Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy: Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques performed by a trained therapist to manipulate joints and soft tissues, such as muscles and tendons. The goal of manual therapy is to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and restore function. Techniques may include:
- Soft tissue mobilization: Gentle pressure and stretching techniques applied to muscles and connective tissues to release tension and improve flexibility.
- Joint mobilization: Passive movement of a joint by the therapist to restore normal joint mechanics and alleviate stiffness.
- Myofascial release: Applying sustained pressure to myofascial trigger points to release tension and improve blood flow.
Mobilization: Mobilization is a subset of manual therapy that focuses on restoring joint mobility through gentle movements and stretching. It is typically performed by a physical therapist or chiropractor and may involve:
- Passive range of motion exercises: The therapist moves the joint through its available range of motion without the patient’s active participation.
- Active-assisted range of motion: The patient performs controlled movements with the assistance of the therapist to improve joint flexibility and function.
- Neural mobilization: Techniques aimed at releasing tension in the nerves surrounding the joint to reduce pain and improve nerve function.
Mobilization is often used to treat conditions such as joint stiffness, arthritis, and sports injuries. It can help improve joint function, reduce pain, and prevent further injury when performed correctly.
Chiropractic Therapy: Chiropractic therapy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other manual techniques to adjust misaligned vertebrae and restore proper alignment. Some common chiropractic techniques include:
- Spinal manipulation: High-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts applied to the spine to realign vertebrae and alleviate pressure on the nerves.
- Joint mobilization: Gentle movements of the joints to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Soft tissue therapy: Massage and stretching techniques to relax tight muscles and improve circulation.
Chiropractic therapy is commonly used to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal conditions. It aims to restore the body’s natural balance and promote self-healing without the use of drugs or surgery.