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

Manual physical therapy in Schluersburg, MO. Physical therapy is a medical are of expertise that focuses on the use of physical methods, such as exercise, stretching, and other techniques, to help patients regain optimal physical function. At Axes, our Schluersburg, MO physical and occupational therapists get our patients back to the activities they enjoy doing most by using proven treatment methodologies. One treatment that consistently works for our clients is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Schluersburg, 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 Schluersburg, MO that are preventing you from living the life you want, contact Axes through our website or call the location nearest 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 has been used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. Also known as hands-on therapy, manual therapy is specialty within the realm of physical therapy. It’s a treatment methodology that involves the therapist using their hands to manipulate, mobilize, and massage affected body parts and surrounding tissues. Doing this can help address a wide range of 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.

The objective of manual physical therapy is to help patients get back to the activities they love most through non-surgical interventions that can be used by themselves or alongside other techniques, such as guided exercise. Studies show that a combination of manual physical therapy and other treatments, such as exercise prescription, typically gets better results than either therapy used on its own. At Axes, our Schluersburg, MO physical therapists only prescribe treatment plans that have been proven to work.

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Help With in Schluersburg, 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 has been proven to relieve chronic low back pain, which up to 84%of 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 an accident.
• Sports injuries — Those who play sports in Schluersburg, MO who sustain sports injuries including 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 can be used 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 localized 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 help treat. If you are experiencing pain or stiffness, consult with an Axes Schluersburg, MO physical therapist to find out if manual physical therapy can help you find relief. After you come to us for a free free injury screenings, we’ll form a team with you and your doctor to return you to the activities you enjoy doing most – safely and effectively.

Manual Techniques Our Schluersburg, MO Physical Therapists Use

There are several different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Schluersburg, MO may recommend for your treatment, for example:

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization involves exerting pressure to the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The objective of soft tissue mobilization is to relieve pain, increase range of motion, and promote healing by manipulating the soft tissues. This can be achieved 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 stretches the soft tissues in a particular manner to break up scar tissue, release trigger points, and improve blood flow. Soft tissue mobilization is frequently used to help conditions such as sports injuries, chronic pain, back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. It is best when used alongside other treatments such as exercise and stretching to help patients achieve optimal results.

Joint Manipulation

Joint mobilization is a passive technique in which the therapist utilized slow movements to the joint within its natural range of motion. The goal of joint mobilization is to regain joint mobility and offer pain relief by passively stretching the joint capsule and surrounding structures. Joint mobilization is often used for 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 goal of joint manipulation is to restore a joint’s range of motion and relieve 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 in the joint capsule.

Joint manipulation is typically used for people 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 done 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 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 protect 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 movement. Myofascial release is often used to treat a wide range of 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 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 benefits of the myofascial release.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy works by 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 Schluersburg, 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. 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 effects of the trigger point therapy. In some cases, your physical therapist may advise trigger point dry needling.

Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Schluersburg, MO

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

• Reduced pain — Manual physical therapy can help feel less pain during your treatment plan. By reducing pain, patients have an improved quality of life and can start getting their lifestyle back sooner.
• Increased mobility — By restoring normal function, manual physical therapy can help patients perform daily tasks and other activities more effectively. Improved mobility can also help in future injury prevention.
• Improved circulation — Some manual therapy techniques, for instance soft tissue mobilization, can help boost circulation by increasing blood flow to the region.
• Faster recovery — Manual physical therapy can help to encourage the body’s natural healing process, which can speed up the recovery process. This can be especially beneficial for patients who recently had surgery or other invasive procedures.
• Improved posture — Manual therapy can help improve posture by releasing tension in the muscles and fascia that support the spine and other joints.
• Improved mental health — Manual therapy can be a tranquil experience, as it releases endorphins, which naturally reduces stress and improves mental health.
• Improved quality of life — With all the previous benefits in place, manual physical therapy can improve your overall quality of life. Patients may experience less stress, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally being able to get back to the activities they love.

Other services we offer in Schluersburg, MO include:

• Physical Therapy Clinic
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
• Sciatica Treatment
• Sports Medicine
• Hand Pain Physical Therapy
• Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment
• Hip Pain Treatment
• Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy

Manual Physical Therapy in Schluersburg, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a powerful and safe approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries in Schluersburg, 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 provide positive client experiences by helping Schluersburg, MO residents get back to what they enjoy the most with evidence-backed treatment modalities. To see if manual physical therapy may be right for you, contact us online or reach out to the location nearest you.