Manual Therapy

Find Natural, Safe, and Effective Pain Relief With Manual Therapy

Get a Hands-On Approach to Your Pain with PT

Manual Therapy is a philosophy inasmuch as it is a set of manual techniques. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the definition of Manual Therapy is the skilled passive movement of joints (joint mobilization/manipulation) and soft tissues (soft tissue mobilization/specific localized massage). This also includes movement analysis and restoration of appropriate movement patterns. OMPT (Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy) is currently the only certified therapy recognized by the American Medical Association. The training for Manual Therapy specialization is very similar in nature with didactic and residency training for a Medical Doctor specializing in a particular medical domain.

Understanding manual therapy

In essence, Manual Therapy is a treatment philosophy which treats the whole patient using the best evidence-based methods and principled exercise prescription, different from just about any other Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinic. The highest order of orthopedic physical therapy problem-solving is required to achieve this excellence. Every therapist at Austin Manual Therapy Associates is recognized (or in training to be) as a Manual Physical Therapist by the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. Simply stated, Manual Therapy is the most effective holistic approach to providing the best Orthopedic Physical Therapy.

What does this mean to you?

Our training and attention to detail is perfectly matched to meet your needs, whether you are an elite-level athlete, a weekend-warrior exercise enthusiast, or someone expecting to be their best at work or at leisure. At Austin Manual Therapy Associates, we have a customized plan to help you achieve your best self. No cookie-cutter treatments. We treat the source of the pain, not just the symptoms. Contact us if you are interested to learn more about what we have to offer.

What are the different techniques of manual therapy?

Manual therapy techniques may include, but are not limited to:

Soft Tissue Massage

Physical therapy massage treatments are a little different than those you might see at a spa. These are more therapeutic in nature, and with a medical intention. Our Austin, TX physical therapists use massage treatments as a way to manipulate the soft tissues, working to break up scar tissue and adhesions caused by inflammation or injury. This is done through deep pressure and rhythmic stretching, allowing them to find and mobilize areas of your body that are heavily restricted. These techniques also help to improve blood flow and circulation of the affected muscles and soft tissues.

Mobilization

When you experience severe pain after sustaining an injury, it is usually the result of a restricted joint. Our physical therapists are specially trained in mobilizations to restricted joints by applying pressure at a low velocity. Mobilization techniques are safe, effective, and painless, allowing for an increase in your range of motion, and the improvement of the restricted joint’s mobility.

Manual Traction

When our physical therapists perform manual traction, they will apply gentle force to a certain area of the body, in order to gently stretch the soft tissues and restore normal, natural movement. While the neck is the most common area for manual traction, it can also be performed on other parts of the body, including the arms, legs, and back.

Schedule your appointment today!

Our Austin, TX physical therapists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating movement disorders. These disorders often occur following surgery, especially if a patient has undergone total joint replacement. However, many physicians will also prescribe physical therapy treatments for injuries, accidents, or illnesses – essentially, anything that makes you feel weak and unable to function at your normal physical levels.

Your treatment plan will likely include several different therapies, all aimed at helping a specific function of your body. Some exercises may focus on improving your balance and strength, while others may focus on increasing your range of motion. Manual therapy is a crucial part of a treatment plan, as it helps to reduce pain and swelling, minimize inflammation, and increase range of motion.

If you are interested in gaining the many benefits of manual therapy, request an appointment at Austin Manual Therapy Associates in Austin, TX today! Our dedicated physical therapists will be happy to meet with you and get you moving once again.