Is chronic pain or a sudden injury affecting your ability to enjoy your favorite activities or get your work done? If this sounds like your situation, you may need to visit a physical therapist for treatment.
Physical therapists specialize in a wide range of treatment methods that help reduce and prevent pain. The methods used in your treatment routine vary depending on your condition, its cause, its severity, and other factors like age, weight and medical history. However, in many cases, physical therapists use a range of techniques known as hands-on physical therapy.
The benefits of treating pain with hands-on physical therapy
Hands-on physical therapy, also known as manual therapy, involves a series of mobilization and maneuvering techniques that help address your condition. There are many benefits to treating pain by using manual therapy, including:
- Reduced pain — One of the primary goals of physical therapy is to help reduce and prevent pain. Manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization or joint mobilization, can help reduce pain and reduce pressure off your joints.
- Improved range of motion — Pain and tension can limit your range of motion, which makes it difficult to accomplish a number of simple tasks. Hands-on physical therapy helps reduce tension and improve your range of motion.
- Less scar tissue — Scar tissue that builds up after an injury or surgery is often a source of pain and stiffness. Hands-on physical therapy is effective in preventing the buildup of scar tissue and breaking up existing scar tissue.
- Lower dependency on addictive and invasive treatments — If a condition is left untreated for too long, your doctor might prescribe medications, such as steroids or opioids, that can help manage the pain but come with undesirable side effects or can be addictive. Additionally, surgery can become an increasingly viable option if your condition grows worse.
Physical therapy helps reduce your pain and improve your condition so that you may not have to rely on these other methods.
Visit SOL Physical Therapy for help with your aches and pains
Are you struggling with constant aches and pains that make it difficult to get through the day? Our team at SOL Physical Therapy is here to help. We can examine your condition and use a wide range of techniques, including hands-on physical therapy, to help address your needs. Contact our team today for more information about manual therapy or to schedule an initial appointment.
