Manual Physical Therapy in O’Fallon, MO: A Hands-On Approach to Healing
Manual physical therapy in O’Fallon, MO. Physical therapy is a medical are of expertise that focuses on restoring strength and mobility to patients who have suffered from injury or illness. At Axes, our O’Fallon, MO physical and occupational therapists return our clients to the things they enjoy doing most by using proven treatment methodologies. One such treatment method is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in O’Fallon, 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 suffering an illness or injury in O’Fallon, MO that’s preventing you from living the life you want, contact Axes through our website or call the location most convenient for you to find lasting relief.
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 has been utilized for centuries 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 the patient’s muscles, joints, and soft tissues. Doing this can help address numerous different conditions and injuries, including chronic pain, back and neck pain, sports injuries, and more. It encourages the body to promote blood flow and relearn how to move correctly, ultimately restoring function.
Manual physical therapy seeks to help patients return to the activities they enjoy through non-surgical interventions that can be used alone or in combination with other types 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 therapy used by itself. At Axes, our O’Fallon, MO physical therapists exclusively use treatment plans that are backed by evidence.
What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Help With in O’Fallon, 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 almost 9 out of 10 American adults suffer from at some stage in their lifetime.
- Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also be used to treat neck pain, which can be caused by poor posture, stress, or an acute injury.
- Sports injuries — Those who play sports in O’Fallon, MO who suffer from sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and ACL tears can get back on the court quicker with the help of manual therapy.
- Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can be used to treat arthritis, a degenerative disease caused by the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Manual Therapy is a great way to reduce issues in your joints, 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 certain 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 examples of the many conditions and injuries that manual physical therapy can provide lasting relief for. If you are experiencing pain or limited mobility, reach out to an Axes O’Fallon, 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 work in concert with you and your doctor to return you to the activities you enjoy doing most with treatments that have been proven to work.
Manual Techniques Axes’ O’Fallon, MO Physical Therapists Utilize
There are several different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in O’Fallon, MO may recommend for your treatment, including:
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization is the technique of administering 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 mobility, and promote healing by smoothing out scar tissue. This can be achieved using various techniques such as massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.
During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist exerts pressure and elongates the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in a particular manner to break up adhesions, release trigger points, and improve circulation. 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 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 controlled motions along its natural path. The objective of joint mobilization is to improve joint mobility and offer pain relief 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 aim of joint manipulation is to reestablish joint mobility and reduce pain by realigning the joint and breaking up any adhesions. Joint manipulation often produces an audible popping or cracking sound, which is the rsult of the release of gas bubbles within the joint.
Joint manipulation is commonly used for people who have acute joint pain, limited 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 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 surrounds and supports out internal organs and structures. Myofascial release works by applying sustained pressure and stretching to the fascia and underlying muscle tissue to let go of tension and restore normal movement. 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 gentle, sustained pressure to specific body parts where there is tension 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 benefits of the myofascial release.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is a technique that involves applying pressure to certain 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 O’Fallon, MO physical therapists to treat a wide range 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 effects of the trigger point therapy. Occasionally, your physical therapist may recommend trigger point dry needling.
Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in O’Fallon, MO
There are many benefits to manual physical therapy, including:
- Reduced pain — Manual physical therapy can help feel better during your treatment plan. By reducing pain, patients can experience an improved quality of life and get back to activities they enjoy.
- Enhanced flexibility — By regaining movement and function to the body, manual physical therapy can help people move more easily. Improved mobility can also help in future injury prevention.
- Improved bloodflow — Some manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization, can help boost circulation by encouraging blood flow to the region.
- Faster recovery — Manual physical therapy can help to promote healing and reduce inflammation, which can make your recovery faster. This can be especially advantageous for patients who recently had surgery or other invasive procedures.
- Improved posture — Manual therapy can offer you a better posture by releasing tension in the muscles and fascia that support the spine and other joints.
- Improved mental health — Manual therapy can be a soothing experience, as it releases endorphins, which naturally reduces stress and improves mental health.
- Improved quality of life — By reducing pain and restoring mobility, manual physical therapy can improve your overall quality of life. Patients can find relief because of less anxiety, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally returning to the activities they enjoy the most.
Other services we offer in O’Fallon, MO include:
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- 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
Manual Physical Therapy in O’Fallon, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Manual physical therapy is a proven and effective approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO residents get back to the activities they love with evidence-backed treatment modalities. To learn more about what Axes can do for you, contact us through our website or reach out to the location nearest you.
