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Hands-On Healing – Manual Physical Therapy for Pain Relief

November 22, 2023
Hands-On Healing – Manual Physical Therapy for Pain Relief

Manual physiotherapy is a crucial aspect of physiotherapy that involves hands-on techniques to diagnose, evaluate, and treat a wide array of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions. It involves a hands-on approach to treatment offered by a physiotherapist that comprises various techniques such as muscle energy techniques, joint mobilisation, and soft tissue mobilisation. Most patients anticipate receiving hot packs, an ultrasound, and directions on how to carry out a set of exercises when they go in for their initial physical therapy appointment.

Most therapists would advise that exercise is necessary to help repair muscle imbalances, even though these methods are justified in many situations. But many therapists now take a different tack when it comes to function restoration. These therapists are concerned with the causes of a muscle’s dysfunction and see back exercise as a supplement to manual therapy rather than the primary means of healing. For instance, instead of exercising the piriformis muscle directly to treat piriformis syndrome, they can try to restore correct sacroiliac or lumbar joint function as piriformis tightness could be a secondary issue.

Pain Management Physiotherapy

What is manual physiotherapy?

Manual physiotherapy that is administered manually rather than by a machine or piece of equipment is known as manual physiotherapy. To lessen back pain brought on by muscle spasms, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction, practitioners of manual therapy apply pressure to muscle tissue and move joints with their hands.

Types of manual physical therapy for pain relief

Manual physical therapy comprises a wide array of techniques that can be used to manage pain. Here are some of the common types of manual physical therapy used for pain relief.

  • Soft tissue mobilisation:

This technique involves manipulating soft tissues whilst applying pressure to ligaments, muscles, and tendons. This can aid in reducing pain by boosting circulation, breaking up scar tissue, and releasing tension.

  • Joint mobilisation:

Pain relief physiotherapy is a technique used to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. With the help of rhythmic movements, it helps to reduce stiffness and increase the range of motion.

  • Trigger point release:

This involves applying pressure to trigger points, and areas of muscle tenderness with the potential to cause pain in other parts of the body. Trigger point release helps to combat pain experienced whilst aiding in the improved functioning of muscles.

  • Myofascial release:

It is a technique that applies sustained pressure to the fascia, or connective tissue surrounding muscles and other soft tissues.

  • Muscle energy techniques:

These involve the activation of specific muscles whilst applying resistance. This not only curbs pain but also improves joint mobility.

  • Neural mobilisation:

It is a technique that helps bring mobility to the nerves whilst reducing pain. Its gentle movements applied to the nerves improve the ability to slide and glide within the tissues.

  • Passive stretching:

Extending or lengthening a muscle or set of muscles helps increase flexibility and range of motion in a particular area. Visit Southgate Physio, a leading manual therapy clinic that can help you determine the most appropriate technique for your needs.

Pain Management Physical Therapy

When to try hands-on physiotherapy?

For a variety of issues, manual physiotherapy can help address the physical concerns. For instance, joint mobilisations and passive stretching frequently play a crucial role in helping you regain your range of motion in the injured area after surgery or another procedure.

Following a more severe injury, such as a back or neck strain, certain manipulations and mobilisations may also be applied. Soft tissue massage can also help in managing complaints of chronic pain and enhancing engagement in the more active parts of therapy. Manual physiotherapy has been demonstrated to be beneficial for a wide variety of specific diseases.

Manual therapy costs

It might be challenging to calculate the cost of manual therapy. Most patients choose to use their insurance to cover their therapy costs, even though most therapists can provide you with an upfront price range for physiotherapy.

Conclusion

Depending on the results of the assessment, your healthcare provider may perform a combination of types of manual physical therapy as mentioned above. Get in touch with Southgate Physio and attain pain management physiotherapy.

If you want to know more, feel free to get in touch with us by calling 0208 3686767 or emailing us at info@southgatephysio.co.uk

Physiotherapy Services We Offer

Our clinic offers a wide range of treatments that are all recommended and tailored to everyone who comes and visits us. Our range of treatments complements the body and mind, helping to keep you pain and injury-free, delivering preventative measures to maintain your well-being and enhance your performance levels.

Our main aim is to restore your personal well-being so you can enjoy an active, healthy, and pain-free life. Click on any of the services to find out a little more about each treatment and understand if it might be right for you.

Simply Contact Us or give one of our physiotherapists a call on 02083686767 or email us on Info@southgatephysio.co.uk to book a physiotherapy appointment.

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