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

Manual physical therapy in Murphy, MO. Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty 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 Murphy, MO physical and occupational therapists return our clients to the things they enjoy doing most by using treatments that are backed by evidence to work. One such treatment method is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Murphy, 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 pain or mobility issues in Murphy, MO that are preventing you from the things 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

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 has been utilized for millennium to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. Also called 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 affected body parts and surrounding structures. This approach can be used to address a wide range of 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 return to the activities they love most through non-invasive techniques that can be used alone or in concert with other techniques, such as exercise and stretching. Studies show that a combination of manual physical therapy and other types of physical therapy, such as exercise prescription, is more successful than either treatment plan used independently. At Axes, our Murphy, MO physical therapists only prescribe treatment plans that are backed by evidence.

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Treat in Murphy, 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 up to 84%of American adults deal with at some stage in their lifetime.
• Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also be used to treat neck pain, which may be the result of poor posture, anxiety, or injury.
• Sports injuries — Those who play sports in Murphy, MO who sustain sports injuries including sprains, strains, and ACL tears can get back on the field quicker with the help of manual therapy.
• Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can be used to treat arthritis, a degenerative condition used to describe a group of conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints. 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 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 help treat. If you are suffering from pain or tenderness, reach out to an Axes Murphy, MO physical therapist to find out if manual physical therapy is appropriate for your injury or condition. After one of our free injury screenings, we’ll form a team with you and your physician to return you to the activities you love most – safely and effectively.

Manual Techniques Our Murphy, MO Physical Therapists Utilize

There are several different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Murphy, 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 goal of soft tissue mobilization is to reduce pain, increase mobility, and promote healing by encouraging the flow of blood. This can be achieved 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 soft tissues 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 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 along its natural path. The aim of joint mobilization is to improve joint mobility and limit 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 it is usually performed without causing any audible cracking sounds.

Joint Mobilization

Joint manipulation is on the other side of the spectrum, 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 a joint’s range of motion and relieve pain by readjust the joint and breaking up any adhesions. Joint manipulation can produce a recognizable popping or cracking sound, which is the rsult of 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 needs to be realigned. It is important to note that joint manipulation should only be performed by a physical therapist, 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 connective tissue made up of collagen and elastin fibers that surrounds and supports the organs and instructions inside our bodies. Myofascial release works by applying sustained pressure and stretching to the fascia and underlying muscle tissue to let go of tension and regain normal function. Myofascial release is often used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, and TMJ.

During a myofascial release 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 gradually, allowing the fascia to lengthen 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 certain points within a muscle or fascia that are tender or painful. The aim of trigger point therapy is to release tension and reduce pain in the affected area. It’s often used by Murphy, 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 part of your short tissue that is affecting you. 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 effects of the trigger point therapy. In your particular case, your physical therapist may suggest trigger point dry needling.

How Manual Physical Therapy in Murphy, MO Can Help You

Manual physical therapy can do wonders for your body and lifestyle, including:

• Reduced pain — Manual physical therapy can help feel less pain during your treatment plan. By reducing pain, patients can experience an improved quality of life and get back to activities they enjoy.
• Enhanced range of motion — By restoring movement and function to the body, 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 improve 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 make your recovery quicker. This can be especially great for patients recovering from an operation or other invasive 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 relaxing experience, as it releases endorphins, the body’s own, homegrown feel-good hormone.
• Improved quality of life — With all the previous benefits in place, manual physical therapy can improve your overall quality of life. Patients can experience less anxiety, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally returning to the things they love.

Other services we offer in Murphy, 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 Murphy, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a proven and effective treatment option for a wide range of conditions and injuries in Murphy, MO. By using their hands to manipulate and mobilize the soft tissues and joints of the body, physical therapists can help patients achieve optimal health and function without the need for invasive procedures or medications. At Axes, we focus on giving our patients positive client experiences by helping Murphy, MO residents return to what they enjoy the most 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 nearest you.