Manual Physical Therapy in Kirkwood, MO: A Hands-On Treatment
Manual physical therapy in Kirkwood, MO. Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on restoring movement and function to patients who have sustained injury or illness. At Axes, our Kirkwood, MO physical and occupational therapists get our patients back to the activities 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 Kirkwood, MO uses their hands and specialized instruments to safely and effectively relieve pain and restore motion to your joints and muscles, tendons, and ligaments. If you’re suffering an illness or injury in Kirkwood, MO that’s preventing you from living the life you want, contact Axes through our website or reach out to the location nearest you to find lasting relief.
What Is Manual Physical Therapy?
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 known as hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the area of physical therapy. It’s a treatment methodology in which the physical therapists utilizes their hands to manipulate, mobilize, and massage the patient’s muscles, joints, and soft tissues. This approach can be used to address numerous different conditions and injuries, including chronic pain, back and neck pain, sports injuries, and more. It can help to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function.
The objective of manual physical therapy is to help patients get back to the activities they love most through non-invasive treatments that can be used alone or alongside other techniques, such as guided exercise. 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 treatment plan used independently. At Axes, our Kirkwood, MO physical therapists only utilize treatment plans that have been proven to be safe and effective.
What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Help With in Kirkwood, 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 can be effective in treating chronic low back pain, which almost 9 out of 10 American adults suffer from at some point 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 — Those who play sports in Kirkwood, MO who experience sports injuries like 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 condition caused by 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 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 a few of the many conditions and injuries that manual physical therapy can help treat. If you are experiencing pain or tenderness, reach out to an Axes Kirkwood, MO physical therapist to find out if manual physical therapy is right for you. After you come to us for a free free injury screenings, we’ll form a team with you and your physician to return you to the activities you enjoy doing most – safely and effectively.
Manual Techniques Axes’ Kirkwood, MO Physical Therapists Utilize
There are many different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Kirkwood, MO may use, for example:
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization is the technique of administering pressure to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The aim of soft tissue mobilization is to reduce pain, increase range of motion, and promote healing by manipulating the soft tissues. This can be done using various techniques such as massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.
During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist administering pressure and elongates the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in a particular manner to break up scar tissue, release trigger points, and improve circulation. 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 best when used alongside other therapies to help patients recover quicker, safely, and effectively.
Joint Manipulation
Joint mobilization is a gentle technique in which the therapist guides the joint through slow motions within its natural range of motion. The goal of joint mobilization is to reestablish 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 in which the physical therapist applies a quick 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 often produces a recognizable popping or cracking sound due to 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 imperative that joint manipulation should only be carried out by qualified healthcare professional, as it can be associated 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 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 your session, the physical therapist applies gentle, sustained pressure to specific areas of the body where there is restriction in the fascia. The pressure is applied slowly, allowing the fascia to lengthen and release. The therapist may also use stretching and other techniques to boost the benefits 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 objective of trigger point therapy is to release painful knots in the muscles. It’s often used by Kirkwood, 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 appointment, 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 improve the benefits of the trigger point therapy. In your particular treatment plan, your physical therapist may advise trigger point dry needling.
Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Kirkwood, MO
Manual physical therapy can do wonders for your body and lifestyle, including:
- Decreased pain — Manual physical therapy can help feel better while you’re recovering. By reducing pain, patients can experience an improved quality of life and get back to activities they enjoy.
- Enhanced flexibility — By regaining normal function, manual physical therapy can help patients move more easily. Improved mobility can also help in future injury prevention.
- Improved circulation — Some manual therapy techniques, for instance soft tissue mobilization, can help boost circulation by increasing blood flow to the region.
- Faster recovery — Manual physical therapy can help to encourage the body’s natural healing process, which can make your recovery quicker. This can be particularly beneficial for patients recovering from surgery or other invasive procedures.
- Improved posture — Manual therapy can help improve posture by releasing tension in the muscles and fascia that support the spine and other joints.
- Reduced anxiety — Manual therapy can be a calming experience, as it releases endorphins, which naturally help you feel better.
- Better quality of life — By decreasing pain and improving mobility, manual physical therapy can improve your overall quality of life. Patients may experience 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 Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Manual physical therapy is a proven and safe approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Kirkwood, MO. By using their hands to manipulate and mobilize certain parts of the body, physical therapists can help patients achieve optimal health and function without the need for invasive procedures or medications. At Axes, we provide positive client experiences by helping Kirkwood, MO residents get back to the activities they love with proven treatment modalities. To learn more about what Axes can do for you, contact us through our website or call the location nearest you.
