Manual Therapy

Causes of Spine and Joint Dysfunction

There are many potential causes of spine and joint dysfunction ranging from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal stenosis, myofascial tightness, prior surgical interventions, prior injuries, and/or neurological insults.  Physical therapists are specially trained to assess and treat spine and joint dysfunction and its relationship to the client’s functional mobility.

Types of Manual Therapy

There are several treatments within the realm of manual therapy that physical/occupational therapists seek specialized training and certifications to perform.  Specialized approaches available at Virginian Rehabilitation and Wellness include Maitland joint mobilizations, McKenzie joint mobilizations, myofascial release techniques, contract-relax techniques, and deep tendon friction techniques.

Manual Therapy versus Chiropractic versus Massage Treatment

Manual therapy techniques are within the scope of practice for physical/occupational therapists which include special training and certifications that address both joint and surrounding structures and can be applied to orthopedic, chronic, acute and neurological diagnosis. 

Maitland Manual Therapy Approach:

Many skilled therapists have been trained and seek continuing education on a variety of manual treatment styles and theories because one of the best tools a therapist has is their two hands! One well-known and proven approach is the Maitland approach, which was founded in Australia and a more biomechanical approach to reduce joint stiffness and pain. This technique utilizes a gentle, yet effective method to mobilize joints to increase pain-free range of motion, and is effective for all joints of the arms, legs and spinal column. Our therapists have completed extensive training in this method to perform across the age spectrum and can modify the approach to fit your range of motion needs and to meet your goals.

Chiropractic techniques mainly focus on spinal adjustments, such as high-force thrusts on the spine itself.  Most chiropractors work in conjunction with skilled physical/occupational therapists when the main deficit is postural impairment which requires spinal manipulations.

Massage treatment can be used as an adjunct to manual therapy techniques administered by a licensed therapist. Massage addresses soft tissue structure restrictions such as stiffness in muscle bodies, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.  Massage treatment is used primarily for chronic tightness and in conjunction with active physical/occupational therapy treatment and exercise prescription to decrease acute onset episodes.