Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT) is any “hands-on” technique that a physical therapist uses. Moreover, this treatment often includes passively moving joints in order to assist in returning them to normal movement (joint mobilization and manipulation).
Specific soft tissue techniques may also be used to improve the mobility and function of tissue and muscles including Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Trigger Point Dry Needling, massage and Deep Muscle Stimulator (DMS®).
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Manual Physical Therapy?
Orthopedic manual physical therapists treat acute and chronic conditions in body regions including the head, neck, back, arms and legs.
How is Manual Therapy Different From Other Forms of Bodywork?
At a glance, there are many similarities between manual therapy, massage, chiropractic, as well as osteopathic therapies, just to name a few. The main differentiator between all of these is the assessment process. The manual therapist is often looking for comparable signs, or movements, that mimic or cause your pain. That being said, interventions use a combination of manual therapy with other therapeutic modalities. Consequently, this is often different from other bodywork practitioners.
Our assessment is based upon a careful examination of an individual’s movement patterns. We assess movement limitations and we assess abnormal compensation strategies. In brief, these abnormal compensation strategies may prevent a condition from improving. The assessment process doesn’t end there. We continuously re-assess during the session as well as between sessions.
Do I need Manual Therapy?
Manual therapy is recommended when a muscle, joint, or soft tissue restriction contributes to a person’s main complaint. This complaint includes common disorders that are associated with trauma, post-operative recovery, poor posture, overuse, athletic injuries, obesity, arthritis, or congenital conditions.
Individuals who suffer from chronic conditions may benefit from a skilled manual therapy. In conclusion, the manual therapy aims to return a person to prior level of function, to optimize health, and to minimize disability associated with disease progression.
Check out our blog to learn who needs Physical Therapy!