Hands-On Techniques

Discover the Powerful Benefits of Hands-On Techniques

Manual therapy is a specialized approach within physical therapy that involves using hands-on techniques to assess, diagnose, and treat various musculoskeletal conditions. Our physical therapists at Miss-Lou Physical Therapy use manual therapy, among other techniques, to help our patients restore their function, reduce pain, prevent injury, and promote overall well-being.

Key components of manual therapy include joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, and therapeutic exercises. These techniques help to relieve muscle tension, correct joint imbalances, and restore optimal movement patterns in patients with various injuries or disorders.

Manual therapy techniques are often used in conjunction with other physical therapy treatments, such as exercise, stretching, and strengthening, to help patients recover from injuries or manage chronic pain.

With a results-driven approach to patient care, our treatment plans can deliver effective results based on science-backed techniques and healing strategies. Whether you’ve had a recent injury, are suffering from symptoms of an underlying condition, or are unsure about the source of your pain, our physical therapists are here to help you safely recover and return to the activities you enjoy!

Schedule an appointment today to learn more.

Conditions That Our Physical Therapists Treat

At Miss-Lou Physical Therapy, our physical therapists often employ manual therapy techniques to address a variety of common conditions that hinder mobility and cause discomfort. This evidence-based approach allows therapists to alleviate symptoms and facilitate healing.

The most prevalent conditions treated with manual therapy include musculoskeletal disorders, soft tissue injuries, and chronic pain syndromes, including the following:

Neck and back pain: Studies have shown that manual therapy techniques such as massage or soft tissue mobilizations (gentle pressure along your muscles, tendons, and ligaments) can decrease pain and increase function. Hands-on treatment can relieve stiffness and get your spine moving better.

Headaches: Our physical therapists can treat headaches with manual therapy by examining the head and neck with hands-on pressure. This works by locating the stiff joints or cramped muscles and mobilizing the area to ease pressure and improve mobility. Manual therapy techniques such as trigger point release and joint mobilization can help alleviate tension headaches and migraines.

Sports injuries: We treat several sports injuries at Miss-Lou Physical Therapy with hands-on techniques, including joint mobilization and manipulation. These techniques have been proven effective in reducing pain and improving range of motion in patients suffering from disorders, including:

Sprains and strains: Stretching or tearing of ligaments (fibrous tissue that connects bones and joints) or overstretching or overusing muscles and tendons.
Repetitive stress: Overuse injuries that result in inflammation of muscles, tendons, and/or joints.

Pelvic floor dysfunction: Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include constipation, muscle spasms in the pelvic area, and leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or running. Manual therapy can help treat pelvic floor dysfunction by improving blood flow to the affected muscles, as well as helping muscles stretch and relax.

Chronic pain syndromes: Conditions like fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome are characterized by persistent pain and tenderness and can significantly impact your quality of life.

Our highly skilled physical therapists use manual therapy techniques to address your symptoms by employing a personalized, evidence-based approach designed to promote healing and restore function.

Wondering if physical therapy is right for you? Schedule an appointment to learn more about our evidence-based care plans!

Manual Therapy Techniques

Our physical therapists excel at providing comprehensive evaluations to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients. To begin, a detailed medical history will be collected, helping the therapist understand any underlying conditions, previous injuries, or ongoing concerns. This crucial step allows for the development of a targeted and effective treatment strategy.

Next, a hands-on assessment will be conducted by the physical therapist. This assessment involves palpation and observation to identify areas of pain, tightness, and dysfunction. The hands-on approach provides valuable insight into the root causes of your discomfort.

To further evaluate your condition, range of motion and strength testing will be performed. These tests allow the therapist to pinpoint specific limitations and design a personalized rehabilitation program to restore optimal function.

Our therapists will use specific research-supported treatments depending on your condition and symptoms. Common hands-on techniques include:

Soft tissue mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization is an effective way to relieve pain and tension by targeting the soft tissues of the body. Your therapist will manipulate the tissues in your muscles, tendons, and fascia to restore tissue movement and alleviate tension.

Myofascial release

Myofascial release therapy is a type of gentle massage intended to release tightness and pain throughout your myofascial tissues. Your physical therapist will locate the restrictions in your fascial tissues. Then, they’ll apply gentle pressure until the tension is released.

Passive stretching

Passive stretching is fully led by your therapist so that you are able to fully rest your body in a specific position. This method can help restore your range of motion and increase flexibility.

Joint mobilization and manipulation

Our therapists use joint mobilization and manipulation methods to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints. These techniques work by guiding the joints and surrounding tissues with mild to strong forces, and varying speeds. Both mobilizations and manipulation can effectively reduce pain, improve your range of motion, and restore function.

Trigger point therapy

Another effective way to release tension, trigger point therapy works by applying pressure to specific areas of tightness or “knots” within muscles. This can help to reduce pain and improve muscle function.

Our physical therapists take pride in using an evidence-based approach in their practice. We specialize in treating all types of soft tissue disorders with manual therapy techniques and various other treatment methods like stretching and strengthening exercises, all aimed at achieving all your goals!

Ready to experience optimal results? Contact our clinic today and start your journey to recovery!

What to expect at physical therapy sessions

Our physical therapy practice strives to optimize your health and vitality with our comprehensive, evidence-based approach. Our dedicated physical therapists ask about your past and present health conditions, surgeries, injuries, and lifestyle habits. This thorough evaluation helps us understand your unique situation so we can tailor our treatment plan to meet your specific needs.

We identify essential insights into your physical capabilities and limitations by assessing your joints and gauging your muscle strength. We’ll also conduct comprehensive balance, coordination, and functional movement screens to identify any abnormalities contributing to your discomfort or limiting your activities.

Our evidence-based evaluation allows us to develop targeted interventions to improve your gait and overall mobility. Common treatments may include the following:

Manual Therapy

This form of physical therapy treatment involves hands-on techniques therapists perform to increase joint mobility, reduce pain, and facilitate movement.

Neuromuscular Re-education

This treatment approach is designed to restore normal body movement patterns. It involves techniques that retrain the nervous system to control and coordinate muscle activity effectively.

Therapeutic Exercises

These are specific exercises tailored to your individual needs, with the aim is to improve or restore physical function and help you manage your conditions.

Patient Education

This crucial component of your rehab involves teaching you about your conditions, the healing process, and how to prevent future injuries. We’ll provide instructions on correct body mechanics during daily activities, ergonomic advice for workplace settings, or guidelines for home exercise programs.

Our commitment to research-backed methods ensures you receive the most effective, results-oriented care possible. Physical therapy at Miss-Lou Physical Therapy doesn’t just alleviate symptoms—it also improves overall function.