Manual Therapy & Modalities
Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy is a clinical approach to orthopedic physical therapy that utilizes highly skilled and specific hands-on techniques, which may include manipulation/mobilization of joints, soft tissue mobilization, mobilization of neural tissue, or assisted movement or stretching. Such manual techniques are used by the physical therapist to evaluate and treat soft tissues and joint structures for the purpose of decreasing pain, increasing range of motion, reducing or eliminating soft tissue inflammation, inducing relaxation, improving tissue repair, extensibility, and/or stability, enabling or encouraging movement, and improving function. Techniques included with this are: trigger point dry needling, Mulligan Mobilization with movement, instrumented soft tissue mobilization, theragun, and the use of cupping to name a few.
Our therapists also have experience in joint manipulation, you may have heard a chiropractor refer to this as an "adjustment". During a manipulation, you may experience the sensation of a "pop". We are trained to recognize those who will benefit from a manipulation and those who might not.
Manual Therapy is a clinical approach to orthopedic physical therapy that utilizes highly skilled and specific hands-on techniques, which may include manipulation/mobilization of joints, soft tissue mobilization, mobilization of neural tissue, or assisted movement or stretching. Such manual techniques are used by the physical therapist to evaluate and treat soft tissues and joint structures for the purpose of decreasing pain, increasing range of motion, reducing or eliminating soft tissue inflammation, inducing relaxation, improving tissue repair, extensibility, and/or stability, enabling or encouraging movement, and improving function. Techniques included with this are: trigger point dry needling, Mulligan Mobilization with movement, instrumented soft tissue mobilization, theragun, and the use of cupping to name a few.
Our therapists also have experience in joint manipulation, you may have heard a chiropractor refer to this as an "adjustment". During a manipulation, you may experience the sensation of a "pop". We are trained to recognize those who will benefit from a manipulation and those who might not.
Trigger Point Dry Needling
Dry Needling is a general term for a therapeutic treatment procedure that involves multiple advances of a filament needle into the muscle in the area of the body, which produces pain and typically contains a Trigger Point. There is no injected solution and typically the needle that is used is very thin. Most patients will not even feel the needle penetrate the skin, but once it has and is advanced into the muscle, the discomfort can vary drastically. Usually a healthy muscle feels very little discomfort upon insertion of the needle; however, if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or has active trigger points within it, the subject may feel a sensation much like a muscle cramp - which is often referred to as a 'twitch response.
The "twitch response" also has a biochemical characteristic to it which likely affects the reaction of the muscle, symptoms and response of the tissue. Along with the health of the tissue, the expertise of the practitioner can also attribute to the variation of discomfort and outcome. The patient may only feel the cramping sensation locally or they may feel a referral of pain and/or similar symptoms for which they are seeking treatment. A reproduction of their pain can be a helpful diagnostic indicator of the cause of the patient's symptoms. Patients soon learn to recognize and even welcome this sensation, as it results in deactivating the trigger point, reducing pain and restoring normal length and function of the involved muscle. Typically, positive results are apparent within 2-4 treatment sessions but can vary depending on the cause and duration of the symptoms, overall health of the patient, and experience level of the practitioner.
Dry needling is an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain, rehabilitation from injury, and even pain and injury prevention, with very few side effects. This technique is unequaled in finding and eliminating neuromuscular dysfunction that leads to pain and functional deficits.
Dry Needling is a general term for a therapeutic treatment procedure that involves multiple advances of a filament needle into the muscle in the area of the body, which produces pain and typically contains a Trigger Point. There is no injected solution and typically the needle that is used is very thin. Most patients will not even feel the needle penetrate the skin, but once it has and is advanced into the muscle, the discomfort can vary drastically. Usually a healthy muscle feels very little discomfort upon insertion of the needle; however, if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or has active trigger points within it, the subject may feel a sensation much like a muscle cramp - which is often referred to as a 'twitch response.
The "twitch response" also has a biochemical characteristic to it which likely affects the reaction of the muscle, symptoms and response of the tissue. Along with the health of the tissue, the expertise of the practitioner can also attribute to the variation of discomfort and outcome. The patient may only feel the cramping sensation locally or they may feel a referral of pain and/or similar symptoms for which they are seeking treatment. A reproduction of their pain can be a helpful diagnostic indicator of the cause of the patient's symptoms. Patients soon learn to recognize and even welcome this sensation, as it results in deactivating the trigger point, reducing pain and restoring normal length and function of the involved muscle. Typically, positive results are apparent within 2-4 treatment sessions but can vary depending on the cause and duration of the symptoms, overall health of the patient, and experience level of the practitioner.
Dry needling is an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain, rehabilitation from injury, and even pain and injury prevention, with very few side effects. This technique is unequaled in finding and eliminating neuromuscular dysfunction that leads to pain and functional deficits.
Pain Modalities
At our clinic, we believe correct functional movement is key to helping you get back to doing the things you enjoy. However, we do have pain modality tools to help those who are hurting more such as:
At our clinic, we believe correct functional movement is key to helping you get back to doing the things you enjoy. However, we do have pain modality tools to help those who are hurting more such as:
- Trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or Interferrential Current (IFC) Therapy
- Therapeutic Ultrasound
- Manual Therapy Techniques
- Traction
- Ice Compression
- Low Level Laser Therapy (unfortunately this modality is not covered by many insurances and we have private options)
Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology Taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It is also used for Preventive Maintenance, Edema, and to treat pain.
Kinesiology Taping is a technique based on the body’s own natural healing process. This Kinesiology Taping exhibits its efficacy through the activation of neurological and circulatory systems. This method basically stems from the science of Kinesiology, hence the name “Kinesio”. Muscles are not only attributed to the movements of the body but also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms.
Consequently, so much attention was given to the importance of muscle function that the idea of treating the muscles in order to activate the body’s own healing process came about. Using an elastic tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance. Employment of Kinesiology Taping creates a totally new approach to treating nerves, muscles, and organs. The first application of Kinesiology Taping was for a patient with articular disorders.
The Kinesiology Taping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is non-restrictive type of taping which allows for full range of motion.
In contrast, traditional sports’ taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during a sporting event obstructing the flow of bodily fluids as an UNDESIRABLE side-effect.
Kinesiology Taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It is also used for Preventive Maintenance, Edema, and to treat pain.
Kinesiology Taping is a technique based on the body’s own natural healing process. This Kinesiology Taping exhibits its efficacy through the activation of neurological and circulatory systems. This method basically stems from the science of Kinesiology, hence the name “Kinesio”. Muscles are not only attributed to the movements of the body but also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms.
Consequently, so much attention was given to the importance of muscle function that the idea of treating the muscles in order to activate the body’s own healing process came about. Using an elastic tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance. Employment of Kinesiology Taping creates a totally new approach to treating nerves, muscles, and organs. The first application of Kinesiology Taping was for a patient with articular disorders.
The Kinesiology Taping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is non-restrictive type of taping which allows for full range of motion.
In contrast, traditional sports’ taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during a sporting event obstructing the flow of bodily fluids as an UNDESIRABLE side-effect.
