Manual Therapy
What is Manual Therapy?
Manual Therapy is a discipline of healthcare which specialises in the prevention and rehabilitation of dysfunction and pain specifically as it relates to the musculoskeletal system (Soft tissue, joints and bones).
A common misconception is that this form of treatment is only suitable for sporting athletes, this is untrue! The principles and techniques used by Manual Therapists have been proven to be an effective relief for various injuries, pathologies and complaints for many people, regardless of patient age or background.
A common misconception is that this form of treatment is only suitable for sporting athletes, this is untrue! The principles and techniques used by Manual Therapists have been proven to be an effective relief for various injuries, pathologies and complaints for many people, regardless of patient age or background.
Meet our Manual Therapist: Harry
Manual Therapy in Saltash
Your New Patient Experience consists of 2 visits, both 30 minutes in length. The purpose of this New Patient Experience is to gain a better understanding of your symptoms and condition, perform a thorough examination, and formulate a plan of action tailored to your specific needs, before beginning treatment. This is to ensure that Manual Therapy is both a safe and an effective course of care for your injury/complaint.
Visit 1- Subjective and Objective Assessments
The first session is two sections. To begin with we will have an initial consultation (subjective assessment). This gives you the opportunity to talk through all your issues, concerns and worries, providing the chance to understand your symptoms from your point of view.
Following this we will do a thorough examination, assessing both your posture and mobility, and palpating the symptomatic areas to develop our understanding of your complaint(s) (objective assessment). This will obviously require physical contact and is carried out with you in your underwear/swimwear or one of our gowns.
This process is crucial in allowing us to understand if Manual Therapy is a right/safe fit for you. If we decide it is not, you will be referred onwards to more suitable options.
Visit 2- Care Plan Visit
At your second visit, an explanation of what is going on and a plan of action will be discussed with you. This will include a personalised schedule of care as well as the techniques we will use and the costs of care.
If you are happy, had all your questions answered, and in agreement with the schedule and have consented to treatment, we will commence your treatment program during this second visit.
What to expect from your treatment
Your plan of action will be discussed with you prior to the start of treatment. This will include the rationale for particular techniques and the risks, if any, associated with these. Treatment will only begin if you are comfortable and give consent.
Manual Therapy can elicit different responses, usually you will notice benefits relatively quickly after treatment. Equally, some negative reactions can arise because of treatment. Occasionally, patients may experience bruising, aching, fatigue and dizziness among other symptoms. This is nothing to worry about. Mobilising soft tissue and promoting blood flow often leads to the release of toxins which have built up in the joints and tissue, when these toxins are released it can make individuals feel a little groggy. Drinking water and going for a short walk will help your body flush these toxins through your system.
Techniques/Treatment types used in Manual Therapy
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Deep Tissue Massage- To reduce muscular tension, restore mobility and promote blood flow.
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Myofascial Release/Cupping- To reduce fascia knots and tension, and general tightness.
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Trigger Point Therapy- Targeting specific areas of tension throughout the body and releasing knots caused by injury, imbalance and scar tissue etc.
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Joint Mobilisations- To reduce stiffness, restore mobility and eradicate apprehension
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Exercise Therapy- To strengthen musculature, restore balance and neuromuscular control, improve coordination, prevent re-injury and reduce imbalance causing poor posture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Manual Therapy and Physiotherapy?
Manual Therapists specialise in preventing and rehabilitating mechanical and soft tissue issues by treating the musculoskeletal system using various techniques. The primary goals of Manual Therapy is to either restore mobility or reduce pain (usually both). Physiotherapy focuses on the individual in a far broader sense, considering the Neurological, Cardiovascular and Respiratory systems and how they relate to the recovery process.
2. What do I need to bring/wear?
It's always a good idea to bring a pair of shorts and a loose-fitting t-shirt. Treatment/assessments often require skin contact, therefore loose clothing is preferable. Gowns are also provided if needs be, to offer easier access and more comfort for you during your session.
3. What can Manual Therapy help with?
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Muscle, Ligament, Tendon and Joint pains - Back, Neck and Shoulder complaints
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Tendonitis/Tendonosis - Plantar Fasciitis
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Strains and Sprains - Golfers Elbow and Frozen Shoulder
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General Stiffness/Tightness
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Strength and Conditioning/Neuromuscular Control and Balance (re)establishment
4. How long does treatment take?
Each session is 30 minutes.
5. How many sessions will I need?
Recovery time is dependent on several factors and many variables dictate the length of the recovery process. The frequency of visits and recovery times involved will be discussed with you during your second visit and before any treatment begins. There is no “one size fits all” for treatment and your recovery process is very specific to you! Therefore, it's not possible to give you an accurate schedule prior to the completion of your Manual Therapy New Patient Experience (NPE).