What is Manual Therapy?
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Attentive Care
Manual Therapy is a broad group of skilled hand techniques performed by a physical therapist, which include mobilizations, or manipulations of soft tissue and skeletal joints. Manual Therapy techniques aim to decrease pain, swelling, and inflammation and aim to increase muscle, joint, fascia, and neural functional mobility. Most manual therapy training programs in the United States are four-year post-graduate programs that include an emphasis on clinical experiences.
The term Manual Therapy refers to hands on treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Manual Therapy is the cornerstone of our treatment philosophy. We feel that the human touch is an essential ingredient to our evaluations, care plans, and rehabilitation protocols.
“In a medical system where people struggle to be heard, we believe it is very important to provide the attentive care that is the key to manual therapy.”
David Deppeler, Director of Clinical Education
Who is a Manual Therapist?
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists are specially trained in anatomy and physiology and are experts in understanding how movement, posture, and function affect wellness. Physical Therapists may become certified in manual therapy by enrolling in 3-4 year post-graduate level course work and clinical experiences.
How does Manual Therapy Accelerate Recovery?
Enhanced Treatment
2002 TAI Manual Trained Outcomes Comparison
Even within Therapeutic Associates Clinics, those clinicians with manual therapy training see better results.
Therapeutic Associates encourages post-graduate training in manual therapy. We understand that manual therapy enhances the most important aspects of physical therapy – patient education and therapeutic exercise.
Quality Care
Our outcome studies show better results when physical therapists have manual therapy training. Additional education and training reflects our commitment to providing excellent care.
Cost Management
Initial evaluation and treatment are normally scheduled in less than 48 hours. Our internal assessments show if treatment begins within the first 15 – 30 days after injury, there is less time lost from work, function improves faster, and people report less pain. Therapeutic intervention promotes functional independence and can often prevent an individual’s re-entry into the healthcare system.
Research comparing manual therapy and traditional physical therapy indicates that fewer visits may be needed when manual therapy treatment is used.
Ann Inter Med.2002;136:713-722.
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