WHAT IS MANUAL PHYSICAL THERAPY? Manual physical therapy is a systematic hands-on approach to the assessment and treatment of the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Restrictions or pain in the body that affect muscles, fascia, nerves and all joints respond to manual physical therapy. Manual physical therapy includes specific techniques such as stretching, Active Release Techniques®, joint mobilization, muscle energy, and PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation).
		The goal of manual physical therapy is to restore normal pain-free movement in the body. Each patient or client is thoroughly evaluated by a certified manual physical therapist who will then design and progress an individualized treatment program. This program may include hands-on therapy, a custom exercise program, and biomechanical counseling and information to help prevent further problems. The benefits of manual physical therapy include: > Increased strength > Flexibility > Better posture > Improved range of motion > Decreased pain > Restoration of normal function Conditions that can be treated with manual physical therapy: > repetitive motion secondary to poor posture or injury > restricted mobility in the spine > low back pain > mid back pain > cervical pain > stiff neck > fascial restrictions due to fibromyalgia > loss of flexibility due to scar adhesions > sports injuries > work-related injuries > trauma-related injuries > arthritis > muscle spasm > piriformis syndrome > sciatica > iliotibial band syndrome > plantar fascitis > hip pain > forearm pain > shoulder pain > shoulder impingement