What Are Manual Therapy Techniques Offered at a Physical Therapy Clinic?
Manual therapy techniques utilized at a physical therapy clinic are much different than the Swedish massage you might receive at the spa. While they both involve pressure being applied to the body, they each have their own purpose.
Here’s what you can expect when you receive manual therapy at a physical therapy clinic.
How Manual Therapy at a Physical Therapy Clinic is Beneficial
It’s no secret that massages are rehabilitative. In fact, they can lead to a decrease in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. But, the rehabilitative value of manual therapy used at a physical therapy clinic goes far beyond massage, allowing therapists to provide an even greater holistic benefit to you compared to the massage at a local spa.
Physical therapy manual therapy is an “outcome-based,” site-specific treatment that has been shown to be of far greater benefit than massage. Physical therapy exercise intervention in conjunction with manual therapy has been demonstrated to be even of greater value to you than either alone. The combination of manual therapy and exercise at physical therapy is the ultimate rehabilitative program getting you back doing what you want to do.
At Twin Boro, our hands-on therapists will create a customized physical therapy treatment plan depending on the client’s specific needs to ensure that the goals of the treatment plan are met most effectively. Generally, some combination of manual therapy and exercise will lead to your desired functional gains.
Four Common Manual Therapy Techniques Used at a Physical Therapy Clinic
Myofascial Release Therapy
Fascia is connective tissue between the nerves, bones and muscles. Gently applying sustained pressure and movement, myofascial release physical therapy is used to increase blood supply to the area, loosen the fascia system, ease pain and restore range of motion. This hands-on treatment is considered one of the most effective forms of manual physical therapy.
Trigger Point Myotherapy and Neuromuscular Therapy
Designed to relieve pain and restore injured tissues back to normal function, this soft-tissue manipulation addresses muscular imbalances, nerve entrapment, ischemia and trigger points. Balancing the central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system, highly trained physical therapists locate trigger points to release spasms and use massage and passive stretching to decrease pain and improve blood flow.
Sports Manual Therapy
Every sport places different stressors on different muscle groups. Sports manual physical therapy can be used for athletes as a preventative measure and for those peaking for or recovering from a competition. Sports manual therapy at a physical therapy clinic is also effectively used to treat sports injuries and improve the quality of healing.
Acupressure Therapy
Similar to acupuncture, acupressure is considered an ancient healing art that uses gentle to firm pressure on key points of the body. When used properly, acupressure therapy promotes circulation of blood flow which helps to relieve pain and tension.
Get the Relief You Need at Twin Boro Physical Therapy Clinic
Manual therapy can enhance healing time and reduce pain and inflammation. Whether you are facing a summer sports injury or other physical therapy issue, manual therapy can be an effective addition to your treatment plan.
Need help finding the best physical therapy clinic for manual therapy?
Visit one of our physical therapy clinics to learn more about how manual therapy can help you. With 51 locations throughout New Jersey, we make it easy to find a physical therapy clinic near you. Simply search for your closest location using your zip code.
Why Choose Twin Boro
Voted Readers’ Choice Best of New Jersey in 2013, Twin Boro has provided NJ residents with high quality physical therapy and rehab for over 38 years! It’s our award-winning approach, proven results and reputation that sets us apart. By incorporating the One2Four program into each patient’s program, the latest and most reliable scientific research and techniques is incorporated into effective evidence-based practice, we deliver only the highest standard of care with the unique One2Four approach.
It’s no surprise that Twin Boro Physical Therapy has also been voted the best physical therapy practice in New Jersey by the readers of mycentraljersey.com.
