Manual Therapy Techniques
Vibratory therapy uses a small hand-held device that applies vibration directly over the muscle or tendon. It creates a high frequency vibration that has an effect on the superficial nerve endings in the skin and soft tissues, as well as the nerve endings of the muscle and tendon (Golgi Tendon Organ and Muscle Spindle). The vibration stimulates these nerve endings sending a message to the spinal cord and brain causing a reflexive inhibition of the affected muscles, tendons, and fascia (covering of the muscle) which helps to inhibit or decrease pain.
Studies also have shown that vibratory therapy can improve flexibility of tight or spastic muscles increasing range of motion of affected joints through this same neurological affect. Vibratory therapy increases circulation to the injured muscle or tendon which brings in new oxygenated blood with tissue healing elements (fibroblasts) that help to speed the recovery of the damaged tissue. Vibratory therapy can be used in acute injuries, over-use injury, post-surgical recovery, or chronic pain.
Active Release Technique (ART): ART is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system/movement-based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.
Spinal Manipulation/ Mobilization: Manipulation/mobilization is the precise controlled movement of a joint through its range-of-motion using one’s hands. It is often associated with a “cracking” sound. It has been a treatment technique used with success for thousands of years. Manipulation/mobilization is performed by chiropractors, physical therapists, and osteopathic physicians. There are hundreds of studies supporting the efficacy of manipulation/mobilization for acute/chronic spinal pain, migraine, and cervicogenic (neck related) headaches.
Myofascial Release: Myofascial Release is an effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial (muscle) connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow muscle and fascia to elongate.
Trigger Point Therapy: Trigger points are described as hyperirritable/painful spots in muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. The clinician uses compression/massaging of a trigger point which releases the muscle nodule thereby allowing pain relief and relaxation of the muscle.
Strain-Counterstrain/ Positional Release Technique: This is a very gentle technique in which the clinician gently contacts the painful trigger point/muscle and positions the body part in a relaxed position. This is held for 90 seconds and repeated on other dysfunctional muscles. This technique is often used with severe acute pain when the patient cannot tolerate other forms of treatment, such as with an acute whiplash injury.
Fascial Manipulation: There is a new technique used at Mishock Physical Therapy & Associates, called the Fascial Manipulation. This remarkable procedure allows us to detect and treat areas of dysfunctional muscle or fascia that may be leading to acute or chronic muscle pain and dysfunction. Fascia is a thin strong soft tissue that forms a continuous covering over muscles, nerves, and organs.
Cupping is based on traditional, century-old, Asian medicine that allows one to grip and elevate skin and fascia with use of suction cups, a type of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization. This allows for the release of scar tissue/fascial adhesions (connective tissue overlying muscle), managing trigger points, boost circulation, alleviate pain, and improve muscle and joint mobility.
Mishock Physical Therapy Provides Manual Therapy Techniques at all Locations:
Mishock Physical Therapy
Boyertown
Ph: (610) 845-5000
Fx: 610.845.5011
560 North Route 100
Bechtelsville, PA 19505
Mishock Physical Therapy
Gilbertsville
ph: (610) 327-2600
fx: (610) 327-9050
1806 Swamp Pike
Suite 100
Gilbertsville, PA 19525
Mishock Physical Therapy
Limerick
ph: (484) 948-2800
fx: (610) 792-3044
Freedom Valley YMCA at Spring Valley
19 W. Linfield-Trappe Rd.
Limerick, PA 19468
Mishock Physical Therapy
Phoenixville
ph: (610) 933-3371
fx: (610) 933-3376
131 Nutt Road
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Mishock Physical Therapy
Skippack
ph: (610) 584-1400
fx: (610) 584-5224
3887 Skippack Pike
Lower Level
Skippack, PA 19474
