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

Manual physical therapy in Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, MO physical and occupational therapists get our patients back to the activities 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 Ferguson, 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 pain or mobility issues in Ferguson, MO that are keeping you from the activities you love most, contact Axes online or call the location nearest 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 dates back to 400 BCE. Also known as hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the area 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 tissues. Doing this can help address numerous different conditions and injuries, including chronic pain, arthritis, muscle spasms, and more. It can help to promote blood flow and relearn how to move correctly, ultimately restoring function.

The objective of manual physical therapy is to help patients regain optimal health and function through non-invasive treatments that can be used alone or in concert with other treatments, such as guided exercise. Research demonstrates that a combination of manual physical therapy and other treatments, such as exercise prescription, is more successful than either therapy used by itself. At Axes, our Ferguson, MO physical therapists only utilize treatment plans that have been proven to work.

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

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

• Back pain — Manual physical therapy can be effective in treating chronic low back pain, which up to 84%of American adults deal with at some juncture in their lifetime.
• Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also help patients with neck pain, which may be the result of poor posture, stress, or an accident.
• Sports injuries — Those who play sports in Ferguson, MO who sustain sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and ACL tears can get back on the court quicker through manual therapy.
• Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can be used to treat arthritis, a degenerative disease used to describe a group of conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints. Manual Therapy is a great way to reduce issues in your joints, improve range of motion, and impede the disease from progressing further.
• Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes pain throughout the body or at multiple sites.
• 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 help treat. If you are suffering from pain or limited mobility, speak to an Axes Ferguson, MO physical therapist to find out 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 work in concert with you and your doctor to get you back to the activities you love most – safely and effectively.

Manual Techniques Axes’ Ferguson, MO Physical Therapists Utilize

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

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization is the technique of applying pressure to the soft tissues of the body, including 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 applies pressure and smooths out the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in a specific manner to break up adhesions, release trigger points, and improve circulation. 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 combined with other treatments such as exercise and stretching to help patients achieve optimal results.

Joint Manipulation

Joint mobilization is a light technique in which the therapist guides the joint through controlled motions within its natural range of motion. The objective of joint mobilization is to reestablish joint mobility and offer pain relief by passively stretching the joint capsule and surrounding soft tissues. Joint mobilization is often used for patients who have stiffness in a joint, and it is usually performed without causing any audible popping sounds.

Joint Mobilization

Joint manipulation, on the other hand, 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 restore a joint’s range of motion and limit pain by readjust the joint and breaking up any adhesions. Joint manipulation can produce a recognizable popping or cracking sound due to the release of gas bubbles in the joint capsule.

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 carried out by qualified healthcare professional, as it can come with 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 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 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 tension in the fascia. The pressure is applied slowly, allowing the fascia to elongate 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 works by applying pressure to certain points within a muscle or fascia that are giving the patients problems. The aim of trigger point therapy is to release painful knots in the muscles. It’s often used by Ferguson, 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 improve the benefits of the trigger point therapy. Occasionally, your physical therapist may recommend trigger point dry needling.

Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Ferguson, MO

There are many benefits to manual physical therapy, including:

• Reduced pain — Manual physical therapy can help feel less pain while you’re recovering. By reducing pain, patients have an improved quality of life and can start getting their lifestyle back sooner.
• Increased mobility — By regaining optimal movement health, manual physical therapy can help Ferguson, MO resident perform daily tasks and other activities more effectively. Improved mobility can also reduce the likelihood of falls and other accidents.
• Improved bloodflow — Some manual therapy techniques, like soft tissue mobilization, can help improve circulation by encouraging blood flow to the affected body part.
• 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 releasing tension in the muscles and fascia that support the spine and other joints.
• Reduced stress — Manual therapy can be a calming experience, as it releases endorphins, the body’s own, homegrown feel-good hormone.
• Better quality of life — With all the previous benefits in place, manual physical therapy can improve your overall quality of life. Patients may 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 Ferguson, MO include:

• Neck Pain Treatment
• Physical Therapy Clinic
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
• Sciatica Treatment
• Sports Medicine
• Hand Pain Physical Therapy
• Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment
• Hip Pain Treatment
• Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
• Stroke Rehabilitation

Manual Physical Therapy in Ferguson, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a proven and effective approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Ferguson, 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 focus on giving our patients positive client experiences by helping Ferguson, MO residents get back to the activities they love with proven 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 nearest you.