Manual Therapy In Coquitlam

What is Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by physiotherapists to diagnose, treat, and manage musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. Manual therapy uses a range of techniques that manipulate the joints, soft tissues, and muscles to reduce pain, increase range of motion, and restore function.

A physiotherapist applying manual therapy to treat a patient's lower back.

Treatable Conditions

1. Rotator cuff injuries
2. Frozen shoulder
3. Carpal tunnel syndrome
4. Tennis elbow
5. Neck and back pain
6. Headaches and migraines
7. Postural imbalances
8. Temporomandibular (TMJ) joint dysfunction 
9. Arthritis
10. Whiplash associated disorders

Manual Therapy Techniques

1. Joint mobilization – precise application of controlled movements to a joint at specific angles and forces, allowing it to be gently maneuvered through its full range of motion. This technique can help restore normal joint function, reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
2. Joint manipulation – precise application of a controlled and quick movement to a specific joint to break up adhesions, stretch tight ligaments, and realign misaligned joints. This technique is used to restore normal joint motion, improve function, and reduce pain. 
3. Soft tissue mobilization – application of various techniques such as trigger point therapy, active release technique, and cross-fiber friction on muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. This approach addresses dysfunctions and imbalances within the soft tissues, aiming to improve flexibility, reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and alleviate pain.
4. Muscle energy technique – involve various techniques where the patient actively participates by contracting their muscles against a resistive force produced by the physiotherapist. This technique aims to increase joint mobility, restore normal movement patterns, and reduce muscle tension.
5. Myofascial release – involves the application of pressure or stretch to the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, and organs. This technique aims to address tension and adhesions in the fascia, leading to reduced chronic pain, improved joint mobility, decreased muscle stiffness, and enhanced relaxation.
6. Trigger point therapy – application of sustained pressure to specific areas of muscle tightness, tenderness, and pain. This technique aims to deactivate trigger points within the muscle to help relax tight muscle fibers, alleviate discomfort, and improve overall muscle function.

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