Hands-On Physical Therapy (Manual Therapy)

Many patients arrive at their first physical therapy appointment expecting to receive hot packs, ultrasound and instructions on how to complete a series of exercises. These modalities are warranted in many instances and most therapists would agree that exercise is needed to help restore muscle imbalances. However, many therapists now approach the restoration of function from a different perspective as do we. We are interested in why a muscle isn't functioning properly and view exercise not as the driving mode of recovery but as a complement to manual therapy.

In general, manual physical therapy techniques employ the following types of movement:

• Soft Tissue Work, including Myofacial Release Trigger Point Therapy applies pressure to the soft tissues of the body such as the muscles. This pressure can help relax muscles, increase circulation, break up scar tissues, and ease pain.


• Mobilization / Manipulation, uses measured movements of varying speed, force, and distances to re-align joints into position. This can help loosen tight tissues around a joint, reduce pain in a joint and help with flexibility and alignment.