Manual Therapy

Are You Looking for a Safe, Non-Invasive, and Effective Way to Treat Pain? Try Manual Therapy

Are you in recovery from a surgical procedure or recent injury? Have you been diagnosed with a condition that’s causing you aches and pains? If so, manual therapy is a safe, non-invasive, and effective way to treat your pain.

Our Bellaire, OH physical therapists are highly trained in helping you relieve your pain while also improving your physical function. To find out more about our services and how manual therapy can benefit you, contact Valley Rehab Center today!

What is manual therapy?

Also referred to as “hands-on therapy,” manual therapy is a specialized treatment method performed by physical therapists without the use of intimidating equipment or machines – it is performed by manipulating joints and soft tissue with nothing more than the hands.

This effective treatment method is used as a way to relieve pain, reduce swelling, decrease restriction, improve range of motion, and mobilize joints. At your initial appointment, one of our Bellaire, OH physical therapists may prescribe this treatment to you.

Is manual therapy a safe method of treatment?

In a word, yes! Manual therapy is a non-invasive way to achieve the results you want, without the need for any harmful drugs or surgical correction. There are a variety of techniques associated with manual therapy that work to move your tendons, ligaments, and joints in a very specific way that generates pain relief and healing.

Our Bellaire, OH physical therapists are highly-trained medical professionals who understand both the capabilities and limitations of your body. Many of our patients even notice relief after just one manual therapy session!

Types of manual therapy:

There are several different types of manual therapy. The most common include:

• Manual traction – Manual traction is done by applying gentle pressure to certain areas of the body, in order to stretch it out. One of the most common areas to receive manual traction is the neck; however, our physical therapist may also recommend it for different areas of your body. When manual traction is performed as a treatment for neck pain, our physical therapist will have you lie down on your back while they gently stretch the spaces between your vertebrae. This is done by taking the base of the skull in one hand and chin in the other while applying slight pressure. Manual traction treatments are generally done for 5-10 seconds at a time.
• Massage – Massage treatments performed by a physical therapist are a bit different than those you might receive at a spa. They are meant to be more therapeutic in nature, rather than relaxing. At Valley Rehab Center, we use therapeutic massage treatments as a way to manipulate the soft tissues. This is done through deep pressure and rhythmic stretching, allowing our physical therapist to find and mobilize areas of your body that are heavily restricted. By doing this, our physical therapist is able to break up any scar tissue or adhesions in the affected body part(s).
• Joint mobilization/manipulation – If you have recently sustained an injury, you may be experiencing severe pain. This pain typically the result of a restricted joint. Fortunately, our Bellaire, OH physical therapists are trained in loosening restricted joints by applying pressure at a low velocity. Joint mobilization and manipulation techniques are safe, effective, and painless. They also allow for the breakdown of the affected joint’s barrier, resulting in an improved range of motion.
• Lymphatic drainage – Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling in the arms and legs, due to a blockage in the lymphatic system. It is typically a concern for those who have undergone complex surgical procedures. If you are suffering from lymphedema, one of our experienced physical therapists can perform manual lymphatic drainage by applying light pressure (similar to a massage) to the affected arm or leg, in order to encourage the drainage of fluid, or “lymph.” Lymphatic drainage is typically followed by compression, in order to reduce swelling.

Get pain relief today with manual therapy!

At our Bellaire, OH physical therapy office, we have the most dedicated team of physical therapists in the area. Our physical therapists are movement experts and will work hard to design you an individualized treatment plan for your specific needs that gets you moving again. Some targeted exercises may focus on improving strength and balance, while others may focus more on improving your range of motion. All exercises and treatments will be based around the same goal – improving your overall function.

Manual therapy can become a crucial part of your recovery, simply by contacting Valley Rehab Center today. Don’t suffer from aches and pains any longer! Get started on your path toward long-lasting relief today.