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

Manual physical therapy in Pinckney, MO. Physical therapy is a medical are of expertise 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 Pinckney, MO physical and occupational therapists get our patients back to the activities they love by using treatments that are backed by evidence to work. One such treatment method is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Pinckney, 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 pain or mobility issues in Pinckney, MO that are preventing you from living the life you want, 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 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 dates back to 400 BCE. Also called hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the realm of physical therapy. It’s a type of treatment that involves the therapist using 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, muscle spasms, 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 regain optimal health and function through non-invasive treatments that can be used alone or alongside other techniques, such as exercise and stretching. Studies show that a combination of manual physical therapy and other treatments, such as exercise prescription, typically gets better results than either treatment plan used on its own. At Axes, our Pinckney, MO physical therapists exclusively prescribe treatment plans that are backed by evidence.

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Help With in Pinckney, MO

Manual physical therapy can be used to treat numerous different 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 almost 9 out of 10 U.S. adults suffer from 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, stress, or injury.
• Sports injuries — Those who play sports in Pinckney, MO who experience sports injuries like sprains, strains, and ACL tears can get back on the field quicker through manual therapy.
• Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can be used to treat arthritis, a degenerative disease used to describe a group of conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints. Manual Therapy can be used to reduce limited joint movement, improve mobility, and impede the disease from spreading 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 great at relieving 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 suffering from pain or limited mobility, speak to an Axes Pinckney, MO physical therapist to discuss 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 form a team with you and your physician to get you back to the activities you enjoy doing most with treatments that have been proven to work.

Manual Techniques Our Pinckney, MO Physical Therapists Use

There are many different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Pinckney, MO may use, 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 objective of soft tissue mobilization is to reduce pain, increase mobility, 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 administering pressure and smooths out the soft tissues in a particular manner to break up adhesions, 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 best when combined with other therapies to help patients achieve optimal results.

Joint Manipulation

Joint mobilization is a gentle technique in which the therapist utilized slow movements to the joint within its natural range of movement. The aim of joint mobilization is to restore joint mobility and reduce pain by gently stretching the joint capsule and surrounding structures. Joint mobilization is often used for patients who have stiffness in a joint, and there typically isn’t any audible cracking sounds.

Joint Mobilization

Joint manipulation is a cousin of joint manipulation, and is a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique in which the physical therapist applies an abrupt and controlled force to the joint. The goal of joint manipulation is to reestablish a joint’s range of motion and limit pain by realigning the joint and breaking up any restrictions. Joint manipulation can produce an audible popping or cracking sound, which is the rsult of the release of gas bubbles in the joint capsule.

Joint manipulation is most commonly used for patients who have acute joint pain, limited joint mobility, or a joint that is out of alignment. It is important to note that joint manipulation should only be done by a physical therapist, as it can come with certain risks, such as 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. With myofascial release, your Pinckney, MO physical therapist applies sustained pressure and stretching to the fascia and underlying muscle tissue to let go of tension and regain 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 temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

During a myofascial release session, the physical therapist applies mild to moderate, sustained pressure to specific areas of the body where there is restriction in the fascia. The pressure is applied slowly, allowing the fascia to lengthen 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 specific points within a muscle or fascia that are tender or painful. The goal of trigger point therapy is to release tension and reduce pain in the affected area. It’s often used by Pinckney, 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 session, 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. In some cases, your physical therapist may advise trigger point dry needling.

Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Pinckney, 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 have an improved quality of life and get back to activities they enjoy.
• Increased range of motion — By restoring normal function, manual physical therapy can help patients move more easily. Improved mobility can also decrease the risk of falls and other accidents.
• Improved bloodflow — Some manual therapy techniques, such as 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 speed up the recovery process. This can be especially beneficial 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 anxiety — Manual therapy can be a calming experience, as 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 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 being able to get back to the things they love.

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

Manual physical therapy is a proven and safe treatment option for a wide range of conditions and injuries in Pinckney, MO. By using their hands to manipulate and mobilize certain parts 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 Pinckney, 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 through our website or reach out to the location nearest you.