Manual Physical Therapy

Manual Physical Therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy delivered with the hands as opposed to a device or machine. Certified practitioners use their hands to put pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints to decrease pain caused by muscle spasm, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction.

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Treated Conditions

  • Lower back and neck pain
  • Shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand pain
  • Hip, knee and ankle pain
  • Ligament sprains and muscle strains
  • Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
  • Disc herniations
  • Tendinitis and bursitis

Advantages of Manual Physical Therapy

Helps to decrease the pain in your injury through the treatment of underlying problems through joint and soft tissue manipulation and mobilization.
Helps to restore normal mobility and function, as well as correcting movement dysfunction.
Promotes the normalization of scar tissue to accelerate muscular healing.
Facilitates faster recovery times.

"I would highly recommend Parneet Sandhu as a Physiotherapist! She not only teaches you how to improve your problem area, but she makes sure you know how to do your exercises correctly." ★★★★

— SJ Vrecko

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Physiotherapists that practice manual physical therapy are specially trained to use their hands to diagnose and treat restrictions in movement. This can include a variety of conditions involving the legs, arms, spine, pelvis, TMJ and many other areas of the body.

CAMPT-Certified signifies that we have completed post-graduation training in hands on therapy techniques that meet international standards. CAMPT-Certified physiotherapists help patients get better, recover faster, and stay healthier.

If you have an injury, disease or condition that involves your joints, muscles, tendons or ligaments, you may be a candidate for manual therapy.

Manual Physical Therapists use the following:

Joint Mobilization: This is a specialized technique where a rhythmic or sustained pressure is applied to the joints of the body to help to decrease pain and restore normal mobility and function.

This technique has also been found effective to promote the normalization of scar tissue and accelerates soft tissue up healing. It increases joint mobility by facilitating accessory motions, which are involuntary movements of the joints that bring about a full normal range of motion.

Joint Manipulation: This involves the skilled, quick, passive movement applied by a manual therapist to a specific joint. Joint manipulation helps to decrease pain in the injured area, as well as helps to restore normal mobility and function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization: This includes different techniques including massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release. Pressure is applied to the muscles, soft tissue, tendons and ligaments which helps to stimulate relaxation, increase circulation, break up scar tissue, and ease pain.

What are the benefits of manual physical therapy?

Manual therapy can provide various benefits, including pain relief, improved range of motion, enhanced flexibility, reduced muscle tension, improved circulation, and accelerated healing of soft tissues.

What conditions can be treated with manual physical therapy?

Manual therapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injuries, herniated discs, ligament sprains, and muscle strains. It can also address conditions like headaches and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

How is manual physical therapy different from other forms of physical therapy?

Manual physical therapy is distinct from other forms of physical therapy in that it primarily involves hands-on techniques, while other forms may use exercise, modalities (like ultrasound or electrical stimulation), and equipment. Manual therapy is often used in conjunction with other approaches as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Can I combine manual therapy with other treatments?

Yes, manual therapy is often used in conjunction with other physical therapy techniques, such as exercise, modalities, and postural training, to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the patient’s specific needs