Manual Physical Therapy in Otto, MO: A Hands-On Treatment
Manual physical therapy in Otto, MO. Physical therapy is a medical specialty that focuses on restoring strength and mobility to patients who have experienced injury or illness. At Axes, our Otto, MO physical and occupational therapists get our patients back to the activities they enjoy doing most by using proven treatment methodologies. One such treatment method is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Otto, 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 experiencing an illness or injury in Otto, MO that’s preventing you from the activities you love most, contact Axes through our website or get in touch with the location nearest you to get back to the life you want.
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 dates back to over 2,000 years ago. Also known as hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the practice 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 blood flow and relearn how to move correctly, ultimately restoring function.
Manual physical therapy seeks to help patients achieve optimal health and function through non-invasive treatments that can be used alone or in concert with other techniques, such as guided exercise. Research demonstrates that a combination of manual physical therapy and other treatments, such as exercise prescription, typically gets better results than either therapy used by itself. At Axes, our Otto, MO physical therapists only utilize treatment plans that are backed by evidence.
What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Treat in Otto, 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 can be effective in treating chronic low back pain, which up to 84%of American adults suffer from at some stage in their lives.
- Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also help patients with neck pain, which can be caused by poor posture, stress, or injury.
- Sports injuries — Those who play sports in Otto, MO who sustain sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and ACL tears can get back to the top of their game quicker with the help of manual therapy.
- Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can be used to treat arthritis, a degenerative disease that stems from the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Manual Therapy is a great way to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints, improve mobility, and slow the progression of the disease.
- Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tenderness in localized 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 lasting relief for. If you are experiencing pain or limited mobility, consult with an Axes Otto, MO physical therapist to find out if manual physical therapy can help you find relief. After you come to any of our locations for a free free injury screenings, we’ll work alongside with you and your doctor to get you back to the activities you love most – safely and effectively.
Manual Techniques Axes’ Otto, MO Physical Therapists Use
There are several different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Otto, MO may use, for example:
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization is the technique of applying pressure to the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The goal of soft tissue mobilization is to relieve pain, increase flexibility, and promote healing by encouraging the flow of blood. This can be done using numerous different techniques such as massage therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.
During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist applies pressure and elongates the soft tissues in a specific 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 often combined with other treatments such as exercise and stretching to help patients achieve optimal results.
Joint Manipulation
Joint mobilization is a light technique in which the therapist applies controlled movements to the joint along its natural path. The aim of joint mobilization is to restore joint mobility and reduce pain by gently stretching the joint capsule and surrounding soft tissues. Joint mobilization is a manual physical therapy technique that can help patients who have limited range of motion in a joint, and it is usually performed without causing any audible popping sounds.
Joint Mobilization
Joint manipulation is on the other side of the spectrum, and is a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique in which the physical therapist applies an abrupt and controlled force to the joint. The objective of joint manipulation is to regain joint mobility and limit pain by readjust the joint and breaking up any adhesions. Joint manipulation often produces a perceptible popping or cracking sound, which is caused by the release of gas bubbles within the joint.
Joint manipulation is commonly used for patients who have acute joint pain, restricted joint mobility, or a joint that is out of alignment. You need to remember that joint manipulation should only be carried out by qualified healthcare professional, 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 thin, tough, and elastic connective tissue 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 release tension and restore 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 a myofascial release session, the physical therapist applies mild to moderate, sustained pressure to specific areas of the body where there is tension 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 further 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 tension and reduce pain in the affected area. It’s often used by Otto, 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 part of your short tissue that is affecting you. 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 enhance the benefits of the trigger point therapy. In your particular sessions, your physical therapist may advise trigger point dry needling.
How Manual Physical Therapy in Otto, MO Can Help You
There are many benefits to manual physical therapy, including:
- Decreased pain — Manual physical therapy can help feel better during your treatment plan. By reducing pain, patients have an improved quality of life and can start getting their lifestyle back sooner.
- Enhanced range of motion — By restoring normal function, manual physical therapy can help Otto, MO resident 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 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 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 soft tissue that support the spine and other joints.
- Improved mental health — Manual therapy can be a tranquil experience, because it releases endorphins, the body’s own, homegrown feel-good hormone.
- Improved quality of life — By decreasing pain and improving 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 activities they enjoy the most.
Other services we offer in Otto, 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 Otto, MO | Axes Physical Therapy
Manual physical therapy is a proven and safe approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Otto, 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 Otto, 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 reach out to the location nearest you.
