Squats, Lunges, Pushups, and Planks – all very good exercises to improve strength and endurance in the human body. Striving for greater strength is advantageous, but having good mobility is important as well. The definition of mobility is “the ability to move or be moved freely and easily” and regardless of the joint, a proper balance of strength and mobility should be achieved for optimal health.
Physical therapists are movement specialists who evaluate physical dysfunctions and provide strategies and techniques to restore normal mobility and functioning. One of the ways in which physical therapists help to reduce pain, promote good mobility and improve tissue extensibility in the human body is through the use of manual therapy. Manual soft tissue mobilization and passive range of motion are used to reduce adhesions in stiff muscles and scar tissue. Restrictions in the joints can be minimized by joint mobilizations and manual distraction. Active Release Technique (ART), Strain-Counterstrain and Muscle Energy Techniques are other manual therapy techniques employed by physical therapists which integrate neurological influences on the muscular system. These techniques target specific joint surfaces or muscle groups in an effort to increase the range of motion and facilitate normal movement patterns.
Sometimes, tools are combined with manual therapy techniques to further stimulate change in the neuromuscular system. Examples include Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), cupping and dry needling. The spectrum of physical therapy treatment plans is truly vast for varying conditions, but the main goal of manual therapy is to complement individualized exercise programs and modalities to increase mobility and strength, maximize functioning and improve the overall quality of life. Studies show that the use of manual therapy, in addition to exercise, is more effective than either treatment on its own. (1)
Feel free to contact a Physical Therapist at ProFlex if you feel that you or someone you know could benefit from a well-rounded treatment plan, including manual therapy.
1. Bang M, Deyle G. Comparison of Supervised Exercise with and without Manual Physical Therapy for Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 2000; 30: 126-137.
