At Alaska Physical Therapy Specialists, LLC we effectively utilize orthopedic manual physical therapy during your rehabilitation. After an examination and evaluation of the client, a plan of care is established, and orthopedic manual physical therapy will be utilized for improving your mobility and reducing your pain. This effective skill developed and mastered through advanced training is a treatment tool that utilizes
1.) JOINT MOBILIZATION/MANIPULATION: application through skilled physical therapist treatment techniques to produce passive movement of joints in guided directions to improve overall mobility and range of motion in a joint. These movements can be performed at various velocities and amplitudes to facilitate movement and biomechanical changes, reduce muscle guarding, inhibit pain at a segment or joint, to improve cartilage nutrition with gliding and produce neurophysiological changes.
2.) SOFT TISSUE MOBILZIATION: use of a skilled physical therapist hands to move tissue passively which can incorporate the client moving his or her body against the therapist’s resistance to improve muscle recruitment and blood flow. Various soft tissue mobilization techniques used could be from light and deep massage, fascial and scar mobilization.
3.) DRY NEEDLING: an effective technique performed by a trained and skilled physical therapist utilizing a monofilament needle to treat myofascial trigger points. (See Dry Needling Section.)
After thorough examination and evaluation during your first visit with AKPTS, your therapist will utilize these orthopedic manual therapy techniques to improve muscle/soft tissue and joint mobility restrictions that inhibit proper movement patterns that can contribute to persistent pain. Your skilled physical therapist will continually reassess and modify treatment techniques based on your response to the treatment provided at prior sessions. Our ultimate goal is to help you achieve your goals, and through manual therapy techniques, exercise and education we will provide you the skills to become independent and self manage your symptoms.
Conditions where orthopedic manual therapy may be beneficial:
- Lumbar pain
- Sciatica
- Cervical pain and/or headaches
- TMD (Temporomandibular joint dysfunction) / Craniomandibular pain
- Thoracic and rib cage pain
- Shoulder, knee, ankle, hip and other extremity pain
- Adhesive capsulitis / Frozen shoulder
- Osteoarthritis of any joint
- Post operative stiffness and mobility/range of motion needs
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle strains and injuries
- Daily postural deficits and challenges, ergonomics and use of our daily digital devices!!
