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

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

Manual physical therapy in Ellisville, MO. Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty that focuses on restoring movement and function to patients who have suffered from injury or illness. At Axes, our Ellisville, MO physical and occupational therapists return our clients to the things they love by using proven treatment methodologies. One treatment we’ve found successful is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Ellisville, MO uses their hands and specialized instruments to safely and effectively relieve pain and restore motion to your joints and muscles, tendons, and ligaments. If you’re experiencing an illness or injury in Ellisville, MO that’s keeping you from the things you love most, contact Axes online or reach out to the location most convenient for you to find lasting relief.

What Is Manual Physical Therapy?

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 has been utilized for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. 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, joint stiffness, sports injuries, and more. It can help to promote blood flow and relearn how to move correctly, ultimately restoring function.

The goal of manual physical therapy is to help patients return to the activities they enjoy through non-surgical interventions that can be used alone or in concert with other techniques, such as guided exercise. Studies show that a combination of manual physical therapy and other treatments, such as exercise prescription, typically gets better results than either treatment plan used on its own. At Axes, our Ellisville, MO physical therapists exclusively utilize treatment plans that have been proven to be safe and effective.

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

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Treat in Ellisville, MO

Manual physical therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions and injuries. Here are some examples:

Back pain — Manual physical therapy has been proven to relieve chronic low back pain, which up to 84%of American adults suffer from at some stage in their lives.
Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also help patients with neck pain, which can be caused by poor posture, anxiety, or an accident.
Sports injuries — Physically active people in Ellisville, MO who experience sports injuries like sprains, strains, and ACL tears can get back to peak performance quicker through manual therapy.
Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can be used to treat arthritis, a degenerative condition that stems from the the protective tissue in joints wearing down over time. Manual Therapy is a great way 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 wide-ranging musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tenderness in localized 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 suffering from pain or tenderness, consult with an Axes Ellisville, MO physical therapist to discover if manual physical therapy is right for you. After one of our free injury screenings, we’ll form a team with you and your doctor to return you to the activities you enjoy doing most – safely and effectively.

Manual Techniques Axes’ Ellisville, MO Physical Therapists Utilize

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

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 aim of soft tissue mobilization is to alleviate pain, increase flexibility, and promote healing by encouraging the flow of blood. This can be accomplished using numerous different techniques such as massage therapy, 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 combined with other treatments such as exercise and stretching to help patients recover quicker, safely, and effectively.

Joint Manipulation

Joint mobilization is a passive technique in which the therapist applies slow movements to the joint along its natural path. The aim of joint mobilization is to reestablish joint mobility and limit pain by passively 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 it is usually performed without causing any audible cracking sounds.

Joint Mobilization

Joint manipulation, on the other hand, is a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique in which the physical therapist applies a quick and controlled force to the joint. The objective of joint manipulation is to restore a joint’s range of motion and relieve pain by realigning the joint and breaking up any restrictions. 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 people who have acute joint pain, restricted joint mobility, or a joint that is out of alignment. It is important to note that joint manipulation should only be carried out 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 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 the organs and instructions inside our bodies. Myofascial release works by applying sustained pressure and stretching to the fascia and underlying muscle tissue to release tension and restore normal movement. 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 TMJ.

During a myofascial release 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 gradually, allowing the fascia to lengthen and release. The therapist may also use stretching and other techniques to enhance the effects of the myofascial release.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy works by applying pressure to specific points in soft tissue that are giving the patients problems. The goal of trigger point therapy is to release tension and reduce pain in the affected area. It’s often used by Ellisville, 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. 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 enhance 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 Ellisville, MO

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 restoring normal function, manual physical therapy can help people perform daily tasks and other activities more effectively. Improved mobility can also reduce the likelihood of falls and other injuries.
Improved circulation — Some manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization, can help improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the affected area.
Faster recovery — Manual physical therapy can help to promote healing and reduce inflammation, which can lead to a shorter recovery time. This can be especially advantageous for patients who recently had surgery or other invasive procedures.
Improved posture — Manual therapy can offer you a better posture by properly aligning your muscles and joints and soothing over affected tissue.
Improved mental health — Manual therapy can be a calming experience, as it releases endorphins, the body’s own, homegrown feel-good hormone.
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 find relief because of less stress, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally returning to the things they enjoy the most.

Other services we offer in Ellisville, MO include:

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

Manual Physical Therapy in Ellisville, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a proven and effective approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Ellisville, 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 invasive procedures or medications. At Axes, we provide positive client experiences by helping Ellisville, 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 call the location most convenient to you.

Manual Physical Therapy Ellisville, MO