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

Manual Physical Therapy in Pevely, MO: A Hands-On Treatment

Manual physical therapy in Pevely, MO. Physical therapy is a medical specialty that focuses on restoring movement and function to patients who have experienced injury or illness. At Axes, our Pevely, MO physical and occupational therapists return our clients to the things they enjoy doing most by using treatments that have been proven to work. One treatment we’ve found successful is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Pevely, 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 experiencing an illness or injury in Pevely, MO that’s preventing you from living the life you want, contact Axes through our website or get in touch with 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 over 2,000 years ago. 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, back and neck pain, muscle spasms, and more. It can help to promote blood flow and relearn how to move correctly, ultimately restoring function.

The aim of manual physical therapy is to help patients achieve optimal health and function through non-invasive treatments that can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as guided exercise. Studies show that a combination of manual physical therapy and other treatments, such as exercise prescription, is more successful than either therapy used on its own. At Axes, our Pevely, MO physical therapists exclusively prescribe treatment plans that have been proven to work.

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

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Help With in Pevely, 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 almost 9 out of 10 American adults suffer from at some stage in their lives.
Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also be used to treat neck pain, which can be caused by poor posture, stress, or injury.
Sports injuries — Those who play sports in Pevely, MO who experience sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and ACL tears can recover from their injury 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 is a great way to reduce limited joint movement, improve flexibility, 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 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 suffering from pain or limited mobility, speak to an Axes Pevely, MO physical therapist to discover if manual physical therapy is suitable for your injury or condition. 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 get you back to the activities you love most in ways that have been proven to work.

Manual Techniques Axes’ Pevely, MO Physical Therapists Utilize

There are several different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Pevely, MO may use, such as:

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization is the technique of applying pressure to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The aim of soft tissue mobilization is to relieve pain, increase mobility, and promote healing by encouraging the flow of blood. 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 smooths out the muscles, tendons, and ligaments 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 moderate technique in which the therapist applies slow movements to the joint within its natural range of movement. The aim of joint mobilization is to regain joint mobility and offer pain relief by passively stretching the joint capsule and surrounding soft tissues. Joint mobilization is a manual physical therapy technique that can help patients who have stiffness in a joint, and it is usually performed without causing 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 sudden and controlled force to the joint. The objective of joint manipulation is to regain a joint’s range of motion and limit pain by realigning the joint and breaking up any adhesions. Joint manipulation often produces 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 patients who have acute joint pain, restricted joint mobility, or a joint that needs to be realigned. You need to remember that joint manipulation should only be carried out by qualified healthcare professional, as it can be associated with 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 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 let go of 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 temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

During a myofascial release session, the physical therapist applies gentle, sustained pressure to specific areas of the body where there is tension in the fascia. The pressure is applied gradually, allowing the fascia to stretch and release. The therapist may also use stretching and other techniques to boost the effects of the myofascial release.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy works by applying pressure to particular points within a muscle or fascia 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 Pevely, 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. 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 enhance the effects of the trigger point therapy. In your particular case, your physical therapist may advise trigger point dry needling.

How Manual Physical Therapy in Pevely, MO Can Help You

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

Reduced pain — Manual physical therapy can help to relieve pain and discomfort caused by injuries and chronic conditions. By reducing pain, patients have an improved quality of life and get back to activities they enjoy.
Increased range of motion — By regaining movement and function to the body, manual physical therapy can help Pevely, MO resident move more easily. Improved mobility can also reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.
Improved bloodflow — Some manual therapy techniques, for instance soft tissue mobilization, can help boost 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 speed up the recovery process. This can be particularly advantageous for patients who recently had surgery or other medical procedures.
Improved posture — Manual therapy can help improve posture by properly aligning your muscles and joints and soothing over affected tissue.
Reduced stress — Manual therapy can be a soothing experience, as it releases endorphins, which naturally reduces stress and improves mental health.
Improved quality of life — With all the above benefits in place, manual physical therapy can improve your overall quality of life. Patients can find relief because of less stress, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally returning to the activities they love.

Other services we offer in Pevely, MO include:

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

Manual Physical Therapy in Pevely, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a powerful and effective approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Pevely, 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 surgical options or prescription drugs. At Axes, we focus on giving our patients positive client experiences by helping Pevely, MO residents return to what they enjoy the most with proven treatment modalities. To see if manual physical therapy could be a part of your treatment plan, contact us online or call the location nearest you.