What Is Manual Therapy?
Manual therapy refers to a broad category of hands-on techniques used to assess and treat muscles, joints, and soft tissue. It includes approaches like soft-tissue mobilization, myofascial release, and joint mobilization, each selected based on what your specific tissue needs.
Unlike a chiropractic adjustment, which targets a specific joint with a quick, controlled thrust, manual therapy typically involves sustained or rhythmic pressure applied by hand to reduce tension, break up adhesions, and improve tissue mobility.
How Manual Therapy Works
Manual therapy techniques are selected based on a hands-on assessment of your muscles and soft tissue.
Assessment
We evaluate the affected tissue for tightness, restriction, or areas of tenderness.
Targeted technique
We apply the appropriate hands-on technique, whether soft-tissue mobilization, myofascial release, or another approach, directly to the affected area.
Reassessment
We check your response and adjust pressure and technique as needed throughout the session.
Benefits of Manual Therapy
- Reduces muscle tension — and tightness in affected soft tissue.
- Improves tissue mobility — by addressing adhesions and restrictions.
- Eases pain — associated with chronic muscle tightness or soft-tissue injury.
- Complements chiropractic adjustments — by addressing the soft tissue surrounding treated joints.
- Supports overall recovery — from both acute injuries and chronic tension patterns.
What to Expect
Manual therapy is often integrated into your visit alongside chiropractic adjustment, targeting the soft tissue around the areas being treated.
- A brief assessment of the affected muscles and soft tissue
- Direct hands-on treatment, with pressure adjusted to your comfort
- Some tenderness during treatment of particularly tight areas, though it shouldn’t be sharply painful
- A feeling of looseness or relief in the treated area afterward
Good to know
Manual therapy pressure is always adjusted to your comfort level. call 386-400-3620 if you have questions about what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is manual therapy the same as massage? +
They share some similarities, but manual therapy is a clinical technique targeted at specific dysfunction, often integrated with your broader treatment plan, while massage therapy is typically more broadly relaxation- or wellness-focused.
Does manual therapy hurt? +
Some areas of significant tightness may feel tender during treatment, but it shouldn’t be sharply painful. We always adjust pressure to your comfort level.
How is manual therapy different from a chiropractic adjustment? +
An adjustment targets a specific spinal joint with a quick, controlled thrust, while manual therapy uses sustained or rhythmic hands-on pressure to address the surrounding soft tissue.
What techniques are included in manual therapy? +
Manual therapy can include soft-tissue mobilization, myofascial release, and joint mobilization, among other techniques, selected based on what your tissue needs.
Will I be sore after manual therapy? +
Some patients feel mild soreness afterward, similar to how muscles feel after a deep massage, which typically resolves within a day or so.
How often will I need manual therapy? +
It depends on your condition. It’s often incorporated into regular visits as part of a broader treatment plan.
