One goal of manual therapy is to prepare a client for safe and efficient body mechanics and exercise. It also allows other methods of treatment to work more effectively. It involves the use of manual techniques to improve range of motion in restricted joints. It is also used to stimulate the function of muscles, nerves, joints and ligaments.

Manual therapy may be used for a wide range of problems, including low back pain; neck pain and injuries; hip, knee, ankle and foot problems; post-surgical conditions; hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder problems; and injuries caused by accidents.

Understanding Terms
The Myofascial Therapy Center conducts an in-depth evaluation of every new client and works closely with the other members of their healthcare team to determine the appropriate treatment. Taking a closer look at whole-body systems is part of the process, and can include myofascial release and visceral therapy, among other options.

In most cases, a variety of techniques are used throughout the course of treatment. Here is a more detailed look at many of the available manual therapy treatments:

• Back education and training: Send your back to school! Most of us are unaware of how much harm we do to our backs through inefficient lifting, movement and unhealthy posture.
• Functional orthopedics: Orthopedic medicine is the rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system, which includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
• Mobilization: Mobilization involves low-speed joint and soft-tissue movement. The therapist gently moves the restricted joint within the range allowed by the joint, gradually increasing its range of motion. Muscle energy techniques are methods that use the muscles around a joint to "pull it through" the restriction of its range.
• Neuromuscular re-education: This therapy is designed to re-educate the neuromuscular response, which reduces muscle spasms and increases strength, coordination and flexibility.
• Pelvic-floor releasing: This therapy, specific to women's health, benefits the body's gynecologic and urinary control, in addition to providing other health benefits.
• Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation: The word "proprioceptive" simply means awareness of posture, movement, and changes in equilibrium, and the knowledge of the position, weight and resistance of objects in relation to the body. Alternating the contraction and relaxation of muscles, when aided by a therapist, increases awareness of the function of muscles and expands flexibility.

Find Out More
Explore the many therapy treatments offered by the Myofascial Therapy Center. They include occupational , physical and hand therapy.