MANUAL

THERAPY

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on technique that consists of passive movement of joints and soft tissues. Another term for this is joint mobilization or manipulation and soft tissue mobilization or specific localized massage. The International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) defines manual therapy techniques as: “Skilled hand movements intended to produce any or all of the following effects: improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion of the joint complex; mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints; induce relaxation; change muscle function; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or movement restriction.” The purpose of manual therapy is to help normalize the motion of limbs and increase the motion (spin, roll, slide, glide) between joint surfaces, enabling patients to have normal joint mobility. This is used when a patient is unable to move a limb such as the knee due to soft tissue or joint restrictions. During treatment, we use particular hand placements, applying various forces to help bring normal movement in the soft tissues and joints. Advanced Manual therapy Techniques which may consist of, NKT, P-DTR, Microconditioning (™), Soft tissue techniques, Guasha (™)-type techniques, Soft Tissue Release, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and Cupping.

MOBILITY & EXERCISE

Mobility & Exercise

Sports injuries are commonly caused by overuse, fatigue, direct trauma, or the application of force that is greater than the body part can structurally withstand as well as forcible contraction (mixed neurological signals) leading to micro or macro tears/trauma within the soft tissue. There are two kinds of sports injuries: acute and chronic. An injury that occurs as a result of sudden impact, such as a hyperextended knee due to an awkward landing from a dunk in basketball, is known as an acute injury. Chronic athletic injuries are generally s a result of repeated overuse without sufficient recovery time for muscle groups or joints. Improper technique as well as structural abnormalities can also contribute to the development of chronic injuries and pain. It is important that athletes listen to their bodies and seek out proper medical care and treatment with the necessary investigations to determine if their pain is as a result of structural damage, postural dysfunction, mal adaptive movement patterns or overuse.

Frequent involvement in structured exercises targeting weaknesses as well as the important core stability with flexibility can decrease the possibility of getting injured. 

Ideally our general acute injury rehabilitation may involve:

• Reduction of pain and control of swelling.

• Restoration of joint mobility and range of motion.

• Restoration of neuromotor strength and endurance capacity.

• Retraining of proprioception.

• Reconditioning sport-specific, technical movements.

STOKED!