WHAT IS MANUAL THERAPY?
Manual therapy, also known as hands-on physical therapy, is a form of physical therapy that is performed with hands as opposed to a machine. With the help of our sports medicine physical therapy in Midtown West, a physical therapist will apply pressure to muscles or manipulate joints. The three main aspects of manual therapy are soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and joint manipulation.
Soft Tissue Mobilization – Helps with muscle relaxation, pain relief, increased circulation, and breaking up of scar tissue by applying pressure to soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments).
Joint Mobilization – Helps with pain relief and increased mobility through either sustained pressure or rhythmic oscillation applied to joints.
Joint Manipulation – Only used when joint mobilization becomes ineffective. It helps with increased joint mobility and function as well as pain relief by using a high velocity, low amplitude thrust applied to the joint. Often produces a popping sound as gas is released.
What Does Manual Therapy Treat?
Manual therapy is primarily used when muscles and joints lack mobility that results in pain, discomfort, and altered function and posture. The goal is to return a normal movement pattern to the affected joints as well as release tension. There are a number of injuries and conditions that benefit from receiving manual therapy such as:
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Muscle tension and spasms
- Foot, ankle and knee issues
- Hip pain
- Hand, shoulder, and wrist pain
- Migraines
- Fibromyalgia
- Herniated disc
Sports Medicine Physical Therapy in Midtown West
If you find yourself suffering from one of the above, sports medicine physical therapy in Midtown West would be beneficial to you. Manual therapy is an important step in the recovery process, and you want a skilled physical therapist to perform this hands-on treatment.
We Can Help!
If you are in need of sports medicine physical therapy in Midtown West, consider First Health Physical Therapy! Located in the heart of Manhattan, we know how hard the hustle and bustle of the big city can be on your joints. Don’t wait, contact us today and get started with sports medicine physical therapy in Midtown West!