MANUAL THERAPY

Manual Therapy with our Licensed Physical Therapist Richard O’Quinn

What Is Manual Therapy?
Manual therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that involves the skilled application of pressure and movement to joints, muscles, and soft tissues to improve mobility, reduce pain, and facilitate tissue healing.

Clinical Benefits
Manual therapy is often used in combination with other therapeutic techniques to treat a variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. It can:

  • Reduce muscle spasms and trigger points

  • Increase joint range of motion

  • Improve circulation and lymphatic flow

  • Reduce inflammation and muscle tension

  • Promote tissue extensibility and flexibility

  • Facilitate motor control and neuromuscular re-education

Techniques We Use
Our licensed physical therapist is trained in multiple evidence-based manual therapy methods, including:

  • Joint Mobilization: Used to restore normal joint mechanics and relieve stiffness or pain.

  • Soft Tissue Mobilization: Targets muscles, fascia, and connective tissues to break up adhesions and reduce muscle guarding.

  • Myofascial Release: Gentle, sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue to eliminate pain and restore motion.

  • Trigger Point Therapy: Focused pressure on hyperirritable muscle “knots” to relieve localized and referred pain.

  • Manual Stretching: Enhances flexibility and helps restore proper muscle length-tension relationships.

Conditions Treated
Manual therapy is effective in addressing a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Neck and back pain

  • Joint dysfunction (e.g., shoulder, hip, or knee)

  • Headaches

  • Post-surgical stiffness

  • Sports injuries and overuse syndromes

Our Approach
Manual therapy is integrated into each patient’s individualized treatment plan based on a thorough assessment and ongoing re-evaluation. The goal is to support long-term recovery, restore functional independence, and reduce the need for medication or invasive procedures.