Manual Therapy

Female physiotherapist assisting a male patient while exercising.Med1Care Therapy Partner’s physical therapists specialize in manual therapy, a type of hands-on physical therapy used to alleviate acute musculoskeletal issues like pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion.

While you remain passive and make no effort, the physical therapist may rotate your joints, massage an injured area or stretch a muscle group.

Manual therapy is often combined with other therapeutic techniques, like exercise, strength-building or balance training to increase mobility, prevent future injury and reduce your pain.

What Happens in Manual Therapy?

Manual therapy is a “hands-on” practice where the therapist uses their hands to manipulate various areas of your body. It may be recommended to manage chronic pain or promote healing following surgery or injury.

Manual rehabilitation techniques include:

  • Massage of the soft tissues to improve mobility and pain
  • Joint mobilization to increase range of motion
  • Joint manipulation to move a joint beyond its normal range of motion and improve mobility
  • Friction massage to increase inflammation, break up scar tissue and reduce pain
  • Passive stretching to lengthen muscles, improve flexibility and increase range of motion

People receive manual therapy for conditions ranging from back and neck problems to plantar fasciitis. For example, several studies show soft tissue massage reduces the pain and improves the functionality of knee osteoarthritis.

How We Can Help

Med1Care Therapy Partner’s experienced therapists are trained in manual therapy to improve muscle strength and reduce stiffness, spasticity and joint inflammation.

A licensed physical therapist will come to your home for manual therapy in Toledo, Findlay or any of the 26 counties we service. The therapist will evaluate your need for services, draft a plan and set a schedule that is dedicated to helping you reach your objectives.We will work with your primary care provider to help reduce your pain, build a road to recovery and improve your quality of life.

Call us at 419.866.0555 to schedule a consultation.
Our specialists will help you chart a course forward.

There’s no substitute for a skilled physical therapist, but if you need an alternative or want to do “homework” between sessions, many devices can help replicate manual therapy techniques.

At home therapeutic tools include:

  • Foam rollers
  • Massage guns
  • Massage balls
  • Massage canes

Check with your physical therapist to make sure your home approach is appropriate for your needs.

Read more about foam rollers here.

Sometimes. The soft tissue component of manual therapy is similar to receiving a regular massage, but it may have profoundly improved results based on the therapist’s specialized training in anatomy and pathology.

It is important to avoid activities that irritate or increase your pain. When it comes to exercising, your physical therapist will provide you with exercises that will not increase your baseline pain level.

It is also important to perform the exercises the way your therapist has taught you. This involves correct lifting mechanics, body mechanics and posture.