What Are the Different Types of Manual Therapy and When Are They Most Effective?
Identifying the different types of manual therapy and what conditions they treat
If you’re new to physical therapy, you probably haven’t heard of the term “manual therapy” before. However, once you start a treatment program, chances are you’ll experience the benefits of this healing method for yourself!
Manual therapy promotes blood flow for healing, improves tissue extensibility, and regains functional mobility. Rather than using a machine, modalities, or exercise equipment, manual physical therapy is a hands-on technique that is widely practiced because of its great benefits. Some strategies used in manual therapy include passive range of motion, joint mobilization, and muscle manipulation.
Our therapists at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy rely on manual therapy and its benefits for a range of disorders. If you’ve recently been struggling with pain, discomfort, or restricted movement, contact us to get started today!
What Is Manual Therapy?
Before diving into the different types of manual therapy, we must first understand what this method of treatment really is.
Manual therapy is a specialized physical therapy technique that applies hands-on therapy without any additional modalities or devices. This evidence-based approach is a highly effective way to increase range of motion, manipulate soft tissue, and mobilize joints, as well as reduce pain and inflammation that may be restricting movement. There are several different types of manual therapy, including:
Soft Tissue
Physical therapists emphasize soft tissue work during treatment since it plays such a prominent role in the healing process. Your body’s muscles, nerves, and tendons are all examples of soft tissue. This type of manual therapy will often include massage techniques that break and relax muscle tension, improve scar tissue, alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Joint Mobilization/ Manipulation
Manual therapy often includes joint mobilization and manipulation. These techniques help tremendously with pain reduction and help the body restore healthy functioning.
Strain-Counterstrain
Strain-Counterstrain makes use of passive body posture to move hypertonic (spasmed) muscles and dysfunctional joints into proper positions. This works by compressing or shortening the problematic muscle.
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs)
Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) are used to relax muscles and move joints. MET is a fantastic method for treating stiff joints and excessive muscle tension brought on by either strain or overuse.
Relief from Acute & Chronic Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common issues people struggle with. Manual therapy is an exceptional choice for relief from acute and chronic back pain by restoring mobility and easing tension.
Manual therapy for back pain may integrate massage therapy as well as joint and soft tissue mobilizations. The combination of these techniques can relieve stiffness and help your spine move better.
Benefits of Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a significant part of most patients’ treatment plans, either alone or combined with other methods. Some benefits of manual therapy include:
- Improves pain
- Increase joints mobility
- Relieves stiff joints
- Improves range of motion
- Repairs damaged tissues
- Improves tissue stability
- Reduces soft-tissue inflammation
- Eases muscle tension
- Promotes relaxation
Manual therapy is a unique method of treatment because, in addition to helping your body heal, most techniques have calming and relaxing effects. After assessing your condition and symptoms, your physical therapist will decide which type of manual therapy to use or may use more than one approach.
What Issues Does Manual Therapy Treat?
Manual therapy focuses heavily on spine and back problems such as acute and chronic back pain. However, the technique is implemented to treat a wide array of issues, including:
- Neck pain
- Neck injuries
- Hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder problems
- Hip, knee, ankle, or foot problems
- Accident-caused injuries
- Work-related injuries
- Muscle spasms/ tension
Evidence Supporting Manual Therapy for Pain Management
Studies have shown that manual therapy has proven to be successful in treating pain intensity, pain frequency, and disability, providing patients with a better quality of life. One study done on the effects of manual therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome demonstrates the effectiveness of manual therapy techniques based on soft tissue and neurodynamic mobilizations. During this analysis, patients exhibited significant pain relief and improved physical function.
Request an Appointment Today!
No matter what condition you’re faced with, our team at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy is eager to help you navigate the healing journey and achieve your recovery goals. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today!