If you are suffering from an injury or chronic pain condition, manual physical therapy may be able to help. Physical therapy is a broad-based field that treats disorders of functional movement. The goal is to restore function and range of motion while eliminating pain. Manual physical therapy is a specific type of physical therapy that is generally used in conjunction with other forms of physical therapy. Here is what you should know.
What Is Manual Physical Therapy?
As the name suggests, manual physical therapy is a hands-on style of treatment. It includes a wide range of specific techniques such as joint mobilization, muscle stretching, passive movements, and movements designed to activate targeted muscles. Soft tissue techniques may also be used to boost the functioning of the tissues and nerves.
Manual physical therapy also employs the valuable healing effects of human touch. We find that patients who undergo manual physical therapy as part of their treatment plan tend to recover faster and feel an improved sense of wellness than those who participate solely in exercise programs.
How Is Manual Physical Therapy Different from Other Types of Therapies?
On the surface, manual physical therapy looks quite similar to massage and chiropractic care. However, manual physical therapy differs in several important ways. We perform a thorough assessment of your current movement patterns, range of motion, and compensatory movements, and then design an individualized treatment plan to meet your specific needs and goals. We use manual physical therapy alongside other treatment techniques such as stretching and strengthening exercises for a comprehensive approach to recovery, and we continually assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
What Conditions Are Treated with Manual Physical Therapy?
Virtually any acute or chronic pain condition that causes soft-tissue and/or joint restrictions can benefit from manual physical therapy. Our targeted techniques relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore normal functioning in the targeted area of the body.
Manual Physical Therapy Techniques
At Manhattan Physical Therapy and Pain Center, we employ a wide range of manual physical therapy techniques. These include, but are not limited to:
- Joint mobilization
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Passive range of motion
- Flexibility stretches
- Myofascial release
- Trigger point release
Complementary Treatments
Along with stretching and strengthening exercises, we may supplement your manual physical therapy with techniques designed to further relieve pain and encourage flexibility and range of motion. These include:
- Ice
- Heat
- Electrical nerve or muscle stimulation
- Ultrasound massage
Injuries and pain conditions are highly individualized, and what works well for one person may not work at all for another. Therefore, we carefully assess each patient both before and throughout treatment, and we adjust our approach as needed. For many patients, though, manual physical therapy is a vital component in a broad, holistic treatment plan.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are ready for the latest physical therapy treatments for your pain or injury, contact Manhattan Physical Therapy and Pain Center today at (212) 213-3480 to learn how we can help.