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

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

Manual physical therapy in Valles Mines, MO. Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty that focuses on restoring strength and mobility to patients who have suffered from injury or illness. At Axes, our Valles Mines, 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 that consistently works for our clients is manual therapy, in which your Axes physical therapist in Valles Mines, 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 Valles Mines, MO that’s keeping you from the things you love most, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to get back to the life you want.

Manual Physical Therapy Defined

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 utilized for millennium to treat a variety of ailments. 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 affected body parts and surrounding structures. Doing this can help address numerous different conditions and injuries, including chronic pain, back and neck pain, sports injuries, and more. It can help to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function.

The aim of manual physical therapy is to help patients regain optimal health and function through non-invasive techniques that can be used by themselves or alongside other forms of therapy, such as guided exercise. Studies show that a combination of manual physical therapy and other treatments, such as exercise prescription, is more effective than either treatment plan used independently. At Axes, our Valles Mines, MO physical therapists only utilize treatment plans that have been proven to be safe and effective.

Manual Physical Therapy Valles Mines, MO | Injury Recovery | Orthopedic Rehab Near Valles Mines

What Injuries and Conditions Can Manual Physical Therapy Help With in Valles Mines, 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 almost 9 out of 10 U.S. adults deal with at some juncture in their lifetime.
Neck pain — Manual physical therapy can also help patients with neck pain, which can be caused by poor posture, anxiety, or an accident.
Sports injuries — Physically active people in Valles Mines, MO who suffer from sports injuries like sprains, strains, and ACL tears can get back on the court quicker with the help of manual therapy.
Arthritis — Manual physical therapy can help manage the symptoms of arthritis, a degenerative disease caused by the the protective tissue in joints wearing down over time. Manual Therapy can be used to reduce limited joint movement, improve mobility, and impede the disease from progressing further.
Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder 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 effective in relieving headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.

These are just some of the many conditions and injuries that manual physical therapy can help treat. If you are experiencing pain or tenderness, consult with an Axes Valles Mines, MO physical therapist to discuss if manual physical therapy is right for you. After you come to us for a free free injury screenings, we’ll work in concert with you and your doctor to return you to the activities you love most in ways that have been proven to work.

Manual Techniques Axes’ Valles Mines, MO Physical Therapists Use

There are many different types of manual physical therapy techniques that a therapist in Valles Mines, MO may recommend for your treatment, 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 objective of soft tissue mobilization is to relieve pain, increase mobility, and promote healing by manipulating the soft tissues. This can be achieved using numerous different techniques such as massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.

During soft tissue mobilization, the therapist applies pressure and stretches the muscles, tendons, and ligaments 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 often 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 movement. The goal 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 limited range of motion in a joint, and it is usually performed without causing any audible popping 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 aim of joint manipulation is to restore joint mobility and limit pain by realigning the joint and breaking up any restrictions. Joint manipulation can produce 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 patients who have acute joint pain, limited joint mobility, or a joint that is out of alignment. It is imperative that joint manipulation should only be performed by medical professional who has been trained for it, 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 thin, tough, and elastic connective tissue that surrounds and supports the organs and instructions inside our bodies. With myofascial release, your Valles Mines, MO physical therapist applies sustained pressure and stretching to the fascia and underlying muscle tissue to let go of tension and restore normal function. 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 gentle, sustained pressure to specific body parts where there is restriction in the fascia. The pressure is applied gradually, allowing the fascia to elongate 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 aim of trigger point therapy is to release painful knots in the muscles. It’s often used by Valles Mines, MO physical therapists to treat a variety 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 gradually 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 benefits of the trigger point therapy. In your particular treatment plan, your physical therapist may suggest trigger point dry needling.

Benefits of Manual Physical Therapy in Valles Mines, 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 can experience an improved quality of life and get back to activities they enjoy.
Enhanced flexibility — By restoring normal function, manual physical therapy can help Valles Mines, MO resident perform daily tasks and other activities more effectively. Improved mobility can also decrease the likelihood of falls and other accidents.
Improved circulation — Some manual therapy techniques, for instance soft tissue mobilization, can help improve 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 make your recovery quicker. This can be especially beneficial for patients recovering from an operation or other medical procedures.
Improved posture — Manual therapy can help improve posture by properly aligning your muscles and joints and soothing over affected tissue.
Improved mental health — Manual therapy can be a relaxing experience, as it releases endorphins, which naturally help you feel better.
Better quality of life — With all the above benefits in place, manual physical therapy can improve your overall quality of life. Patients can experience less stress, better sleep, and improved mental health as a result of finally being able to get back to the things they enjoy the most.

Other services we offer in Valles Mines, MO include:

Manual Physical Therapy Valles Mines, MO | Chronic Pain Treatment | Physical Therapy Near Valles Mines

Manual Physical Therapy in Valles Mines, MO | Axes Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy is a proven and safe treatment option for a wide range of conditions and injuries in Valles Mines, 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 surgical options or prescription drugs. At Axes, we focus on giving our patients positive client experiences by helping Valles Mines, MO residents return to the activities they love with evidence-backed treatment modalities. To see if manual physical therapy may be right for you, contact us through our website or reach out to the location most convenient to you.