An In-Depth Understanding of Manual Therapy

What is manual therapy? It is a physical treatment that involves applying pressure to the muscles and manipulating joints to ease pain and tension. Manual therapy can aid in managing chronic muscle pain problems and in the improvement of range of motion in patients.

Manual therapy is not a commonly known form of physical therapy . However, it has been proven to be an effective pain management method. Patients with severe lower back discomfort, in particular, can benefit greatly. According to studies, it may also promote flexibility and relax tense muscles.

What is Manual Therapy

Manual therapy has a lengthy history in the physical therapy profession, and physiotherapists have made significant contributions to the current range of manual therapy methodologies. Manual physical therapy treats soft tissue injuries, joint inflammation, and discomfort.

 It is also beneficial for improving range of motion, mobility, and function. Manual therapists use their hands to manipulate different tissue types, understanding human anatomy in order to diagnose and treat patients. Massage is a manual physical therapy technique that a manual therapist can utilize to relieve symptoms and treat problems.

How it works 

Manual physical therapy is a subcategory of physical treatment delivered with the hands rather than a machine or medical equipment. Applying pressure to muscle tissue and manipulating joints helps to relieve pain or tension felt in the muscles. 

A manual therapist performs variable speed, force, and distance motions to improve joint alignment. Practitioners use muscle energy techniques to coach you through particular muscle actions while using their hands or bodies to provide resistance. This technique is used to find relief with shortened or spastic muscles and give more mobility to a restricted joint.

Muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other membranes and tissues that link, support, or surround your body's structures and organs are soft tissues. Your therapist will use soft tissue mobilization to break down tension causing inflammatory conditions or limited mobility. Your therapist will apply pressure to various muscles and soft tissues.

The goal is to boost circulation, break up scar tissue, and relieve pain. Mobilization and manipulation are techniques used when your therapist works on repositioning your joints utilizing various movements and techniques. 

The Benefits

There are numerous benefits of manual therapy, such as improving joint mobility and range of motion. It can also help to reduce inflammation and muscle tension and assist with pain relief. As well, manual therapy can help support your muscles to relax while encouraging more effortless movements for exercising. 

Manual therapy helps patients benefit from a holistic approach because it is very hands-on. The manual therapist will employ a customized treatment plan that caters to the particular needs of their patient while being completely aware of their lifestyle and the goals they wish to achieve with the therapy. Each patient can foster effective movement patterns and progress toward their specific health objectives by adopting several strategies.

Schedule a Session Today!

Now that you are better versed in the fundamentals of manual therapy, please consider booking a session with us today. Here at Versa Movement Collective, our physiotherapists provide expert advice and care to all our patients. 

We mainly offer our physiotherapy services in the Calgary area. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services, please do not hesitate to call our clinic at 403-727-0802. You can also send us an email via our contact page .