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What is Manual Therapy ?

Manual therapy techniques are skilled passive movements of joints and soft tissue thatare intended to improve tissue extensibility, increase range of motion, promote relaxation, and relieve pain. It is also noted to reduce swelling, inflammation, and joint restriction. Techniques may include manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction, massage, mobilization/manipulation, and passive range of motion.

Our physical therapists select, prescribe, and implement manual therapy techniques when the examination findings, diagnosis, and prognosis indicate use of these techniques to improve overall health and wellness. The use of manual therapy enhances physical performance, increases movement ability, and prevents bodily impairment, activity limitations, and/or participation restrictions.

Soft Tissue Mobilization

The goal of soft tissue mobilization (STM) is to break up inelastic or fibrous muscle tissue (called ‘myofascial adhesions’) such as scar tissue, move tissue fluids, and relax muscle tension. This procedure is commonly applied to the musculature surrounding the spine and consists of rhythmic stretching and deep pressure.

Strain-Counterstrain

This technique focuses on correcting abnormal neuromuscular reflexes that cause structural and postural problems, resulting in painful ‘tender points’. This technique is gentle enough to be useful for problems that are too acute or too delicate to treat with other procedures. Strain-counterstrain is tolerated quite well as it positions the patient opposite of the restricted barrier and towards the position of greatest comfort.

Joint Mobilization

Joint mobilization involves loosening up the restricted joint and increasing its range of motion by providing slow velocity (speed) and increased amplitude (distance of movement) of movement directly into the barrier of a joint, moving the actual bone surfaces on each other in ways patients cannot move the joint themselves. These mobilizations should be painless.

Muscle Energy Techniques

Muscle energy techniques (METs) are designed to mobilize restricted joints and lengthen shortened muscles. This active procedure is defined as utilizing a voluntary contraction of the patient’s muscles against a distinctly controlled counterforce applied from the practitioner from a precise position and in a specific direction.

High Velocity, Low Amplitude Thrusting

The goal of this procedure is to restore the gliding motion of joints, enabling them to open and close effectively. If utilized properly, increased mobility and a decrease in muscle tone about the joint should be noticed. This technique is utilized for restoration of joint motion and does not move a joint beyond its anatomical limit.

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