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

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

Manual physical therapy in Herculaneum, 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 Herculaneum, MO physical and occupational therapists return our clients to the things they love by using treatments that have been proven to work. One treatment that consistently works for our clients is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Herculaneum, MO uses their hands and specialized instruments to safely and effectively relieve pain and restore motion to your joints and soft tissue. If you’re suffering an illness or injury in Herculaneum, MO that’s preventing you from living the life you want, contact Axes online or get in touch with 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 known as hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the area of physical therapy. It’s a treatment methodology that involves the therapist using their hands to manipulate, mobilize, and massage the patient’s muscles, joints, and soft tissues. Doing this can help address a wide range of conditions and injuries, including chronic pain, back and neck pain, sports injuries, 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-surgical interventions that can be used alone or in concert with other types of therapy, such as exercise and stretching. Research demonstrates that a combination of manual physical therapy and other types of physical therapy, such as exercise prescription, typically gets better results than either therapy used independently. At Axes, our Herculaneum, MO physical therapists only utilize treatment plans that are backed by evidence.

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

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Help With in Herculaneum, 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 has been proven to relieve chronic low back pain, which up to 84%of 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 may be the result of poor posture, anxiety, or an acute injury.
Sports injuries — Physically active people in Herculaneum, MO who experience sports injuries including sprains, strains, and ACL tears can recover from their injury quicker through manual therapy.
Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can help manage the symptoms of arthritis, a degenerative disease that stems from the the protective tissue in joints wearing down over time. Manual Therapy can be used to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints, improve range of motion, and slow the progression of the disease.
Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that is characterized by wide-ranging musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tenderness in certain areas of the body.
Headaches — Manual physical therapy can also be effective in treating headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.

These are just some of the many conditions and injuries that manual physical therapy can provide meaningful relief for. If you are experiencing pain or lack of motion, speak to an Axes Herculaneum, 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 doctor to get you back to the activities you love most with techniques that have been proven to work.

Manual Techniques Our Herculaneum, MO Physical Therapists Utilize

There are many different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Herculaneum, MO may use, 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 alleviate pain, increase range of motion, and promote healing by breaking down scar tissue. This can be done using numerous different techniques such as massage, 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 particular manner to break up scar tissue, release trigger points, and improve blood flow. Soft tissue mobilization is often used to treat conditions such as sports injuries, chronic pain, back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. It is often combined with other therapies to help patients recover quicker, safely, and effectively.

Joint Manipulation

Joint mobilization is a passive technique in which the therapist guides the joint through slow motions within its natural range of motion. The aim of joint mobilization is to improve joint mobility and limit pain by gently stretching the joint capsule and surrounding soft tissues. Joint mobilization is often used for patients who have limited range of motion in a joint, and there typically isn’t 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 quick and controlled force to the joint. The objective of joint manipulation is to restore a joint’s range of motion and reduce pain by readjust 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 most commonly used for people who have acute joint pain, restricted joint mobility, or a joint that needs to be realigned. It is imperative that joint manipulation should only be done by medical professional who has been trained for it, as it does carry 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 thin, tough, and elastic connective tissue that serves to protect 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 movement. 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 mild to moderate, sustained pressure to specific areas of the body 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 enhance the effects of the myofascial release.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy works by applying pressure to specific points within a muscle or fascia that are tender or painful. The aim of trigger point therapy is to release painful knots in the muscles. It’s often used by Herculaneum, 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 session, the therapist uses their hands or a specialized tool to apply direct pressure to the trigger point. 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 your particular sessions, your physical therapist may suggest trigger point dry needling.

Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Herculaneum, 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 mobility — By regaining movement and function to the body, manual physical therapy can help Herculaneum, MO resident move more easily. 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 promote healing and reduce inflammation, which can lead to a shorter recovery time. This can be especially great for patients who recently had an operation or other medical procedures.
Improved posture — Manual therapy can help improve posture by releasing tension in the muscles and fascia that support the spine and other joints.
Improved mental health — Manual therapy can be a relaxing experience, as it releases endorphins, the body’s own, homegrown feel-good hormone.
Improved 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 anxiety, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally being able to get back to the things they enjoy the most.

Other services we offer in Herculaneum, MO include:

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

Manual Physical Therapy in Herculaneum, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a powerful and safe approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Herculaneum, 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 Herculaneum, MO residents get back to the activities they love with evidence-backed treatment modalities. To see if manual physical therapy could be a part of your treatment plan, contact us through our website or reach out to the location most convenient to you.