Injury, age-related conditions and recovering from surgery can all cause pain and severely limit your normal range of motion. Along with other modes of treatment, physical therapy should be an essential part of your plan to find relief and regain mobility.
One of the main tools in a physical therapist’s toolbox is manual therapy, which refers to several specific hands-on techniques. By manipulating the muscles, bones and joints in a specific area, a therapist can help that part of the body improve functioning.
To determine if manual therapy can help you if you are a Grand Rapids, Michigan, patient seeking a return to an active lifestyle, Advent Physical Therapy is sharing the following information. We’re passionate about delivering top-tier care and want to help you make an informed treatment decision that’s right for you.
What types of conditions and injuries can manual therapy help with?
Manual therapy uses methods like joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, targeted stretches and muscle contraction to increase range of motion and improve blood flow to the area, among other benefits. These methods can be effective for a very wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including:
- Neck pain, back pain and related symptoms
- Shoulder pain, arm pain and wrist pain
- Pelvic pain, hip pain and knee pain
- Foot and ankle pain
- Headaches
- Post-surgical recovery
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia and chronic pain
Physical therapy for these and other conditions can also include strength and stability exercises, dry needling, biofeedback and instruction on exercises and therapies that can be performed at home. When seeking a manual therapist, it’s important to find someone with the right skills and experience treating your condition. You also shouldn’t forget the importance of personal rapport in the treatment process — if you feel comfortable and at-ease with your provider, it can have a positive impact on your care.
The manual therapy experts at Advent Physical Therapy
Since 1996, Advent has been helping west Michigan patients get their lives back with manual therapy and a full range of physical therapy offerings. With multiple clinics right in Grand Rapids, we’re here to help if you’re seeking manual therapy to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Learn more about how we can help by contacting us and scheduling your initial appointment.