A Hands-On Approach to Treating Your Pain
Are you experiencing pain from an injury, illness, or surgery? If so, manual physical therapy at Snyder Physical Therapy may be just what you need.
If you’re feeling unsure or apprehensive, let us reassure you: many first-time patients expect their treatments to be painful or uncomfortable because of their condition. But that’s not how we do things! Our skilled physical therapists use gentle manual therapy techniques designed to ease your pain while improving your body’s overall function.
Request an AppointmentManual Therapy – What Is It?
Manual therapy is a key technique used by physical therapists to mobilize stiff joints and soft tissues. This hands-on treatment helps reduce swelling, ease restrictions, improve joint mobility, and increase your range of motion. At Snyder Physical Therapy in Tower City, PA, our therapists have undergone extensive training in a variety of specialized manual therapy methods from top schools and instructors to provide you with the best care possible.
What is considered manual therapy?
Manual therapy techniques may include, but are not limited to:
Soft Tissue Massage
Physical therapy massage treatments are a little different than a massage you may get at a spa. They are more therapeutic in nature, and with a medical intention. Our physical therapists use massage treatments as a way to manipulate the soft tissues, working to break up scar tissue and adhesions caused by inflammation or injury. This is done through deep pressure and rhythmic stretching, allowing them to find and mobilize areas of your body that are heavily restricted. These techniques also help to improve blood flow and circulation of the affected muscles and soft tissues.
Mobilization
When you experience severe pain after sustaining an injury, it is usually the result of a restricted joint. Our physical therapists are specially trained to mobilize restricted joints by applying pressure at a low velocity. Mobilization techniques are safe, effective, and painless, allowing for an increase in your range of motion, and the improvement of the restricted joint’s mobility.
Manual traction
When our physical therapists perform manual traction, they will apply gentle force to a certain area of the body, in order to gently stretch the soft tissues and restore normal, natural movement. While the neck is the most common area for manual traction, it can also be performed on other parts of the body, including the arms, legs, and back.
So… Is It Safe?
In short—yes! One of the best things about manual therapy is that it’s non-invasive and doesn’t involve any harmful medications. Instead, our physical therapists use specialized techniques to gently mobilize your tendons, ligaments, and joints, helping to relieve pain and encourage healing. Manual therapy also works to reduce scar tissue and minimize swelling.
Our therapists are highly trained medical professionals who understand both the limitations and strengths of your body. Many patients experience noticeable pain relief and improved mobility after just one session!
Incorporate Manual Therapy Into Your Treatment Plan Today!
Our skilled physical therapists specialize in diagnosing and treating movement disorders that often develop after surgery, particularly following total joint replacements. Physical therapy is also frequently recommended for injuries, accidents, or illnesses that leave you feeling weak or limit your daily function.
Your customized treatment plan will typically include a combination of therapies tailored to address different areas of your body’s needs. Some exercises will focus on boosting your balance and strength, while others work on improving your range of motion. Manual therapy is an essential part of this approach, helping to reduce pain and swelling, ease inflammation, and restore mobility.
Ready to benefit from manual therapy? Contact us today in Tower City, PA to book an appointment with Snyder Physical Therapy. Our compassionate therapists are here to support your journey back to full movement. We proudly serve the surrounding communities of Williamstown, Dayton, and Elizabethville, PA.