Manual Physical Therapy is a specific type of physical therapy that is administered with a hands-on approach. As opposed to using a machine, with manual physical therapy, the physical therapist will use their hands to apply pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints to decrease back pain caused by muscle spasms, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction. Contact United Rehab Physical Therapy to learn about manual therapy in Holbrook NY. Click here to learn more about our services today!

 

Manual Therapy Techniques

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The goals of manual physical therapy techniques are to relax tense back muscles and restricted joints to decrease back pain and increase flexibility. The types of movement manual physical therapy generally apply to include: 

 

• Soft Tissue Work- this includes massage and is where pressure is applied to the body's soft tissues like the muscles. This pressure relaxes the muscles, increases circulation, breaks up any scar tissue and eases pain in the soft tissues. The muscles need to be fully worked through to help break down muscle adhesions.

• Mobilization/Manipulation- this incorporates rhythmic movements of varying speed, force, and distances to twist, pull, or push bones and joints alike into position. This aids in loosening tight tissues around a joint reduces any pain in the joint and surrounding tissue and helps with flexibility and alignment. These motions help stretch and strengthen the joint entirely, which can help reduce spam and pain altogether.

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Before beginning manual physical therapy, or any physical therapy, the physical therapist will assess your blood and nerve supply in the area as well as an assessment of the bone and muscle. This is done to determine if there will be an increased risk of complications due to these back pain management techniques. Depending on the results, the following are types of manual physical therapy that your physical therapist may utilize:

 

• Soft Tissue Mobilization- soft tissue mobilization aims to break up inelastic or fibrous tissue of the muscle like that of scar tissue from a back injury, move tissue fluids, and relax muscle tension. It is commonly applied to the musculature surrounding the spine and comprises rhythmic stretching and deep pressure.

• Strain-Counterstrain- this technique aims to correct any abnormalities in the neuromuscular reflexes that result in structural and postural problems. The physical therapist will assess the patient by asking at which point the tenderness decreased in their position of comfort. This position is held for at least 90 seconds, while an asymptomatic strain is prompted through mild stretching. Then the patient is slowly released from the position to allow the body to rest the muscles at an average level of tension. This level of pressure allows for a stage of healing.

• Joint Mobilization - involves loosening up any restricted joints, increasing the range of motion by incorporating slow speed and providing an increase in distance of movement directly into the barrier of a joint. This moves the actual bone surfaces in ways the patient can't do on their own. These types of exercises should be painless, as this helps increase your overall range of motion.

• Muscle Energy Techniques - are designed to help mobilize joints that are otherwise restricted and lengthen shortened muscles.

• High Velocity, Low Altitude Thrusting- this technique aims to restore the gliding motion of joints, which allows them to open and close effectively. It is more on the aggressive side and, if administered properly, an increase in mobility and decrease in muscle tone about the joint should be noticeable. This type is used to restore joint motion but does not move a joint beyond its limit.

 

Manual Therapy in Holbrook NY

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Many patients who deal with acute and chronic pain can surely benefit from this kind of therapy. This approach is mainly "hands-on," which allows for stiff joints and tight muscles to be fully worked on. Here at Manual Therapy in Holbrook NY, our goal is to help you increase your mobility and ensure that you're pain-free along within the joint. It's important to alleviate these stiff joints to heal correctly and prevent any future complications happening in the past!

 

United Rehab - Manual Therapy in Holbrook NY

 

If you are experiencing back pain and want to learn more about manual therapy, contact United Rehab Manual Therapy in Holbrook, NY. We believe the best care is utilized through personalized treatments, and we can help determine which plan is right for you. It's important to alleviate these stiff joints to heal correctly and prevent any future complications happening in the past! Let us help you live life pain-free! Click here to learn more about our services today!