At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we know how difficult it can be to live with musculoskeletal pain. Our skilled team of physical therapists utilizes manual therapy as an effective treatment option to address a variety of conditions. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or managing a chronic issue, manual therapy can help you restore function, reduce pain, and get back to enjoying the activities you love.
What is Manual Therapy?
Manual therapy is a hands-on technique used by physical therapists to manipulate muscles, joints, and soft tissues. By applying targeted movements and pressure, manual therapy aims to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and encourage healing. This approach is especially helpful for addressing conditions like arthritis, sports injuries, back pain, and neck stiffness, offering a non-invasive alternative to medication or surgery.
Conditions Treated with Manual Therapy
Manual therapy can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Back and Neck Pain: Relieve tension and stiffness in the spine and neck muscles.
- Arthritis: Reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.
- Sports Injuries: Treat injuries such as sprains, strains, and ligament injuries.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: Assist with rehabilitation after orthopedic surgeries like joint replacements or ligament repairs.
- Headaches: Address tension headaches related to muscle tightness or poor posture.
- Sciatica: Relieve pain that radiates down the leg due to nerve irritation.
- Frozen Shoulder: Improve mobility and reduce pain in the shoulder joint.
How Manual Therapy Works and What to Expect During Your Appointment
Manual therapy involves a variety of hands-on techniques designed to improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing. During your initial appointment, your physical therapist will assess your condition and discuss your treatment goals. Based on this evaluation, a customized manual therapy plan will be created to address your unique needs.
During your treatment sessions, your therapist will use a range of techniques, such as joint mobilization, where controlled movements of the joints are applied to increase range of motion and reduce stiffness. Soft tissue mobilization involves targeted pressure on muscles, tendons, and ligaments to release tightness and improve circulation. Other methods, such as myofascial release, may be used to address specific areas of muscle tension, and manual traction can be applied to gently stretch the spine or joints to relieve pressure.
While the hands-on therapy may involve some discomfort, it should not be painful. Your therapist will ensure that the movements and pressure are comfortable for you, and it’s important to communicate openly with them throughout your session. This ensures that the treatment is effective and helps you achieve the best possible results.
Manual therapy is not just about addressing your symptoms in the moment; it’s designed to promote long-term healing. By relieving muscle tension, restoring joint function, and improving flexibility, manual therapy can help you regain normal movement patterns and enjoy a better quality of life.
Get Started with Manual Therapy at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center
If you’re struggling with pain, stiffness, or limited movement, manual therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center in Charlottesville, VA, we are committed to helping you live pain-free and enjoy a full range of motion. Reach out to us today to schedule your consultation and learn how manual therapy can help you feel better and move better.
Our Providers
The providers at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center are highly skilled and experienced in their respective specialties.
Patient Resources
Explore our Patient Resource center for helpful information about our expert team, comprehensive services, informative blog, and how to easily connect with us.
Complimentary Movement Screening
Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center offers complimentary movement screenings to assess your movement, identify imbalances, and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re active, recovering, or want to move better, our expert phsycial therapists provide personalized recommendations for your long-term mobility and wellness.
Contact UsWhat Our Patients Say
We can’t recommend Dr. Nielsen and his team enough. They represent the best in medical care and kindness to others. They are truly excellent in providing healthcare services. With him, you will find a health partner, a supportive friend on your health journey, and continuous support in your pursuit of well-being.
Very responsive, same day service. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and thorough when communicating complex medical information.
Dr. Nielsen’s team is stellar in every way. They helped me with two injuries—significantly reducing my pain and my recovery time. I’m grateful for their expertise and kindness.
I was impressed with the quality of service and the caring people throughout the visit, from the receptionist to the doctor seen. They truly care and are honest and professional.
We chose Charlottesville Orthopedic for my husband who was having knee issues, they are so advanced in options and explain all options!! Professional Staff !!
