Any hands-on treatment is referred to as manual therapy in many forms. While everyone has their definition of manual therapy, it is a broad phrase that covers a wide range of treatments. In this article, we will explore the methodology and outcomes of manual therapy for the elderly and manual therapy services, a type of physical therapy performed by physical therapists.
What Do We Mean by Manual Therapy?
Manual Therapy, often known as hands-on physical Therapy, is a type of physical therapy that does not involve machinery or technologies. Instead, therapists perform trained, specific hands-on procedures solely with their hands. Soft tissue work and mobilization/manipulation are two types of manual therapy services.
When treating lower back discomfort, for example, we don't just focus on getting rid of the pain; we also look at how the intervertebral joints move (are they hyper or hypo mobile?). Soft tissue mobilization may be used first, such as massage, trigger point release, or muscular energy treatments. This aids in the relaxation of muscles, the promotion of circulation, the breakdown of scar tissue, and the reduction of pain. The joints of the lumbar spine (lower vertebrae) or the sacroiliac joint would then be mobilized (joint connecting the pelvis and the spine). Manual therapy for the elderly is performed at various levels based on the intensity, speed, and amplitude required to relax the soft tissues surrounding the joint, align it or move it. It helps in the reduction of discomfort and the improvement of flexibility. When they have improved, we will provide exercises to help you get the most out of your manual treatment.
Aim of Manual Therapy
In a physical therapist's assessment and treatment, manual therapy services have their place. A physical therapist may utilize one or more manual therapy modalities depending on the presentation of symptoms and the desired objective. Physical therapists aim to attain one or more of the following results while using these techniques:
Reduce and/or manage pain by increasing joint range of motion and encouraging relaxation.
Enhance tissue elasticity.
Reduce Soft tissue irritation.
Make a specific joint move.
Reduce limits on movement.
How Effective is Manual Therapy?
There is a lot of debate over the efficacy of manual therapy services. In every study demonstrating one kind's benefits, another indicates that it has less impact than expected.
The differences in therapists, methodologies used, individuals treated, and their circumstances make it impossible to compare these studies. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to manual treatment. When choosing how to use it, physical therapists must consider the client, their condition, and the result they want to achieve.
Manual therapy for the elderly is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including:
Stiffness of the muscles
Tension in the muscles
Low backache
Neck injuries and pain
Problems with the hips, knees, ankles, and feet
Problems with the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders
Accident-related injuries
Workplace accidents
Our highly skilled doctors at Mind & Mobility, Home Care Center are experienced in treating many complex neurological and orthopaedic disorders. They recognize the importance of manual therapy for the elderly in assessing and treating their patients.
Our clinicians will utilize appropriate manual therapy services to help manage your disease and improve your function when it is suitable. If you've been injured, make an appointment with one of our therapists so they can help you get back to doing what you love.
Different Manual Therapy services
Therapists will know which approaches to elicit one or more of these effects after a comprehensive examination to understand a client's situation. The ultimate goal of manual therapy for the elderly will be to improve the function of a client.
Physical therapists employ various manual therapy services in their assessment and treatment. These methods could include:
Active assisted range of motion (AAROM) is a technique in which a client moves a joint through its full range of motion while the therapist helps them.
Passive range of motion (PROM) is when a therapist moves a client's joint through its full range of motion without the client's assistance.
A therapist places a muscle in a lengthened posture and holds it in that position for a period, known as passive stretching.
Soft tissue massage is the direct physical manipulation of soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, or fascia) (e.g. hands, forearm, elbow). To act, the therapist will utilize a variety of pressures and depths.
Manual traction is applying a distracting force to a joint to allow decompression or gapping in the shared space.
Joint mobilizations are passive movements with varying velocities and amplitudes that work directly on the move at joint surfaces.
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a technique for removing soft tissue and myofascial limitations using specialized tools.
Trigger points are palpable nodules that cause tense bands in the muscle to be released. Applying pressure to these taut bands to remove or eliminate these nodules is known as a trigger point release.
MRT stands for the myofascial release method, which involves applying constant pressure to limitations in the myofascial tissue.
Last Thought
Clinicians frequently mobilize and manipulate joints as part of manual therapy. Mobilization/manipulation procedures aid in the reduction of pain, the correction of joint mechanics, and the early return to workouts and everyday activities. Therapists apply pressure to the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, when performing delicate tissue work. This pressure can help muscles relax, circulation improves, scar tissue breaks up, and soft tissue inflammation decrease or disappear.
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