Manual Therapy
in Beachwood, OH

Manual Therapy
in Beachwood, OH

What is Manual Therapy?

Manual Therapy is one of many tools that a physical therapist can have in their “toolbox” to help alleviate your pain. Manual therapy involves the use of our hands, using specific techniques which allow us to mobilize and manipulate joints and soft tissue. Manual therapy helps to decrease restrictions in soft tissue, increase joint mobility, improves range of motion and reduces swelling.

While many people fear treatments may be painful or uncomfortable given their current condition, let us put your mind at ease! The use of manual therapy coupled with one-on-one treatment sessions allows for open communication with you, allowing for gradual progression with the treatment.

How Effective is Manual Therapy?

Manual Therapy has a wealth of support for its positive effects in improving pain and mobility. Rooted in the science of human anatomy and biomechanics (movement of the human body), the techniques address the root cause of your pain along with the restrictions or limitations in the joint and/or tissue (muscle, tendon, ligaments) resulting in the return to the proper alignment and body mechanics.

When combined with stretching and strengthening programs, it has been proven to provide lasting effects in reduction of pain and increased mobility.

Dr. DeSantis administering physical therapy for neck pain

Forms of Manual Therapy

Mobilization/
Manipulation

Often times, injuries or chronic imbalances within our bodies can create joint restrictions resulting in decreased motion and pain. Our therapists are trained in techniques to loosening these restrictions by applying low velocity pressure. These techniques are safe, effective and painless allowing for the breakdown of joint restriction, increasing range of motion and decreasing pain.

Massage/
Myofascial Release

Massage by a physical therapist is not quite the same as what you receive from a masseuse. Therapeutic massage uses deep pressure and stretching to locate restrictions in the body in order to mobilize the tissue with the goal of breaking up scar tissue and adhesions caused by injury and inflammation. While very effective in reducing pain, they are meant to be therapeutic in nature verses relaxing.

Manual Traction/
Distraction

Manual traction is not just for the spine and it’s not a table or machine. The therapist applies gentle force to a certain area of the body in order to stretch and create space in the joint, which reduces pressure and relieves pain . It can be used for the neck and spine as well as joints throughout the arms and legs. The holds are typically 5-10 seconds in duration, and are combined with other stretching techniques.

What Can Manual Therapy Treat?

Manual Therapy is appropriate for many conditions including but not limited to:

  • Neck Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Post-Op Joint Replacements
  • Muscle Spasms
  • Hip problems
  • Knee injuries
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Elbow/Wrist/Hand Issues
  • Ankle and Foot Problems