Manual PT

Manual physical therapy is a method where physical therapists use hand movements only. Despite all of the equipment on the market, there are ways to get lasting results from the human touch, depending on your suffering. Tissues, joints, and muscles can be manipulated to reduce your overall discomfort. The outcome can be life-changing whether you’re dealing with pain, inflammation, or restriction.

When Is Manual Therapy Needed?

There are numerous reasons why a physical therapist in Flagstaff, AZ, might recommend manual therapy for their patients. Poor posture, genetic conditions, injuries, and the general aging process can all cause people to lose agility or deal with general aches and pains throughout the course of the day. Manual therapy may be recommended to ease tension and help patients return to their everyday routines. If you wake up in the morning with a constant crick, or you find that you can’t climb a flight of stairs without feeling it in your hips, it may be time to talk to someone who can help.

What Are Some Basic Manual Physical Therapy Techniques?

The most common technique for manual physical therapists is the art of massage. A manual physical therapist will use their hands to detect abnormalities within the body and then apply pressure to all of the right places.

Suppose you’ve considered making an appointment with another practitioner who specializes in this technique, such as a chiropractor or masseuse. In that case, you should know that all professionals will do everything they can to infuse life back into your muscles and joints. The difference between other professions and a physical therapist is that a physical therapist typically combines a few methodologies to give you the most long-lasting results. In addition to their training and understanding of the human body, manual physical therapists will often work with their patients on a one-on-one basis, giving them more insight into how the patient’s posture and patterns affect their mobility.

Here are just a few other things that a physical therapist might try:

• Soft tissue therapy: This method can do wonders to break up scar tissue in the body and improve circulation. Similar to a massage, soft tissue is a more targeted technique that relies on an innate understanding of the patient’s anatomy. A manual physical therapist can assess and treat a wide variety of movement disorders this way.
• Joint manipulation: A physical therapist may manipulate the joints by twisting, pushing, or pulling them (and, by extension, your bones) to relieve pain and promote healing around the surrounding tissues. This is a popular request for anyone who wants to regain their flexibility. While this may sound painful at first glance, these movements do not have to be fast and forceful. They can work at a variety of different speeds to ensure that their patients see results.
• Strain-counterstain: This gentle technique is designed to correct any irregularities with your reflexes. This is often the best alternative if any of the above methods would be too painful for a patient who wants to correct any structural imbalances or posture issues.

Manual Physical Therapists in Flagstaff, AZ

At Basecamp Physical Therapy, patients will find a staff that has a wide range of specialties. Whether you’re looking for a specific technique or not, we can help you find a treatment plan that will get you back on your feet.