Manual Therapy Can Provide Natural, Safe Pain Relief
Do you suffer from pain as a result of an injury, disease, or surgical procedure?
Manual therapy can assist in determining the best course of treatment for your specific needs. If you are concerned about undergoing manual therapy procedures, let Orthopedic Sports Therapy reassure you:
Our physical therapists in Ahwatukee, Biltmore and Tempe, AZ safely employ a variety of tools and treatment techniques to alleviate pain, while also improving body function.
We receive many first-time physical therapy patients who are concerned that their appointments would be uncomfortable, unpleasant, or even agonizing because of their illness. However, this is not the case!
If you experience persistent, nagging pain, manual physical therapy could be the answer to your prayers. Call Orthopedic Sports Therapy at (480) 921-9000 or 480-597-4241 today to get started.
Manual therapy, defined
You might be wondering what manual therapy is. In short, it’s a safe, hands-on therapeutic technique administered to patients living with pain conditions as a result of illness or injury.
Our physical therapists at Orthopedic Sports Therapy in Ahwatukee, Biltmore and Tempe, AZ have received extensive training in specialized manual therapy methods from accredited institutions.
This kind of hands-on therapy is used to assist physical therapists in mobilizing stiff joints and soft tissue. It’s an advanced treatment method that assists in the reduction of swelling, reduction of stiffness, mobilization of joints, and enhancement of mobility. If you’re wondering what the benefits of this therapeutic method are, keep reading!
Benefits of manual therapy for chronic pain conditions
There are several benefits to manual therapy. It’s a vital aspect of a successful physical therapy treatment plan, as it helps to reduce pain and swelling, minimize inflammation, and increase range of motion.
Your physical therapy rehabilitation plan will most likely include a number of therapies, one of which is targeted at optimizing a certain body function.
Some treatment techniques are intended to improve your posture and tolerance to activity, while others are intended to increase your range of motion.
Movement issues are normal after surgery, particularly if the patient has undergone a total joint replacement. Many primary care physicians may also prescribe physical therapy treatments for fractures, accidents, or injuries due to overuse – in other words, anything that makes it difficult to move as you normally would.
Our physical therapists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating movement disorders, so rest assured you can find the relief you need at our clinic.
Types of manual therapy techniques
There are a variety of manual therapy techniques available to patients. Manual therapy techniques may include, but are not limited to:
Soft Tissue Massage
Physical therapy massage therapies vary from what you would hope to see at a salon. These are more treatment-oriented and have a medical function.
Massage treatments may be used by our physical therapists in Ahwatukee, Biltmore or Tempe, AZ to break up scar tissue and adhesions created by inflammation or damage in order to manipulate the soft tissues.
This is accomplished by the use of deep pressure and rhythmic stretching, which assists them in locating and mobilizing highly restricted areas of the body.
These techniques also assist in increasing blood flow and circulation to the affected muscles and soft tissues. Find out the many benefits of therapeutic massage here.
Joint Mobilization
Mobilization procedures are safe, effective, and painless, allowing for greater range of motion and versatility of the restricted joint.
When you experience extreme discomfort following an injury, it is often the result of a limited joint.
Our physical therapists are specially qualified in mobilization of restricted joints by applying pressure at a low velocity.
Manual traction
The physical therapist will apply a gentle pulling force to the body during manual traction in order to gently stretch the soft tissues and joints and restore normal, natural motion.
While this procedure can be used on other areas of the body, such as the arms, legs, and back, it is most often used on the neck and low back.
Does manual therapy hurt?
Have no fear: manual therapy is safe and non-invasive. It can, however, be uncomfortable while it is being done. Your physical therapist will communicate during the procedure to ensure that any discomfort is tolerable to you, and ensure that it results in the reduced pain afterwards, as well as improved motion.
The best thing about manual therapy, besides its awesome pain-relieving abilities, is the fact that it does not require the use of any harmful medications to work.
Instead, our physical therapists use a variety of techniques that shift the tendons, ligaments, and joints in ways that relieve pain and promote recovery. They also help with scar tissue and swelling reduction.
Our physical therapists are highly trained medical practitioners who understand both the body’s weaknesses and its capabilities. Many patients find progress after only one session of manual therapy!
Thinking about giving manual therapy a try?
Are you feeling frustrated with movement restrictions? Are you unable to do many of the things you enjoy doing because of pain or discomfort? Manual therapy in Ahwatukee, Biltmore and Tempe, AZ can help you get back to enjoying a full, happy life. Our dedicated physical therapists are eager to meet with you to get you moving once again.