PHYSIOTHERAPY
Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy is a set of techniques relating to joint, muscle, fascia stretching and mobilizing that are often used for relief of pain, swelling and other uncomfortable symptoms. Technically speaking the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) defines manual therapy techniques as: “Skilled hand movements intended to produce any or all of the following effects: improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion of the joint complex; mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints; induce relaxation; change muscle function; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or movement restriction.”
Although the above sounds complex, the actual practice isn’t if you are working with the right physiotherapist. Overall manual therapy helps you move better and it is a key component to any treatment with one of our skilled physiotherapists. In addition to core manual therapy training, some of our Physiotherapists are also trained in Spinal Manipulation, which can be useful for joint fixation in certain spinal conditions. Throughout our years of education and experience, we have to use manual therapy in an array of different cases, but some of the most general benefits of manual therapy include:
- Improving range of motion
- Decrease pain in muscle and joints
- Improve muscle mobility
- Reduce soft tissue swelling
- Reducing muscle inflammation
- Reducing movement restriction
Other Manual Therapy techniques, such as Manual Traction, can provide spinal decompression to provide relief from Degenerative Disc Disease, Nerve Root Impingement, Sciatica, and Stenosis. Myofascial release techniques can be helpful for different types of Arthritis, Frozen Shoulders, and Chronic Pain. So if you are suffering from any of the above or are wondering if Manual Therapy will help you, call us today to book an appointment!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
What to Expect During a Manual Therapy Treatment
If it’s our first time meeting you, we would usually spend a bit more time together getting to know you and your lifestyle. This means typically we will need a 60-minute assessment for first-time clients. During your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will perform a full head to toe assessment to determine the best type of treatment approach that is appropriate for your issues and health goals. Since there are a varied amount of techniques from individual joint mobilizations, manipulations and soft tissue techniques it is essential that we take the time to get to know you and your body’s boundaries. And, if you are curious, we are happy to provide an explanation of your treatment as we work.
If it’s a follow up from a previous assessment, usually 30 mins will do the trick. Here we will check in on your progress and realign your treatment plan to make sure the exercises we provided are being executed correctly at home and work for your lifestyle. However, if things aren’t working as effectively as you would like or if something is causing you strain, we will redevelop your plan to better work for your current situation. The best part is because you are a returning client you can quickly book this appointment online or call in if you prefer.
Most Common Types of Pain We Treat With Manual Therapy
Our physiotherapists have years of experience helping people move and feel better. Some of the most common types of pain we treat with manual therapy are:
- Post immobilization from surgery or cast
- Wrist, Finger, Hand or Foot, Toe, Ankle Sprains and Strains
- Arthritis
- Frozen Shoulder
- Chronic Pain
- Tennis Elbow
- Wry Neck
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Sciatica
- Plantar Fasciopathy
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Low Back Pain
Manual Therapy treatments are something we have all spent years fine-tuning. Let us help you feel better, so you can get back to making the most of your day. Come to see us for an appointment and consultation today!