Manual Physical Therapy in Femme Osage, MO: A Hands-On Approach to Care

Manual physical therapy in Femme Osage, MO. Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty 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 Femme Osage, MO physical and occupational therapists get our patients back to the things they love by using treatments that are backed by evidence to work. One treatment that consistently works for our clients is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Femme Osage, 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 suffering an illness or injury in Femme Osage, MO that’s preventing you from living the life you want, contact Axes through our website or call the location nearest you to find lasting 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 over 2,000 years ago. Also referred to as hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the realm of physical therapy. It’s a treatment methodology in which the physical therapists utilizes their hands to manipulate, mobilize, and massage affected body parts and surrounding structures. This approach can be used to address numerous different conditions and injuries, including chronic pain, back and neck pain, muscle spasms, and more. It encourages the body to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function.

Manual physical therapy endeavors to help patients achieve optimal health and function through non-invasive treatments that can be used alone or alongside other treatments, such as exercise and stretching. 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 independently. At Axes, our Femme Osage, MO physical therapists only use treatment plans that have been proven to work.

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Help With in Femme Osage, MO

Manual physical therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions and injuries. Below are some of the most common:

• Back pain — Manual physical therapy has been proven to relieve chronic low back pain, which almost 9 out of 10 U.S. adults deal with at some juncture in their lives.
• Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also be used to treat neck pain, which can be caused by poor posture, anxiety, or injury.
• Sports injuries — Femme Osage, MO athletes 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 that stems from the the protective tissue in joints wearing down over time. Manual Therapy is a great way to reduce issues in your joints, improve mobility, and slow the progression of the disease.
• Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder 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 effective in treating 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 Femme Osage, MO physical therapist to find out if manual physical therapy is right for you. After one of our free injury screenings, we’ll form a team with you and your physician to get you back to the activities you love most in ways that have been proven to work.

Manual Techniques Axes’ Femme Osage, MO Physical Therapists Use

There are many different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Femme Osage, MO may recommend for your treatment, including:

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization involves applying pressure to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The aim of soft tissue mobilization is to alleviate pain, increase mobility, and promote healing by manipulating the soft tissues. 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 administering pressure and smooths out 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 frequently 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 applies controlled movements to the joint within its natural range of motion. The goal of joint mobilization is to regain joint mobility and offer pain relief by gently stretching the joint capsule and surrounding structures. 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 is a cousin of joint manipulation, and is a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique in which the physical therapist applies an abrupt and controlled force to the joint. The goal of joint manipulation is to reestablish joint mobility and limit pain by readjust the joint and breaking up any restrictions. Joint manipulation can produce a perceptible popping or cracking sound, which is the rsult of the release of gas bubbles within the joint.

Joint manipulation is commonly used for patients who have acute joint pain, limited joint mobility, or a joint that needs to be realigned. It is imperative that joint manipulation should only be performed by qualified healthcare professional, as it can come with certain risks, like injury or making the current injury worse.

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. Myofascial release works by applying sustained pressure and stretching to the fascia and underlying muscle tissue to let go of 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 your 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 enhance the effects 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 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 Femme Osage, 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 appointment, 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 benefits of the trigger point therapy. Occasionally, your physical therapist may recommend trigger point dry needling.

Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Femme Osage, 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 can experience an improved quality of life and can start getting their lifestyle back sooner.
• Enhanced flexibility — By regaining normal function, manual physical therapy can help patients perform daily tasks and other activities more effectively. Improved mobility can also decrease the risk of falls and other injuries.
• Improved circulation — Some manual therapy techniques, like soft tissue mobilization, can help improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the region.
• Faster recovery — Manual physical therapy can help to promote healing and reduce inflammation, which can speed up the recovery process. This can be especially beneficial for patients who recently had an operation or other medical procedures.
• Improved posture — Manual therapy can offer you a better posture by releasing tension in the soft tissue that support the spine and other joints.
• Reduced stress — Manual therapy can be a tranquil experience, as it releases endorphins, which naturally reduces stress and improves mental health.
• Improved 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 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 Femme Osage, MO include:

• Stroke Rehabilitation
• 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

Manual Physical Therapy in Femme Osage, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a proven and safe treatment option for a wide range of conditions and injuries in Femme Osage, 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 invasive procedures or medications. At Axes, we provide positive client experiences by helping Femme Osage, MO residents return 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.