manual therapy

Some techniques that may be used are:

Joint Mobilization of the spine and extremities

Mobilization techniques are a unique way of looking at a joint and the accessory motions needed to cause optimal function in that joint. If impairment in a joint motion is identified, the collagenous capsule that surrounds the joint is stretched gently to increase the joint motion essentially improving overall function. There are various amounts of stretch and reasons to perform this technique. Our therapists will evaluate each joint for its motion and then use this technique to restore motion when it is appropriate for the patient's recovery.

Myofascial Release

True Myofascial Release involves sustained pressure into the collagenous barriers of all of our cells essentially releasing the network of soft tissue that binds us internally. Fascia is a soft tissue made up of elastin and collagen and covering all organs, cells, nerves and blood vessels in the body. Traditional techniques to mobilize tissue release the elastic component of cells giving patients short term relief, but the problem most likely will recur at a later date. By releasing the collagenous barriers in Myofascial Release, a longer lasting release occurs which eases all bodily processes including blood and nervous system flow, organ and muscle function, and improves overall posture which decreases stresses to our skeletal system. Training in this truly amazing technique is highly specialized and our therapists are excited to offer this unique service to our patients!

Soft tissue mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization is a very effective short term technique. This technique is often incorrectly referred to as myofascial release, but does not have the long term results. It is highly effective in relaxing tightened muscles, decreasing pain, and improving overall function. We offer this hands on technique to each patient because we believe that a muscle or joint cannot function properly if it is pathologically tight.

Muscle energy techniques

Muscle Energy Techniques are a unique way to improve alignment at any extremity, spinal, or pelvic joint. This technique involves placing a joint in a precise position and then uses the body's muscle contraction force to pull the bone into alignment. An additional benefit to this technique is that it also reeducates a muscle with dysfunctional tone which caused the bony and muscular asymmetry. Special emphasis is placed on the spine, pelvis, and sacrum as the functional core of the body which can relieve both proximal and distal problems. this technique is extremely safe and effective to the patient.

Friction massage

Friction massage is a technique to break up pathological tissues in a specified area of dysfunction by rubbing the skin and the tissues deep to it aggressively in a cross-pattern. The theory of this technique is to break down the scar tissue that develops around an area of traumatized tissue. This improves the circulation and promotes normal tissue healing to the area of dysfunction.

Trigger point release

Trigger Point Release is performed on an area of muscle or tissue that is chronically in spasm. These areas are usually chronically sensitive and can have referred pain, numbness, tingling or other neurological signs. These areas are treated both superficially and deeply by using sustained pressures to reorganize the pathological tissue and allow it to properly function in the body.