The Many Benefits of Hands-On Manual Therapy - How Will it Help You?

Are you suffering from pain as a result of injury, illness, or surgical procedure? If so, it is likely that you would benefit from manual physical therapy. If you are apprehensive, let us ease your mind a bit:

We receive many first-time physical therapy patients who come in thinking their treatments will be painful, uncomfortable, or even agonizing due to the condition they are in. However, that is not the case at all! Our Washington PT & Rehabilitation physical therapists have several tools in their arsenal that are meant to relieve your pain, while simultaneously improving your body's function.

How does hands-on manual therapy work?

Manual therapy is just one tool in a physical therapist's kit that allows them to mobilization stiff joints and soft tissue. This specialized form of treatment helps in reducing swelling, decreasing restriction, mobilizing joints, and increasing your range of motion. Our physical therapists have received extensive training in specialized hands-on manual therapy techniques from a wide variety of schools and instructors.

Are there different types of manual physical therapy?

Physical therapy techniques may include, but are not limited to:

• Manual traction
  When our physical therapists perform manual traction, they will apply gentle force to a certain area of the body, in order to gently stretch the soft tissues and restore normal, natural movement. While the neck is the most common area for manual traction, it can also be performed on other parts of the body, including the arms, legs, and back.

• Soft Tissue Massage
  Physical therapy massage treatments are a little different than those you might see at a spa. These are more therapeutic in nature, and with a medical intention. Our Kirkland, WA physical therapists use massage treatments as a way to manipulate the soft tissues, working to break up scar tissue and adhesions caused by inflammation or injury. This is done through deep pressure and rhythmic stretching, allowing them to find and mobilize areas of your body that are heavily restricted. These techniques also help to improve blood flow and circulation of the affected muscles and soft tissues.

• Mobilization
  When you experience severe pain after sustaining an injury, it is usually the result of a restricted joint. Our physical therapists are specially trained in mobilizations to restricted joints by applying pressure at a low velocity. Mobilization techniques are safe, effective, and painless, allowing for an increase in your range of motion, and the improvement of the restricted joint’s mobility.

How safe is hands-on manual therapy?

Manual therapy is very safe! One of the greatest aspects of hands-on manual therapy is that it is non-invasive. It also doesn’t require any harmful medications. Instead, our physical therapists use a variety of techniques that help move your tendons, ligaments, and joints in ways that relieve pain and promote healing. They also help in reducing scar tissue and minimizing swelling.

Our Kirkland, WA physical therapists are highly trained medical professionals who understand the limitations of your body, as well as its capabilities. In fact, many patients notice improvement after just one session of hands-on manual therapy!

How will hands-on manual therapy fit into my treatment plan?

Our Kirkland, WA physical therapists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating movement disorders. These disorders often occur following surgery, especially if a patient has undergone total joint replacement. However, many physicians will also prescribe physical therapy treatments for injuries, accidents, or illnesses - essentially, anything that makes you feel weak and unable to function at your normal physical levels.

Your treatment plan will likely include several different therapies, all aimed at helping a specific function of your body. Some exercises may focus on improving your balance and strength, while others may focus on increasing your range of motion. Manual therapy is a crucial part of a treatment plan, as it helps to reduce pain and swelling, minimize inflammation, and increase range of motion. If you are interested in gaining the many benefits of hands-on manual therapy, contact Washington Physical Therapy today! Our dedicated physical therapists will be happy to meet with you get you moving once again.