Manual Physical Therapy

Manual Physical Therapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy delivered with the hands and is used in conjunction with conventional physiotherapy.

Manual therapists use their hands to mobilize and manipulate joints and soft tissue. University-trained physiotherapists who have taken an extensive series of post-graduate courses provide manual therapy.

Manual therapy is helpful for the treatment of joints and muscles that lack adequate mobility and range of motion. This limitation can cause discomfort, pain, and an alteration in function, posture, and mobility. Manual physiotherapy involves restoring normal mobility and biomechanics.  The restoration of normal mobility through manual physiotherapy helps provide relief for acute, sub-acute and chronic pain conditions.

Research has proven that manual therapy, in combination with other more traditional physiotherapy treatments, provides the most effective treatment.

Manual Physiotherapy Techniques Employ the Following Types of Treatment

Joint Mobilization can be a rhythmic oscillation or a sustained pressure applied to the joints of the body. This will help to decrease pain as well as restore normal mobility and function.
Joint Manipulation involves a skilled, quick, passive movement applied by a manual therapist to a specific joint. This will help decrease pain as well as restore normal mobility and function.
Soft Tissue Mobilization (including massage, trigger point therapy, etc.) is applied to the muscles, tendons and ligaments. This will help relax muscles, increase circulation, break up scar tissue, and ease pain in the soft tissue.

Learn More

    Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy

    (http://www.manipulativetherapy.org)
    International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists
    
(http://www.ifompt.com)