How Do Physical Therapists Use Manual Therapy In Treatment?
On a patient's initial visit to a physical therapist, his or her medical history is reviewed and a comprehensive physical exam is then completed. Based on the history and clinical exam findings, a treatment plan of care is designed which may incorporate manual therapy techniques to help modulate and reduce pain, increase mobility, decrease inflammation, and facilitate tissue repair. A typical physical therapy goal of treatment is to achieve optimal clinical and functional outcomes via improved pain free mobility and movement. Research shows this is best achieved when other treatment procedures, such as therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular control, and alignment and movement training are combined with manual therapy to help the patient achieve their functional activity goals.
