Orthopedic Manual Therapy
About Orthopaedic Manual Therapy
Orthopedic manual therapy/ physical therapy is the assessment and treatment of neurological, cardio-respiratory and orthopedic problems through hands-on interventions. The objective of manual therapy is treating the neuro–orthopedic part of any disorder, thereby focusing on the disease or condition itself. For instance, after a cardiovascular surgery, a patient may experience decreased movement of his ribcage, which may interfere with his usual breathing pattern.The treatment can include hands-on work that includes mobilization of the nerves, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, and mobilization of spinal segments and joints.
According to clinical recommendations, manual therapy can also include manipulation which enhances joint movement beyond its range of motion with the use of high velocity, low amplitude force. Manual therapy treatment is achieved through specific exercises as well as through the use of electro-therapy equipment like short-wave diathermy and ultra-sound.
pt Health clinics utilize skilled manual therapy techniques performed by registered physiotherapists, to assess and treat soft tissues and joint structures.
The Benefits of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy
Cases like back pain, whether they are chronic or acute, can be treated through manual therapy. There are no known side effects because the treatment is hands-on. It also deals with mobilization of nerves, soft-tissue, and fascia. Relief is attained in less time than most therapies and with less financial strain on the patient as well.
Near the end of treatment, muscles feel relaxed and calmed and there is an increased circulation of oxygen in the bloodstream. There is little to no discomfort due to the specific types of exercises and massage techniques used in manual therapy. The exercises and massage techniques are geared to allow movement of the body beyond a current restricted range of motion.
pt Health clinics use manual therapy techniques performed by skilled and registered physiotherapists. Manual therapy is:
- Effective for acute and chronic pain.
- Helpful in relaxing muscles and breaking up scar tissue.
- Useful in increasing joint movement beyond restricted range of motion.
- Helpful in reducing painful muscle spasms.
Coverage Options
pt Health therapy services are covered by most extended health insurance companies and in some cases Veterans Affairs and Medicare – such as OHIP (Ontario), Alberta Health Care and Medical Service Plan MSP (British Columbia). Not sure if you’re covered? No problem. We can help you find out (and usually within the hour). Just call us toll free at 1-866-749-7461.
At pt Health we believe your health should come first. We take care of the paperwork so you can focus on getting better, plus we offer direct insurance billing, saving you time and up front costs.
Research
Research summary entitled, “The Benefits of Integrative Manual Therapy on a Patient with Chronic Low Back Pain” covered a report on the benefits of Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) on a 32 year old woman who was being treated for lower back pain and inability to stand erect. The result was, “static, standing posture was improved, and after completion of six hours of treatment, she could stand fully and comfortably erect without any deviation to the right.”
“Efficacy of Manual Therapy” from the Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine and Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota. The study provided conclusive evidence that manual therapy can be an effective modality when used to treat patients with lower back pain problems.