Hands on Healing: The Benefits of Manual Therapy

Written by: Brian Roth, PT, COMT

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) defines manual therapy as "skilled hand movements and skilled passive movements of joints and soft tissue."

Manual therapy includes a variety of hands-on techniques that a physical therapist may use during both the evaluation and treatment phases of your care. These techniques are designed to improve movement, reduce pain, and support your recovery.

Common Manual Therapy Techniques

• Joint mobilization (thrust and non-thrust techniques)

• Passive stretching of muscles, joints, and soft tissues

• Soft tissue mobilization and massage to address muscle tension and assist with inflammation management

• Trigger point therapy

Benefits of Manual Therapy

Manual therapy can provide many benefits, including:

• Improving joint mobility

• Increasing the flexibility and extensibility of muscles, ligaments, and tendons

• Reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation

• Decreasing pain and improving pain regulation

• Enhancing movement and improving the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise

How Can Manual Therapy Help You?

Manual therapy can help restore normal joint mobility and improve the flexibility of soft tissues, allowing you to move more comfortably and with less pain. By improving your range of motion and reducing movement restrictions, manual therapy can help you return to your daily activities and functional goals more efficiently.

Physical therapists have extensive knowledge of the body's anatomy, biomechanics, and movement patterns. This expertise allows them to safely apply manual therapy techniques that are tailored to your individual needs and performed within your comfort and tolerance.