Manual Physical Therapy in Gilmore, MO: A Hands-On Treatment
Manual physical therapy in Gilmore, MO. Physical therapy is a medical are of expertise that focuses on the use of physical methods, such as exercise, manual therapy, and other treatments, to treat physical impairments, disabilities, and pain. At Axes, our Gilmore, MO physical and occupational therapists get our patients back to the things they enjoy doing most by using treatments that are backed by evidence to work. One treatment we’ve found successful is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Gilmore, 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 Gilmore, MO that’s preventing you from the activities you love most, contact Axes online or get in touch with the location nearest you to get back to the life you want.
Manual Physical Therapy Defined
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 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 affected body parts and surrounding structures. Doing this can help address numerous different 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.
Manual physical therapy endeavors to help patients return to the activities they enjoy through non-invasive treatments that can be used alone or alongside 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 treatment plan used on its own. At Axes, our Gilmore, MO physical therapists only prescribe treatment plans that are backed by evidence.
What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Treat in Gilmore, MO
Manual physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and injuries. Here are some examples:
- Back pain — Manual physical therapy has been proven to relieve chronic low back pain, which almost 9 out of 10 U.S. adults suffer from at some point 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 acute injury.
- Sports injuries — Physically active people in Gilmore, MO who suffer from sports injuries like sprains, strains, and ACL tears can get back to the top of their game quicker through manual therapy.
- Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can help manage the symptoms of arthritis, a degenerative disease that stems from the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Manual Therapy is a great way to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints, improve flexibility, and slow the progression of the disease.
- Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that causes pain throughout the body or in multiple 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 limited mobility, consult with an Axes Gilmore, MO physical therapist to discuss if manual physical therapy is right for you. After you come to any of our locations for a free free injury screenings, we’ll form a team with you and your physician to get you back to the activities you love most – safely and effectively.
Manual Techniques Our Gilmore, MO Physical Therapists Use
There are several different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Gilmore, MO may recommend for your treatment, including:
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 reduce pain, increase range of motion, and promote healing by encouraging the flow of blood. This can be accomplished using various techniques including massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.
During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist applies pressure and elongates the soft tissues in a particular manner to break up adhesions, release trigger points, and improve blood flow. Soft tissue mobilization is commonly used to help conditions such as sports injuries, chronic pain, back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. It is best when combined with other treatments such as exercise and stretching to help patients achieve optimal results.
Joint Manipulation
Joint mobilization is a moderate technique in which the therapist applies controlled movements to the joint within its natural range of movement. The aim of joint mobilization is to reestablish joint mobility and limit pain by gently 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 cracking sounds.
Joint Mobilization
Joint manipulation is a cousin of joint manipulation, and is a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique that involves a quick and controlled force to the joint. The objective of joint manipulation is to reestablish joint mobility and relieve pain by realigning the joint and breaking up any restrictions. Joint manipulation often produces an audible 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 a physical therapist, as it can be associated 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 band or sheet of connective tissue that serves to protect the body’s internal organs, as well as providing structural support and facilitating movement. With myofascial release, your Gilmore, MO physical therapist applies sustained pressure and stretching to the fascia and underlying muscle tissue to let go of tension and regain 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 TMJ.
During your session, the physical therapist applies mild to moderate, sustained pressure to specific body parts where there is restriction 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 is a technique that involves 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 Gilmore, 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 short tissue that is affecting you. More pressure is applied as the session progresses, and it’s 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. In your particular case, your physical therapist may recommend trigger point dry needling.
Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Gilmore, MO
Manual physical therapy can do wonders for your body and lifestyle, including:
- Reduced 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 movement and function to the body, manual physical therapy can help people perform daily tasks and other activities more effectively. Improved mobility can also help in future injury prevention.
- Improved bloodflow — 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 lead to a shorter recovery time. This can be particularly advantageous 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.
- Reduced anxiety — Manual therapy can be a soothing experience, because 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 improve your overall quality of life. Patients can find relief because of less stress, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally returning to the activities they love.
Other services we offer in Gilmore, MO include:
- 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
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
Manual Physical Therapy in Gilmore, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Manual physical therapy is a powerful and effective approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Gilmore, 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 Gilmore, MO residents get back to the activities they love with evidence-backed treatment modalities. To see if manual physical therapy may be right for you, contact us through our website or reach out to the location nearest you.
