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

Manual Physical Therapy in Oakland, MO: A Hands-On Approach to Healing

Manual physical therapy in Oakland, MO. Physical therapy is a medical specialty that focuses on restoring movement and function to patients who have suffered from injury or illness. At Axes, our Oakland, MO physical and occupational therapists return our clients to the things they enjoy doing most by using proven treatment methodologies. One treatment we’ve found successful is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Oakland, 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 pain or mobility issues in Oakland, MO that are preventing you from the activities you love most, contact Axes online or call the location most convenient for you to get back to the life you want.

What Is Manual Physical Therapy?

The International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists Incorporated 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 referred to as hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the practice 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, arthritis, muscle spasms, and more. It encourages the body to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function.

The aim of manual physical therapy is to help patients achieve optimal health and function through non-invasive treatments that can be used by themselves or alongside other forms of therapy, such as guided exercise. Studies show 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 by itself. At Axes, our Oakland, MO physical therapists exclusively prescribe treatment plans that are backed by evidence.

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

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Treat in Oakland, 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 experience at some juncture in their lives.
Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also be used to treat neck pain, which can be caused by poor posture, anxiety, or an acute injury.
Sports injuries — Physically active people in Oakland, MO who suffer from sports injuries including 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 the protective tissue in joints wearing down over time. Manual Therapy is a great way to reduce limited joint movement, improve flexibility, and impede the disease from progressing further.
Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tenderness in particular areas of the body.
Headaches — Manual physical therapy can also be effective in relieving 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 lack of motion, speak to an Axes Oakland, MO physical therapist to find out if manual physical therapy is right for you. After one of our free injury screenings, we’ll work alongside with you and your doctor to get you back to the activities you love most with treatments that have been proven to work.

Manual Techniques Axes’ Oakland, MO Physical Therapists Utilize

There are several different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Oakland, MO may use, for example:

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization involves 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 flexibility, and promote healing by manipulating the soft tissues. This can be achieved using numerous different techniques including massage therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.

During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist administering 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 frequently used to treat conditions such as sports injuries, chronic pain, back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. It is often used alongside other therapies to help patients recover quicker, safely, and effectively.

Joint Manipulation

Joint mobilization is a light technique in which the therapist applies controlled movements to the joint along its natural path. The objective of joint mobilization is to reestablish joint mobility and reduce pain by passively 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 cracking sounds.

Joint Mobilization

Joint manipulation, on the other hand, is a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique that involves a quick and controlled force to the joint. The goal of joint manipulation is to restore a joint’s range of motion and reduce pain by readjust the joint and breaking up any adhesions. Joint manipulation can produce an audible popping or cracking sound due to the release of gas bubbles in the joint capsule.

Joint manipulation is typically used for patients who have acute joint pain, restricted joint mobility, or a joint that is out of alignment. It is imperative that joint manipulation should only be performed by a physical therapist, as it can be associated with certain risks, such as 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 cushion 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 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 stretch 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 specific points in soft tissue that are giving the patients problems. The goal of trigger point therapy is to release painful knots in the muscles. It’s often used by Oakland, MO physical therapists to treat a wide range 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 trigger point. 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 suggest trigger point dry needling.

Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Oakland, MO

Manual physical therapy can do wonders for your body and lifestyle, 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.
Increased mobility — By restoring normal function, manual physical therapy can help people move more easily. Improved mobility can also decrease the risk of falls and other accidents.
Improved bloodflow — Some manual therapy techniques, like soft tissue mobilization, can help boost 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 particularly great for patients who recently had surgery or other invasive procedures.
Improved posture — Manual therapy can offer you a better posture by properly aligning your muscles and joints and soothing over affected tissue.
Improved mental health — Manual therapy can be a tranquil experience, as it releases endorphins, the body’s own, homegrown feel-good hormone.
Better quality of life — By reducing 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 returning to the things they love.

Other services we offer in Oakland, MO include:

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

Manual Physical Therapy in Oakland, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a proven and effective approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Oakland, 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 Oakland, MO residents return to what they enjoy the most with evidence-backed treatment modalities. To learn more about what Axes can do for you, contact us online or call the location most convenient to you.

Manual Physical Therapy Oakland, MO