Manual Therapy Chicago, North Center, Lincoln Square, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, IL

Manual Therapy

A Hands-On Approach: Effectively Treating Pain With Manual Therapy

Have you recently sustained an injury? Are you recovering from a surgical procedure? Is your illness or ailment causing you aches and pains? If so, you would likely benefit from manual therapy treatments.

When some first-time patients participate in Physical Therapy, they may think their treatments will be painful or uncomfortable, due to their painful condition. However, that is very rarely the case. Here at The Fit Institute we have expert Physical Therapists that have the skill set to relieve your pain while simultaneously improving your body’s overall function. To learn more about how our manual therapy services can help you achieve relief and recovery, contact TFI Physical Therapy & Sports Performance today to schedule your appointment.

manual-therapy-TFI-physical-therapy-Chicago-Vernon-hills-IL

Manual Therapy Explained:

Also known as “hands-on therapy,” manual therapy is performed by a licensed Physical Therapist to restore joint mobility and function, improve soft tissue flexibility, and extensibility. That means no intimidating machines or equipment involved – just hands!

Manual therapy is used as a way to relieve pain, reduce swelling, decrease restriction, improve range of motion, and mobilize joints. In order to do so, your Physical Therapist will conduct targeted massages and stretches to the affected part(s) of your body.

How Safe is Manual Therapy?

Very! Manual therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that doesn’t require any harmful pain-management, or medications. Your Physical Therapist will use a variety of techniques aimed at moving your tendons, ligaments, and joints in ways that facilitate pain relief and healing.
Our Physical Therapists are highly-trained medical professionals who understand both the capabilities and limitations of your body. In fact, you may notice relief and/or improvement after just one session of manual therapy!

How is Manual Therapy Performed?

There are several different types of manual therapy. Some of the most common include, but are not limited to:

Manual traction

Manual traction is done by applying a gentle pressure to certain areas of the body, in order to stretch it out. One of the most common areas to receive manual traction is the neck; however, your Physical Therapist may also recommend it for different areas of your body. When manual traction is performed as a treatment for neck pain, your Physical Therapist will have you lie down on your back while they gently stretch the spaces between your vertebrae. This is done by taking the base of the skull in one hand and the chin in the other while applying slight pressure. Manual traction treatments are generally done for 5-10 seconds at a time.

Massage

Massage treatments performed by a Physical Therapist are a bit different than those you might receive at a spa. They are meant to be more therapeutic in nature, rather than relaxing. At TFI Physical Therapy & Sports Performance, we use therapeutic massage treatments as a way to manipulate the soft tissues. This is done through deep pressure and rhythmic stretching, allowing your Physical Therapist to find and mobilize areas of your body that are heavily restricted. By doing this, your Physical Therapist is able to break up any scar tissue or adhesions in the affected body part(s).

Mobilization/manipulation

If you have recently sustained an injury, you may experience severe pain. This is typically the result of a restricted joint. Fortunately, our Physical Therapists are trained in loosening restricted joints by applying pressure at a low velocity. Mobilization and manipulation techniques are safe, effective, and painless. They also allow for a breakdown of the affected joint’s barrier, resulting in an improved range of motion.

How Can I Get Started?

We at TFI Physical Therapy & Sports Performance have some of the most highly -trained Physical Therapists in Chicago. Many of the injuries and disorders we treat range from normal wear and tear/overuse injuries, to injuries from sporting activities as well as post-surgical procedures. Manual therapy is an effective way to treat injuries that make you feel weak and unable to function at your optimal physical level. 

Your Physical Therapist will design a personalized treatment plan for you that will likely include several different therapies, in order to improve your overall function. For example, some targeted exercises may focus on improving balance and strength, while others may focus more on improving your range of motion.

Manual therapy is a crucial part of a recovery plan, as it helps to reduce pain and swelling, minimize inflammation, and increase your range of motion. If you are interested in learning more about the hands-on approach of manual therapy, contact TFI Physical Therapy & Sports Performance in Chicago or Vernon Hills. We are dedicated to treating your pain and helping you get active once again!

Your Next Steps…

  1. Request An Appointment

  2. Receive A Custom Treatment Plan

  3. Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery

  4. Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!

Your Journey To Recovery Starts Here