Do you feel like you deal with pain and stiffness on a regular basis? There are a number of conditions or injuries that can cause chronic pain and stiffness. In many cases, pain and stiffness are simply related to tired, weak or tight muscles. Regardless of the cause of your pain and stiffness, visiting a physical therapist can help.

Physical therapists have a wide range of methods they can use to help treat pain and stiffness. Which methods will be right for you depends on the cause and severity of your condition, but in many cases, physical therapists will use manual therapy as part of your treatment. 

What is manual therapy?

Manual therapy (also known as hands-on therapy) is a series of hands-on techniques used to maneuver and mobilize your joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Gently mobilizing your joints into different positions can produce effects that help reduce pain and stiffness related to a variety of conditions.

Three benefits of manual therapy for pain and stiffness treatment

Besides helping you reduce and prevent pain, manual therapy can also benefit you in the following ways:

1. Improved range of motion — Weak and tight muscles move less freely than strong and flexible muscles. Plus, weak and tight muscles increase strain on your joints that causes more pain and difficulty moving. Manual therapy can help improve your strength and flexibility to help improve your range of motion.
2. Breakdown of scar tissue — Scar tissue is a tough, fibrous tissue that limits the flexibility of your muscles. It can build up on your muscles after an injury or an incision from surgery. Manual therapy mobilization techniques help to break down scar tissue, which helps reduce pain and improve your range of motion.
3. Reduced need for medication — When dealing with pain and stiffness, many people turn to pain medications for help. However, this can be a problem because medications often cause unwanted side effects and can be addictive. Manual therapy helps reduce your pain so you don’t need to rely on medication.

Visit Continuum Wellness for pain and stiffness treatment

At Continuum Wellness, manual therapy is just one of the many methods our physical therapists use to help reduce pain and improve your range of motion. If you’re ready to get help with your pain and stiffness, our team is here for you. Contact our team today for more information about treating pain and stiffness with manual therapy or to schedule an initial appointment.