Have you heard the phrase “manual therapy”? No, it doesn’t mean we’re going step-by-step through a handbook or manual during your physical therapy sessions…. Manual therapy is the assessment and treatment of neurological, cardio-respiratory, and orthopedic problems through hands-on interventions. A skilled manual therapist is able to evaluate and address diagnoses by rolling up their sleeves and feeling their way through treatment. The objective of manual therapy is to treat the neuro-orthopedic component of any disorder by focusing on the cause of disease or condition itself. The treatment can utilize massage, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, joint and nerve mobilization, joint manipulation, and muscle energy techniques.
Benefits of manual therapy include:
- Effective for acute and chronic pain
- Helpful in relaxing muscles and breaking up scar tissue
- Useful in increasing joint movement beyond restricted range of motion
- Helpful in reducing painful muscle spasms
SMARTY PANTS
Seven of our physical therapists at Elite are actively completing coursework and education hours to obtain their FAAOMPT (Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy). This is the highest form of education for physical therapists, and currently, there are only 22 registered Fellows in the state of South Carolina.
While manual therapy is a great resource to utilize during treatment sessions, that’s not all we put to action. We may also incorporate a variety of exercises, equipment based therapy (such as dry needling or electronic stimulation), and ultrasound. Each patient is different, so we’re sure to complete a full assessment before launching a course of treatment to make sure your plan is individualized to you!
