Manual Therapy – what is it?
Manual therapy is a hands-on technique that involves performing soft tissue massage and/or joint mobilization to increase or restore flexibility, function, and range of motion. This is very similar to massage therapy. Our physical therapists have thousands of combined hours of experience with manual therapy techniques. This type of therapy allows us to feel the difference between joints and how they move, tissue quality, and if there is any presence of edema or swelling. We then have a better ability to diagnose injuries and understand what is happening beneath the skin and surrounding areas. We can work to improve flexibility, reduce inflammation, and restore motion so that our bodies can move in optimal patterns and motions. We also have instruments that can provide a more vibration type of massage as an option as well.
There are many types of massage we can apply depending on what is needed, level of tolerability, and what is comfortable for you. The most common types are:
1. Effleurage (light or deep stroking)
2. Petrissage (kneading)
3. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
4. Friction
5. Vibration
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Is this manual therapy beneficial for me?
Just because there are many options doesn’t mean each one is appropriate for each patient. For example, if someone is coming in who recently had a knee replacement surgery, a deep massage technique wouldn’t be the most comfortable or appropriate choice for them. We would start with more of a gentle massage like effleurage in order to decrease swelling in the area, and eventually move towards light friction massage to reduce scar tissue build up under the incision and progress towards a kneading technique in order to maintain proper mobility. The beauty of manual therapy is the ability to adjust the pressure, type, and time it is performed depending on how comfortable the patient is and what would be most beneficial for them. Joint distraction is also a type of manual therapy that can help provide pain relief due to taking pressure off each bone involved and any nerves that could be involved and causing some pain. The manual therapy Bellevue has to offer can also be used to “wake up a muscle” that may have been affected by injury, surgery, or other causes that just needs some help with reactivation in order to get stronger. Manual therapy should never be super painful and will oftentimes be very pleasurable.
Is this manual therapy beneficial for me?
Just because there are many options doesn’t mean each one is appropriate for each patient. For example, if someone is coming in who recently had a knee replacement surgery, a deep massage technique wouldn’t be the most comfortable or appropriate choice for them. We would start with more of a gentle massage like effleurage in order to decrease swelling in the area, and eventually move towards light friction massage to reduce scar tissue build up under the incision and progress towards a kneading technique in order to maintain proper mobility. The beauty of manual therapy is the ability to adjust the pressure, type, and time it is performed depending on how comfortable the patient is and what would be most beneficial for them. Joint distraction is also a type of manual therapy that can help provide pain relief due to taking pressure off each bone involved and any nerves that could be involved and causing some pain. The manual therapy Bellevue has to offer can also be used to “wake up a muscle” that may have been affected by injury, surgery, or other causes that just needs some help with reactivation in order to get stronger. Manual therapy should never be super painful and will oftentimes be very pleasurable.
We assess how you move, find the primary drivers of pain or stiffness, then use specific hands-on techniques followed by exercise to reinforce the change. You leave with a simple plan you can do at home.
FAQ
Q1: What is manual therapy?
Manual therapy is hands-on treatment that improves mobility, reduces pain, and helps stiff or irritated tissues move and feel better. It includes joint mobilization, soft tissue work, and nerve glides.
Q2: How is manual therapy different from massage or chiropractic?
Massage focuses on soft tissue. Chiropractic often uses high-velocity joint thrusts. Manual therapy in physical therapy includes a wider toolbox: graded joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques, and neurodynamic work. It is paired with exercise to lock in gains.
Q3: Does manual therapy hurt?
You may feel pressure, mild soreness, or a “good stretch.” We keep intensity within a comfortable range and adjust in real time based on your feedback.
Q4: What conditions can manual therapy help?
Common examples include neck pain, low back pain, shoulder impingement, hip stiffness, post-surgical scar restriction, tendon pain, headaches related to neck tension, and limited range of motion after injury.
Q5: Will manual therapy alone fix my problem?
Manual therapy changes symptoms and helps you move better. Long-term results come from combining it with targeted exercise, load progressions, and better movement habits.
Q6: How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition, goals, and response. Many people feel change in 1 to 3 visits. Lasting improvements usually require several weeks with a clear plan.
Q7: What happens during a session?
Q8: Is manual therapy safe?
Yes. At HIDEF, manual therapy is delivered by licensed physical therapists who screen for red flags and tailor techniques to your health history and comfort.