also help in future injury prevention.
Improved circulation — Some manual therapy techniques, for instance soft tissue mobilization, can help boost circulation by increasing blood flow to the affected body part.
Faster recovery — Manual physical therapy can help to promote healing and reduce inflammation, which can speed up the recovery process. This can be particularly great for patients recovering from an operation or other medical procedures.
Improved posture — Manual therapy can help improve posture by releasing tension in the soft tissue that support the spine and other joints.
Improved mental health — Manual therapy can be a soothing experience, because it releases endorphins, the body’s own, homegrown feel-good hormone.
Improved quality of life — By decreasing pain and improving 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 being able to get back to the things they enjoy the most.

Other services we offer in Doe Run, MO include:

Manual Physical Therapy Doe Run, MO | Chronic Pain Treatment | Physical Therapy Near Doe Run

Manual Physical Therapy in Doe Run, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a powerful and effective approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Doe Run, 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 Doe Run, MO residents get back to what they enjoy the most with evidence-backed treatment modalities. To learn more about what Axes can do for you, contact us online or reach out to the location most convenient to you.