Manual therapy is the foundation of many physiotherapy, chiropractic, and massage treatments. These hands-on techniques have been used for centuries and continue to be refined based on modern research. At M.O. Therapy in Markham, manual therapy is a core component of our treatment approach.
What Is Manual Therapy?
Definition
Manual therapy refers to skilled hands-on techniques used by healthcare practitioners to assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions. It includes various approaches targeting joints, muscles, and soft tissues.
Goals of Manual Therapy
Primary Objectives:
- Reduce pain
- Improve mobility
- Restore function
- Facilitate movement
- Support active treatment
Types of Manual Therapy
Joint Mobilization
What It Is: Graded oscillatory movements applied to joints to restore normal motion and reduce pain.
Grades of Movement:
- Grade I-II: Small oscillations, primarily for pain relief
- Grade III-IV: Larger movements at end range, for mobility
- Applied within joint's normal range
Effects:
- Reduces joint stiffness
- Improves range of motion
- Decreases pain
- Normalizes joint mechanics
Common Applications:
- Stiff spinal segments
- Limited joint mobility
- Post-injury restrictions
- Arthritic joints
Joint Manipulation
What It Is: High-velocity, low-amplitude thrust applied to a joint, often producing an audible "pop" or "crack."
The Sound:
- Gas release from joint fluid
- Not bones cracking
- Not required for benefit
- Often associated with relief
Effects:
- Rapid mobility improvement
- Pain reduction
- Neurological effects
- Muscle relaxation
When Used:
- Appropriate joint restriction
- Patient suitable for technique
- Practitioner trained and licensed
- Specific indications met
Soft Tissue Mobilization
What It Is: Techniques targeting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia to reduce tension and improve tissue health.
Types:
- Myofascial release
- Trigger point therapy
- Deep tissue massage
- Scar tissue mobilization
- Cross-friction massage
Effects:
- Reduces muscle tension
- Improves tissue extensibility
- Breaks adhesions
- Enhances blood flow
- Decreases pain
Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)
What It Is: Patient actively contracts muscles against practitioner resistance in specific positions.
How It Works:
- Activates specific muscles
- Uses neurological reflexes
- Followed by stretching or mobilization
- Patient participates actively
Applications:
- Improving range of motion
- Correcting alignment
- Reducing muscle tension
- Restoring muscle balance
Neural Mobilization
What It Is: Techniques that move and stretch nerves to reduce tension and improve neural mobility.
When Used:
- Nerve tension symptoms
- Radiating pain patterns
- Numbness and tingling
- Post-injury neural restriction
Effects:
- Improves nerve gliding
- Reduces neural sensitivity
- Decreases referred symptoms
- Enhances function
How Manual Therapy Works
Mechanisms
Mechanical Effects:
- Tissue stretching
- Joint motion restoration
- Adhesion breakdown
- Alignment changes
Neurological Effects:
- Pain gate modulation
- Reflex muscle relaxation
- Central nervous system effects
- Proprioceptive input
Physiological Effects:
- Increased blood flow
- Reduced inflammation
- Tissue healing support
- Chemical changes
The Research
Evidence Supports:
- Short-term pain relief
- Improved range of motion
- Enhanced function
- Best when combined with exercise
Important Note: Manual therapy works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes active exercise and self-management.
Conditions Treated
Spinal Conditions
Common Applications:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Low back pain
- Mid-back tension
- Facet joint dysfunction
- Disc-related symptoms
- Headaches of cervical origin
Extremity Conditions
Joints Treated:
- Shoulder impingement/stiffness
- Elbow conditions
- Wrist and hand problems
- Hip restrictions
- Knee stiffness
- Ankle mobility issues
Soft Tissue Conditions
Commonly Treated:
- Muscle strains
- Tendinopathy
- Fascial restrictions
- Scar tissue
- Chronic tension
What to Expect
Assessment First
Before Treatment:
- Thorough history
- Physical examination
- Movement assessment
- Identification of appropriate techniques
- Explanation of plan
During Treatment
The Session:
- Positioned comfortably
- Techniques applied systematically
- Communication throughout
- Adjusted to your response
- Combined with other treatments
After Treatment
Common Experiences:
- Immediate improvement often
- Temporary soreness possible
- Increased mobility
- Reduced pain
- Progressive improvement
Safety Considerations
When Manual Therapy Is Appropriate
Safe When:
- Performed by trained practitioners
- Appropriate patient selection
- Contraindications observed
- Technique matched to condition
- Patient informed and consenting
Contraindications
Avoid or Modify For:
- Fractures
- Severe osteoporosis
- Active infections
- Malignancy
- Inflammatory conditions (acute)
- Vascular problems
- Some neurological conditions
Side Effects
Possible But Usually Mild:
- Temporary soreness
- Fatigue
- Minor bruising (soft tissue)
- Temporary symptom increase
Manual Therapy vs. Other Treatments
Manual Therapy vs. Exercise
Not Either/Or:
- Both are important
- Manual therapy facilitates exercise
- Exercise maintains gains
- Combined approach optimal
Manual Therapy vs. Medication
Advantages:
- No medication side effects
- Addresses mechanical causes
- Active involvement
- Long-term skills development
Appropriate Roles:
- Can reduce medication need
- Complementary approaches
- Discuss with healthcare team
The Role of Active Treatment
Why Exercise Matters
Critical Component:
- Maintains improvements
- Builds strength
- Prevents recurrence
- Long-term solution
Home Program
Typical Prescription:
- Exercises to do at home
- Self-mobilization techniques
- Stretches
- Strengthening exercises
Manual Therapy at M.O. Therapy
Our Approach
Comprehensive Care:
- Thorough assessment
- Individualized treatment
- Combination of techniques
- Active rehabilitation focus
Our Practitioners
Trained Professionals:
- Physiotherapists
- Chiropractors
- Massage therapists
- Specialized training
- Evidence-based practice
What We Offer
Techniques Available:
- Joint mobilization
- Manipulation (when appropriate)
- Soft tissue techniques
- Neural mobilization
- Integrated approach
Frequently Asked Questions
Is manual therapy painful? It shouldn't be severely painful. Some techniques may cause mild discomfort, which should be temporary. Always communicate with your practitioner about your comfort level.
How many sessions will I need? This varies by condition. Many patients notice improvement within 4-6 sessions. Chronic conditions may require longer treatment. We'll reassess and adjust as needed.
What's the popping sound during manipulation? The sound is caused by gas bubbles releasing from joint fluid—not bones cracking. It's not required for the treatment to be effective.
Can I do manual therapy techniques on myself? Some self-mobilization techniques can be taught for home use. However, professional assessment and treatment provide benefits that self-treatment cannot replicate.
Experience Expert Manual Therapy
Our team at M.O. Therapy in Markham provides skilled manual therapy as part of comprehensive care.
Contact Us:
- Call (905) 201-5827
- Book online
- Direct billing available
Let experienced hands help you move and feel better.