Manual Therapy & Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Do you have pain from an auto accident injury, a work-related incident, recent surgery, or a chronic illness? You would likely benefit from professional physical therapy. However, most people who have never been under the care of a physical therapist think that therapy is painful, uncomfortable, or even agonizing. Instead, physical therapists have several tools in their arsenal to help relieve your pain while improving your body’s function. Curious? Contact Sports and Orthopaedic Therapy Services today to find out how you can begin living your life with less pain.

What is Manual Therapy?

Manual therapy is a specialized tool in a physical therapist’s kit that allows them to manipulate joints and soft tissue with nothing more than their hands. In an effort to increase range of motion, reduce swelling, and decrease restriction, a physical therapist will massage, manipulate, and stretch different areas of the body. This is a critical component of post-surgical rehabilitation and pain management.

Effective Techniques We Use

Lymphatic Drainage
One of the primary concerns for patients undergoing surgery, particularly for breast cancer, is lymphedema. This condition causes swelling in the arms and legs because the lymphatic system is blocked. During manual lymphatic drainage, your physical therapist will apply light pressure to encourage the flow of lymph. This specialized care is often covered by major health insurance plans.

Manual Traction
Manual traction is done by applying gentle force to an area of the body to stretch it. Most often, manual traction is done on the neck as a treatment for neck pain and whiplash symptoms from car accidents. While you lie on your back, our physical therapist gently takes the base of your skull and chin to stretch the spaces between your vertebrae.

Therapeutic Massage
Massage at a physical therapist’s office is therapeutic rather than the relaxing massage you would find at a spa. Physical therapists manipulate soft tissues to break up scar tissue adhesions caused by injuries or surgeries. Using deep pressure and rhythmic stretching, they mobilize areas with the most restriction.

Mobilization / Manipulation
Most pain that follows an injury happens as the result of a restricted joint. Our Silver Spring physical therapists are able to loosen restricted joints by applying pressure at a low velocity. Safe, effective, and painless, this type of manual therapy increases range of motion—a key factor in workers' compensation claims where restoring function is essential.

Is Manual Therapy Safe?

The best thing about manual therapy is that it is non-invasive and does not involve taking heavy pain medications. Instead, physical therapists use a variety of techniques to move your muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons to relieve pain, reduce scar tissue, minimize swelling, and help the healing process. Physical therapists are highly trained medical professionals who understand the limitations of your body as well as its capabilities.

Role in Your Treatment Program

Physical therapists are trained to diagnose and treat movement disorders. These often occur after surgery, especially when a joint is replaced. However, physical therapy can also be prescribed after an accident, injury, or illness. Manual therapy is used as an integral part of your physical therapy program to minimize inflammation.

For more information, or to schedule your appointment with one of our physical therapists, contact us at our Silver Spring, MD center today.