Manual Therapy

Types of Manual Therapy

Joint Mobilization

One of the most common reasons for a physical therapy visit includes pulled muscles. Although many people rely on lots of rest to temporarily relieve the pain associated with a pulled muscle, it is likely that the pain will return without the help of targeted manual therapy. This is because the actual injury is most often caused by a restricted joint. With the joint mobilization technique, our physical therapist works to loosen up restricted joints by with increased amplitude and the application of slow velocity. This safe, effective and painless manual therapy treatment also helps to apply movement to the barrier of the joint and increase range of motion.

Soft Tissue Mobilization

This technique is used by manual therapists to break up fibrous muscle tissue. Utilizing deep pressure movements and targeted rhythmic stretching, our experienced manual therapist is able to localize areas in the body that have the greatest tissue restriction and mobilize the area using specific techniques, including the Graston technique.

High Velocity, Low Amplitude

This is generally considered to be a more aggressive approach to manual therapy that is designed to relieve chronic pain and restore range of motion by bringing a joint to the restrictive barrier and thrusting it. The high velocity, low amplitude thrusting technique is ideal for restoring joint motion without pushing the joint beyond its normal anatomical limit. While considered to be a more aggressive form of physical therapy, this technique is still completely safe and pain-free.

Strain-Counterstrain

This manual therapy method is designed to address any abnormal neuromuscular reflexes in the body that may result in both postural and structural issues. During treatment, our physical therapist works to locate the area of discomfort and holds that position for around 90 seconds. While in the hold position, our physical therapist is able to introduce an asymptomatic strain is with stretching. As you are brought of the hold position, your muscles are then able to reset and begin the healing process. This gentle technique is safe for patients of all ages but is most often applied to relieve back pain issues.

Muscle Energy Techniques (METs)

This popular treatment method is used to help lengthen any muscles in the body that are shortened and mobilize any restricted joints that are causing pain. During treatment, the muscles are safely contracted using a controlled counterforce that our physical therapist works to apply from a specific direction. Once contracted, the joint is taken to its new barrier, resulting in almost instant pain relief. This active procedure is also pain-free and requires patient participation to get the best results.