Manual Therapy Treatment in Berkeley Heights

Manual therapy is a form of physical therapy that involves hands-on techniques without devices or machines. These hand movements are intended to:

• Mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints

• Reduce soft tissue swelling

• Reduce pain and inflammation

• Improve tissue extensibility

• Increase the range of motion 

Manual therapy is not only a form of physical therapy but is also used primarily by chiropractors to make most types of chiropractic adjustments. 

Who Can Benefit From Manual Therapy? 

Manual therapy has been especially successful at relieving different kinds of back pain that involve musculoskeletal conditions that impair range of motion. Manual therapy has also been very successful at treating other issues such as:

• Neck pain

• Hip problems

• Knee injuries

• Shoulder pain

• TMJ Physical Therapy

• Muscle spasms 

How Does it Work? 

A physical therapist using manual therapy can restore mobility to stiff joints and reduce muscle tension so that you can move freely with reduced or no pain. A physical therapist will manually apply targeted pressure or force on a joint in a specific direction to increase joint mobilization, creating cavitation or pop that improves range of motion. This pressure or force can be applied at different levels of intensity depending on the feedback given by the patient. 

Pressure can also be applied to stretch and relieve pain in myofascial tissues, especially in the upper back, shoulder, and neck. Pressure may also be applied to soft tissue where injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis occur.  In any situation where you are looking to restore motor control, move more efficiently, restore mobility, or reduce pain, manual therapy may be the solution for you. Our friendly staff has the skills, tools, and training to help you recover and regain proper physical function.

Don't let pain or limited mobility hold you back any longer. At our Berkeley Heights physical therapy office we can help you achieve optimal health and wellness. To schedule a consultation, simply call us at (908) 603-9605 or fill out our online "Contact Us" form. We'll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.