Why Manual Therapy VS Traditional Physical Therapy?

When exploring options for rehabilitation and therapy, the terms "manual therapy" and "physical therapy" often come up, each offering unique benefits for those in need of care. This blog highlights how Insight Rehabilitation utilizes these practices to support your health and recovery journey.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy, as practiced at Insight Rehabilitation, encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of varying systems of the body, diagnosis, and treatment of physical impairments and disabilities. Our goal is to restore, maintain, or improve your physical function and mobility, alleviate pain, and prevent further injury. Our physical therapists employ a variety of treatment methods including exercises, stretches, occasional modalities like cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and extensive patient education to ensure you're equipped for recovery and beyond. Physical therapy is often crucial after surgeries, injuries, managing chronic conditions or enhancing performance. 

What is Manual Therapy?

Manual therapy, a specialized approach within the physical therapy spectrum at Insight Rehabilitation, involves hands-on treatment to make structural changes in the body to  improve function. Our expert therapists use their hands to apply pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints, addressing issues caused by muscle spasm, tension, and joint dysfunction. Techniques such as neural glides, strain counterstrain, myofascial release, dry needling and more. Mobilizations, and manipulations are tailored to improve tissue extensibility, increase range of motion, modulate pain, and reduce inflammation, offering targeted relief.

Key Differences at Insight Rehabilitation

• Approach and Techniques: Insight Rehabilitation recognizes the distinct techniques and approaches of tailored included cures. While our physical therapy services encompass a wide range of treatment methods, including exercises and the use of equipment, our manual therapy focuses on hands-on techniques specific to individual needs and goals.

• Scope of Practice: At Insight Rehabilitation, physical therapy addresses a broad spectrum of physical issues, incorporating lifestyle modification advice and preventive measures. Manual therapy, meanwhile, zeroes in on specific areas of discomfort or dysfunction for intensive care.

• Application and Purpose: Both services aim to relieve pain and enhance mobility, but manual therapy offers more targeted treatment for joint and soft tissue issues. Our physical therapy services also focus on improving overall strength, coordination, and balance for comprehensive rehabilitative care.

• Professional Training: Insight Rehabilitation prides itself on the high level of training and certification required for both our physical and manual therapists, ensuring expert care for our patients.

Choosing the Right Therapy at Insight Rehabilitation

At Insight Rehabilitation, we understand the vital role both manual therapy and traditional physical therapy play in rehabilitative care. Each offers its own methods and benefits, tailored to support your recovery and health goals. Whether you're on the path to recovery from an injury, managing chronic pain, or seeking to improve your physical function, our team is here to provide skilled, compassionate care every step of the way. Let us guide you through your recovery journey with the best that physical and manual therapy have to offer.