“Massage” or “Manual Therapy”? In the context of therapy, Manual Therapy is the application of various hands-on modalities to facilitate pain management and mobility restoration for soft-tissue dysfunctions.
“Massage” is just one of the many modalities used to correct these soft tissue concerns. Neuromuscular reeducation, myofascial release, muscle energy techniques, gentle mobilizations of affected joints, appropriate and gentle stretching within the patient’s tolerance, and others, all contribute to the release of muscle spasms and localized areas of hyper-contracted muscle known as “trigger points”, general hypertonicity, and the stimulation of circulation for the repair of small, or simple muscle tears and the general health of soft tissue.
Therapy works best cumulatively, in short-interval sessions of one to two per week, with lasting results often in three to five weeks. Some patients experience some immediate relief in the first several sessions.
What to expect
- There will be a short intake dialogue to understand the nature of the pain complaint. If this is a follow-up visit, it is important to know how previous therapy affected the condition
- Manual therapy may be performed with the patient clothed or unclothed. To better facilitate this, patients should wear loose fitting clothing, like a t-shirt or tank top, shorts or loose pants. Non-lycra leggings are also acceptable. But most daily wear will work. Appropriate draping will be used when necessary.
- Your therapist will situate you face-up, face-down, or maybe in a sideline position with bolsters or pillows to keep your spine and hips in alignment. These positions may be changed throughout your session.
- Therapy will be site-specific, symptom-specific.
- Your therapist should guide you through your session, getting feedback and answering any questions or concerns you might have about the process and expectations.
Feedback between patient and therapist is important and welcomed!
Muscles and joints are in a state of dysfunction. However, pain is not necessarilly a given. Communicating your tolerance to your therapist allows for changes to be made in approach or the pressures used. Where discomfort may arise, your therapist can help you move through it with measured, deep breathing, distraction, and keeping the therapy in the disturbed area to a brief period of time, usually no more than one or two minutes. This scenario plays out most often with “trigger points”. Depending on your response, your therapist may choose to work on this area later in the session or even i n a later session.
Muscles and joints are in a state of dysfunction. However, pain is not necessarilly a given. Communicating your tolerance to your therapist allows for changes to be made in approach or the pressures used. Where discomfort may arise, your therapist can help you move through it with measured, deep breathing, distraction, and keeping the therapy in the disturbed area to a brief period of time, usually no more than one or two minutes. This scenario plays out most often with “trigger points”. Depending on your response, your therapist may choose to work on this area later in the session or even i n a later session.
BENEFITS OF MANUAL THERAPY
- Reduces pain
- Improves circulation
- Improves muscle length for better mobility
- Reduces stress
- Reduces fatigue
- Improves lymphatic function
- Softens scar tissue
- Stimulates endorphins and other “feel good” hormones
- Reduces or reverses effects of repetitive motion symptoms
Packages for Manual Therapy:
30-min $45.00
1-Hour $70.00
6 30-min sessions: $210.00
(Regular Price $270–$60 savings!)
3 1-hour sessions: $180.00
(Regular Price $210–$30 savings!)
Thai Fusion: a different take on body wellnes–like having someone do yoga to you. One hour of stretching and hands-on muscle work for improved body function. $70
MANUAL THERAPY
3A guide: What to expect when you participate in
“Manual Therapy”
