Manual Therapy

Manual therapy refers to various techniques used to address joint restrictions and soft tissue dysfunction.  It differs from chiropractic adjustments in that the movements are slower and use less force.  For patients who aren’t comfortable with classic chiropractic manipulation, manual therapy is a good alternative.

Sometimes referred to as joint mobilization, manual therapy techniques are used to stretch contracted muscles, impart more range of motion to a joint, and re-set disarticulated joints.  The techniques can be passive (patient does not engage muscles during the procedure), active (patient is asked to move the treated body part during the procedure), or active-resistant (patient applies a resistive force during the procedure).  The techniques are commonly used in various forms by physical therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and massage therapists.