Manual Therapy Can Provide Natural, Safe Pain Relief
Do you suffer from pain as a result of an injury, disease, or surgical procedure? Manual therapy can assist in determining the best course of treatment for your specific needs. If you are concerned about undergoing manual therapy procedures, let Synergy Therapeutic Group reassure you:
Our physical therapists in Carbondale and , IL employ a variety of tools and treatment techniques to alleviate pain while also improving body function.
We receive many first-time physical therapy patients who feel that their appointments would be uncomfortable, unpleasant, or even agonizing because of their illness. However, this is not the case!
If you experience persistent, nagging pain, manual physical therapy could be the answer to your prayers. Call Synergy Therapeutic Group at one of our offices today to get started.
Manual therapy, defined
You might be wondering what manual therapy is. In short, it’s a safe, hands-on therapeutic technique administered to patients living with pain conditions as a result of illness or injury.
Our physical therapists at Synergy Therapeutic Group in Carbondale and , IL have received extensive training in specialized manual therapy methods from accredited institutions.
This kind of hands-on therapy is used to assist physical therapists in mobilizing rigid joints and soft tissue. It’s an advanced treatment method that assists in the reduction of swelling, reduction of restraint, mobilization of joints, and enhancement of mobility. If you’re wondering what the benefits of this therapeutic method are, keep reading!
Benefits of manual therapy for chronic pain conditions
There are several benefits to manual therapy. It’s a vital aspect of a successful physical therapy treatment plan, as it helps to reduce pain and swelling, minimize inflammation, and increase range of motion.
Your physical therapy rehabilitation plan will most likely include a number of therapies, one of which is targeted at optimizing a certain body function.
Some workouts are intended to enhance your posture and stamina, while others are intended to expand your range of motion.
Movement issues are normal after surgery, particularly if the patient has undergone a total joint replacement. Many primary care physicians may also prescribe physical therapy treatments for fractures, accidents, or infections – in other words, something that causes you to feel exhausted and unable to move as you normally would.
Our physical therapists in Carbondale and , IL are highly trained in diagnosing and treating movement disorders, so rest assured you can find the relief you need at our clinic.
Types of manual therapy techniques
There are a variety of manual therapy techniques available to patients. Manual therapy techniques may include, but are not limited to:
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Physical therapy massage therapies vary from what you would hope to see at a salon. These are more treatment-oriented and have a medicinal function.
Massage treatments are used by our physical therapists in Carbondale and , IL to split up scar tissue and adhesions created by inflammation or damage in order to manipulate the soft tissues.
This is accomplished by the use of deep pressure and rhythmic stretching, which assists them in locating and mobilizing highly restricted areas of the body.
These techniques also assist in increasing blood flow and circulation to the affected muscles and soft tissues.
Mobilization
Mobilization procedures are safe, effective, and painless, allowing for greater range of motion and versatility of the restricted joint.
When you experience extreme discomfort following an injury, it is usually the product of a limited joint.
Our physical therapists are specially qualified in mobilization of confined joints by applying pressure at a low velocity.
Manual traction
The trainer will apply gentle pressure to a certain area of the body during manual traction to gently stretch the soft tissues and restore normal, natural motion.
While this procedure can be used on other areas of the body, such as the arms, legs, and back, it is most often used on the neck.
Does manual therapy hurt?
Have no fear: manual therapy is safe, non-invasive, and painless.
The best thing about manual therapy, besides its awesome pain-relieving abilities, is the fact that it does not require the use of any harmful medications to work.
Instead, our physical therapists use a variety of techniques that shift the tendons, ligaments, and joints in ways that relieve pain and promote recovery. They also help with scar tissue removal and swelling reduction.
Our physical therapists are highly trained medical practitioners who appreciate both the body’s weaknesses and its capabilities. Many patients find progress after only one session of manual therapy at our clinics in Carbondale and , IL!
Thinking about giving manual therapy a try?
Are you feeling frustrated with movement restrictions? Are you unable to do many of the things you enjoy doing because of pain or discomfort? This can help you get back to enjoying a full, happy life. Our dedicated physical therapists are eager to meet with you to get you moving once again.
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Common Questions
What is manual therapy?
Manual therapy is hands-on treatment of muscles, joints, and soft tissue by a trained physical therapist. It includes joint mobilization, soft tissue work, myofascial release, and therapeutic massage. Unlike massage for relaxation, manual therapy is goal-directed — restoring movement, reducing pain, or breaking down scar tissue.
Is manual therapy painful?
There can be brief discomfort when working through tight tissue or stiff joints — usually a “good hurt” that releases as we work. Treatment itself should never cause sharp pain. We work within your comfort zone and adjust pressure based on your feedback throughout the session.
How is manual therapy different from massage?
Massage therapists work on muscle relaxation and circulation. Physical therapists doing manual therapy are licensed clinicians with diagnostic training — we work on specific dysfunctions (joint restrictions, fascial adhesions, nerve mobility) tied to your medical condition. Insurance often covers manual therapy as part of PT but rarely covers massage.