Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a form of physical therapy that involves the use of hands-on techniques to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This type of therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, and knee pain.
The goal of manual therapy is to reduce pain and improve function by restoring movement and alignment to the body. This is achieved through a variety of techniques, including joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and manual stretching. These techniques are performed by trained professionals, such as physical therapists or chiropractors.
Joint mobilization is a technique that involves the gentle movement of a joint to restore its proper alignment and function. This can help to reduce pain and improve mobility. Soft tissue mobilization involves the application of pressure to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons to help reduce tension and improve range of motion. Manual stretching involves the use of gentle pressure to stretch tight muscles and improve flexibility.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is used to treat a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, headaches, and chronic pain. When used in conjunction with other therapies, such as exercise, stretching, and manual therapy, it can be amazingly effective.
Our Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists (CMTPT) insert a very thin needle into a tight or knotted muscle, which is also known as a trigger point. These trigger points can form in muscles due to injury, stress, or overuse, and can cause pain and discomfort. When the needle is inserted into the trigger point, it can help to release the tension in the muscle by causing a reflexive relaxation response. This reduces pain and improves muscle function.
Dry needling is called “dry” because it is all natural and no medication with bad side effects are injected. It is purely a mechanical intervention aimed at releasing tight muscles and improving their function.
It’s important to note that dry needling is far different from acupuncture, although they both involve the use of needles. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that is used for many varied types of ailments. Dry needling is a Western medicine technique that specifically focuses on releasing trigger points in muscles and often provides a very quick improvement in pain relief, muscle function, and physical performance.
Graston Technique
The Graston Technique is a specialized form of therapy used by trained physical therapists to treat various musculoskeletal conditions. It involves the use of special instruments, which are gently applied to the skin to detect and treat areas of tissue dysfunction in the body.
During a Graston Technique session, your therapist will use the instruments to precisely scan and treat the affected area. The instruments are designed to feel like a smooth, rounded edge and are used to apply pressure to specific areas of the body. Your therapist will use different strokes and techniques to help identify and break up any knots, tightness, or adhesions in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
The Graston Technique is a non-invasive and painless treatment that aims to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as sports injuries, sprains, strains, and repetitive stress injuries. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and ice or heat therapy, to provide a comprehensive approach to treatment.
The Graston Technique is best suited for patients who are seeking relief from pain and discomfort caused by soft tissue injuries or conditions. Your physical therapist will be able to assess your condition and develop a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.
Normatec Recovery System
Recovering from injuries or intense workouts can be challenging, and that’s why we offer Normatec Recovery Boots as part of our advanced recovery protocols. A favorite among our clients is the Normatec Recovery Boots. It’s like a cozy hug for your legs. Our Normatec Recovery Boots are an innovative and effective tool designed to accelerate your body’s natural healing process and enhance your recovery.
Normatec Recovery Boots use dynamic compression technology to improve circulation and reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. By applying pressure in a sequential manner, these boots mimic the body’s natural muscle pumping mechanism, helping to flush out metabolic waste and bring fresh oxygenated blood to the muscles. This promotes faster healing, reduces muscle stiffness, and improves overall recovery time.
Using the Normatec Recovery Boots is easy and comfortable. You simply slip them on and let them do their magic while you relax. You can even adjust the intensity to your liking. It’s like having your own personal masseuse!
Whether you’re an athlete recovering from a tough workout or just someone looking for relief from everyday muscle soreness, the Normatec Recovery Boots can be a game-changer. They can help you recover faster, feel better, and get back to doing the things you love in no time!
Alter G, Blood Flow Restriction Treatment
Our Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ technology empowers people to move in new ways and without pain – to recover mobility, improve wellness, and enhance physical performance.
An AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ system will help you experience a level of freedom you may not have thought possible. Whether you want to get back to life as quickly as possible after orthopedic injury or surgery, or you want to gain strength and endurance while managing a neurological condition, chronic disease, or obesity – AlterG can give you new power to achieve your goals.
For athletes interested in rehabbing faster, training while protecting or recovering from an injury or surgery, or increasing training volume while minimizing stress-related injuries, AlterG allows you to achieve your goals sooner and smarter. AlterG’s Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ technology is a cornerstone in the training rooms of professional sports teams, Olympic training centers, sports science facilities around the world, and of course here at Better With Physical Therapy.
