Manual Physical Therapy in Fairview Heights, IL | Injury and Chronic Pain Treatment

Manual Physical Therapy in Fairview Heights, IL: A Hands-On Approach to Care

Manual physical therapy in Fairview Heights, IL. Physical therapy is a medical specialty that focuses on restoring strength and mobility to patients who have suffered from injury or illness. At Axes, our Fairview Heights, IL physical and occupational therapists get our patients back to the things they enjoy doing most by using proven treatment methodologies. One treatment that consistently works for our clients is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Fairview Heights, IL 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 suffering pain or mobility issues in Fairview Heights, IL that are keeping you from the things you love most, contact Axes through our website or reach out to the location nearest you to get back to the life you want.

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 has been used for millennium to treat a variety of ailments. Also referred to as hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the practice of physical therapy. It’s a type of treatment that involves the therapist using their hands to manipulate, mobilize, and massage affected body parts and surrounding structures. Doing this can help address a wide range of conditions and injuries, including chronic pain, joint stiffness, muscle spasms, and more. It can help to promote blood flow and relearn how to move correctly, ultimately restoring function.

Manual physical therapy seeks to help patients get back to the activities they enjoy through non-surgical interventions that can be used by themselves or in combination with other techniques, such as exercise and stretching. Research demonstrates that a combination of manual physical therapy and other treatments, such as exercise prescription, typically gets better results than either therapy used by itself. At Axes, our Fairview Heights, IL physical therapists exclusively prescribe treatment plans that are backed by evidence.

Manual Physical Therapy Fairview Heights, IL | Injury Recovery | Orthopedic Rehab Near Fairview Heights

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Treat in Fairview Heights, IL

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 lives.
Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also help patients who are experiencing neck pain, which may be the result of poor posture, stress, or injury.
Sports injuries — Those who play sports in Fairview Heights, IL who sustain sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and ACL tears can recover from their injury quicker with the help of manual therapy.
Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can be used to treat arthritis, a degenerative condition caused by the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Manual Therapy is a great way to reduce limited joint movement, improve mobility, and impede the disease from spreading further.
Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tenderness in localized areas of the body.
Headaches — Manual physical therapy can also be great at 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 limited mobility, consult with an Axes Fairview Heights, IL physical therapist to discuss if manual physical therapy is right for you. After one of our free injury screenings, we’ll work in concert with you and your doctor to return you to the activities you enjoy doing most – safely and effectively.

Manual Techniques Our Fairview Heights, IL Physical Therapists Utilize

There are many different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Fairview Heights, IL may use, such as:

Soft Tissue Mobilization

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

During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist exerts pressure and elongates the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in a particular manner to break up adhesions, release trigger points, and improve circulation. Soft tissue mobilization is commonly used to treat conditions such as sports injuries, chronic pain, back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. It is best when used alongside other treatments such as exercise and stretching to help patients achieve optimal results.

Joint Manipulation

Joint mobilization is a passive technique in which the therapist guides the joint through controlled movements within its natural range of movement. The aim of joint mobilization is to improve joint mobility and reduce pain by passively 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 cracking sounds.

Joint Mobilization

Joint manipulation, on the other hand, is a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique that involves a sudden and controlled force to the joint. The aim of joint manipulation is to restore joint mobility and reduce pain by realigning the joint and breaking up any restrictions. Joint manipulation can produce a recognizable popping or cracking sound, which is caused by the release of gas bubbles within the joint.

Joint manipulation is most commonly used for people who have acute joint pain, limited joint mobility, or a joint that needs to be realigned. It is important to note that joint manipulation should only be carried out by medical professional who has experience with it, as it can come with certain risks, such as 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 thin, tough, and elastic connective tissue that serves to cushion 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 restore normal function. Myofascial release is often used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

During a myofascial release session, the physical therapist applies gentle, sustained pressure to specific body parts 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 effects of the myofascial release.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is a technique that involves applying pressure to certain 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 Fairview Heights, IL 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. Occasionally, your physical therapist may suggest trigger point dry needling.

Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Fairview Heights, IL

There are many benefits to manual physical therapy, including:

Reduced pain — Manual physical therapy can help feel better while you’re recovering. By reducing pain, patients can experience an improved quality of life and can start getting their lifestyle back sooner.
Increased range of motion — By restoring optimal movement health, manual physical therapy can help Fairview Heights, IL resident perform daily tasks and other activities more effectively. Improved mobility can also decrease the likelihood of falls and other injuries.
Improved circulation — Some manual therapy techniques, for instance soft tissue mobilization, can help improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the affected area.
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 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 relaxing experience, because it releases endorphins, the body’s own, homegrown feel-good hormone.
Better quality of life — With all the above benefits in place, manual physical therapy can help patients to enjoy a better quality of life overall. Patients can experience 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 Fairview Heights, IL include:

Manual Physical Therapy Fairview Heights, IL | Chronic Pain Treatment | Physical Therapy Near Fairview Heights

Manual Physical Therapy in Fairview Heights, IL | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a powerful and safe treatment option for a wide range of conditions and injuries in Fairview Heights, IL. 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 invasive procedures or medications. At Axes, we provide positive client experiences by helping Fairview Heights, IL residents return to what they enjoy the most with proven treatment modalities. To see if manual physical therapy may be right for you, contact us through our website or reach out to the location most convenient to you.

Manual Physical Therapy Fairview Heights, IL