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

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

Manual physical therapy in Stone Meadows, MO. Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty that focuses on the use of physical methods, such as exercise, manual therapy, and other techniques, to help patients regain optimal physical function. At Axes, our Stone Meadows, 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 such treatment method is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Stone Meadows, 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 Stone Meadows, MO that’s keeping you from living the life you want, contact Axes through our website or call the location most convenient for you to get back to the life you want.

Manual Physical Therapy Defined

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 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, arthritis, sports injuries, and more. It encourages the body to promote blood flow and relearn how to move correctly, ultimately restoring function.

Manual physical therapy endeavors to help patients regain optimal health and function through non-surgical interventions that can be used alone or in combination with other forms of therapy, such as exercise and stretching. Studies show that a combination of manual physical therapy and other types of physical therapy, such as exercise prescription, is more effective than either therapy used by itself. At Axes, our Stone Meadows, MO physical therapists exclusively use treatment plans that have been proven to be safe and effective.

Manual Physical Therapy Stone Meadows, MO | Injury Recovery | Orthopedic Rehab Near Stone Meadows

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Treat in Stone Meadows, 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 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 may be the result of poor posture, anxiety, or an acute injury.
Sports injuries — Physically active people in Stone Meadows, MO who experience sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and ACL tears can get back to the top of their game quicker through manual therapy.
Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can help manage the symptoms of arthritis, a degenerative condition that stems from the the protective tissue in joints wearing down over time. Manual Therapy is a great way to reduce limited joint movement, improve range of motion, and impede the disease from progressing further.
Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes pain throughout the body or at multiple sites.
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 lack of motion, consult with an Axes Stone Meadows, MO physical therapist to discover if manual physical therapy is right for you. After you come to us for a free free injury screenings, we’ll work alongside with you and your doctor to get you back to the activities you enjoy doing most – safely and effectively.

Manual Techniques Our Stone Meadows, MO Physical Therapists Utilize

There are many different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Stone Meadows, MO may recommend for your treatment, including:

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization involves applying pressure to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The goal of soft tissue mobilization is to relieve pain, increase mobility, and promote healing by manipulating the soft tissues. This can be done using various techniques such as massage therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.

During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist exerts pressure and stretches the soft tissues in a particular manner to break up adhesions, release trigger points, and improve blood flow. Soft tissue mobilization is frequently used to treat 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 recover quicker, safely, and effectively.

Joint Manipulation

Joint mobilization is a moderate technique in which the therapist guides the joint through slow motions within its natural range of movement. The goal of joint mobilization is to restore joint mobility and offer pain relief by gently stretching the joint capsule and surrounding structures. 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, on the other hand, is a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique that involves a sudden and controlled force to the joint. The aim of joint manipulation is to restore a joint’s range of motion and reduce pain by realigning the joint and breaking up any adhesions. Joint manipulation can produce a recognizable popping or cracking sound due to the release of gas bubbles within the joint.

Joint manipulation is commonly used for patients who have acute joint pain, limited joint mobility, or a joint that needs to be realigned. You need to remember that joint manipulation should only be performed 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 cushion the body’s internal organs, as well as providing structural support and facilitating movement. With myofascial release, your Stone Meadows, MO physical therapist applies sustained pressure and stretching to the fascia and underlying muscle tissue to release 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 gentle, sustained pressure to specific body parts where there is restriction in the fascia. The pressure is applied slowly, allowing the fascia to elongate and release. The therapist may also use stretching and other techniques to further the effects of the myofascial release.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy works by applying pressure to particular points in soft tissue that are giving the patients problems. The aim of trigger point therapy is to release painful knots in the muscles. It’s often used by Stone Meadows, 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 benefits of the trigger point therapy. In your particular case, your physical therapist may suggest trigger point dry needling.

Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Stone Meadows, MO

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

Decreased pain — Manual physical therapy can help feel less pain while you’re recovering. By reducing pain, patients have an improved quality of life and can start getting their lifestyle back sooner.
Increased flexibility — By regaining movement and function to the body, manual physical therapy can help people perform daily tasks and other activities more effectively. Improved mobility can also reduce the likelihood of falls and other accidents.
Improved bloodflow — Some manual therapy techniques, like soft tissue mobilization, can help boost circulation by increasing blood flow to the affected area.
Faster recovery — Manual physical therapy can help to encourage the body’s natural healing process, which can lead to a shorter recovery time. This can be especially great for patients who recently had an operation or other medical procedures.
Improved posture — Manual therapy can offer you a better posture by properly aligning your muscles and joints and soothing over affected tissue.
Improved mental health — Manual therapy can be a soothing experience, as it releases endorphins, the body’s own, homegrown feel-good hormone.
Improved quality of life — With all the previous benefits in place, manual physical therapy can improve your overall quality of life. Patients may 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 Stone Meadows, MO include:

Manual Physical Therapy Stone Meadows, MO | Chronic Pain Treatment | Physical Therapy Near Stone Meadows

Manual Physical Therapy in Stone Meadows, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a powerful and safe treatment option for a wide range of conditions and injuries in Stone Meadows, 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 Stone Meadows, MO residents return to what they enjoy the most 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.

Manual Physical Therapy Stone Meadows, MO