WHAT IS MANUAL THERAPY AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Manual therapy is a hands-on specialty within the field of physical therapy. The manual therapist works to find the root cause of the patient’s dysfunction, and then seeks to solve the underlying issues through the use of a variety of individualized approaches. By fixing the root cause of the patient’s dysfunction, the physical therapist is able to help the patient eliminate pain and restore physical health. Manual therapy includes joint realignment and manipulation to relieve pressure on the joints, thus reducing inflammation, and improving nerve function. It also includes muscle releases through a variety of techniques including trigger point releases, dry needling, cupping, and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization in order to improve tone and extensibility. Lastly there is patient centered education and training for normalization of movement.

Heidi treats all areas of the body including the jaw, neck, thoracic/rib, low back, shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist, knee, and foot/ankle. Common diagnoses for treatment include plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, tendonitis/shin splints, arthritis, stenosis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, recovery from all total joint replacement surgeries, arthroscopic repairs, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, patellofemoral syndrome, pediatric and adult sports injuries, sciatica, musculoskeletal problems associated with pregnancy, headaches, migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and bursitis.

• Joint mobilization and manipulation with realignment
• Myofascial and trigger point release
• Dry Needling
• Instrument Assisted soft tissue mobilization
• Cupping
• Therapeutic Taping
• Patient Specific Exercise Programs
• Health/Wellness Guidance
• Injury Prevention