Discover The Benefits Of Manual Therapy
Experience our hands-on approach at Physio For Seniors and get the healing you long for!
Manual therapy in Vancouver at Howe Street and Denman Street is a hands-on technique performed by our physiotherapists. We use manual therapy to release restrictions, guide joints to centred alignment and balance out tissue tensions in the body. Our whole body approach to patient care takes a holistic view and our treatment plans are based on all aspects of your physical, emotional, spiritual and cognitive health rather than just your present symptoms. If you want to experience the benefits of manual therapy in Vancouver, call Physio For Seniors at 778-245-9746 today to learn more and schedule your first appointment!
Conditions That Our Manual Therapists Treat
Manual therapy is one of the primary disciplines of physiotherapy as it can be significantly beneficial in addressing areas of stiffness and restriction. Our physiotherapists utilize a holistic approach to manual therapy that addresses root causes and aims to find short-, medium-, and long-term solutions.
Conditions that we treat with manual therapy at Physio For Seniors include:
- Neck and back pain: Neck and back pain are two common types of musculoskeletal pain that affect a significant number of people at some point in their lives. Pain can be mild, moderate, or severe and stem from an underlying condition or an injury like a muscle strain.
- Joint stiffness: Joint stiffness occurs when your mobility is limited and the bones do not move smoothly through a full, normal range of motion. Common causes include capsular tightness, osteoarthritis and misalignment.
- Headaches: Manual therapy techniques such as craniosacral therapy, massage and joint mobilization can help alleviate tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches (neck-related) and migraines. A cervicogenic headache is caused by muscle knots and joint stiffness in the neck. Migraines are classified as a neurological disorder that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation in the head.
- Sports injuries: Common sports injuries that are treated with manual therapy include:
- Sprains and strains: Stretching or tearing of ligament and muscle fibres.
- Tendonitis: Overuse (repetitive stress) injury that results in inflammation of a tendon.
- Dislocations: When a bone is forced out of its normal position in the joint. Dislocations result in pain, instability, and dysfunction of the joint.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include constipation, muscle spasms in the pelvic area, and leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or running.
Manual Therapy Techniques
Our registered physiotherapists often incorporate manual therapy into a comprehensive treatment plan. We also use other modalities, such as exercise, stretching, and heat or ice therapy, to aid in injury recovery and chronic pain management. During a thorough evaluation, your therapist aims to pinpoint the cause of your pain by a thorough medical history and physical examination that will identify factors contributing to your symptoms. Following the evaluation, your therapist will design a customized treatment plan according to your unique needs and recovery goals.
We apply several manual therapy techniques at Physio For Seniors.
These include:
Soft tissue massage
A type of therapeutic massage that targets the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Soft tissue massage manipulates the body’s soft tissues with various techniques, such as kneading and rubbing.
Joint mobilization
Methods used to improve joint range of motion and reduce joint stiffness. These effective techniques guide the joints and surrounding tissues through various movements.
Mobilizations apply mild to moderately strong forces to the joints, whereas manipulation involves using high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to release stuck joints. We use mobilizations which are gentler and just as effective, while chiropractors tend to use manipulation.
Myofascial release
Focuses on releasing restrictions in the fascial system, which is the connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, and organs. Our therapists perform myofascial release by applying sustained pressure to restricted fascial areas, which restores elasticity and glide.
Trigger point therapy
Works by applying pressure to specific areas of tightness or “knots” within muscles, which can help to reduce pain and improve muscle function.
Muscle energy techniques
Your therapist will apply directed muscle contractions to guide bones into the right alignment and release muscle tension.
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
Combines passive stretching and isometric contractions to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion. Your therapist will guide you through specific movement patterns to facilitate the desired outcome.
Passive stretching
A technique in which your therapist fully leads your stretching routine so that you can gain muscle length and flexibility.
Discover Relief and Renewal with Our Hands-On Approach to Manual Therapy in Vancouver
Contact our clinic today and start your journey to recovery!
Whether you are suffering from neck and back pain, joint stiffness, headaches, sports injuries, or pelvic floor dysfunction, Physio For Seniors aims to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing by applying pressure to the affected areas of the body. Do not let pain hold you back from living your best life. Call our clinic today at 778-245-9746 to learn more about our holistic care plans and book a consultation.
