If you live in a remote area of Ontario and can’t make it to a physiotherapy clinic, how can you receive manual therapy treatment? Is online help an option?
Manual therapy is a specialized treatment technique that involves using hands-on methods to relieve pain, improve function, and restore movement. It’s a common tool for among physiotherapists and can be particularly effective short term to help patient manage their injuries. But can it be performed virtually?
First, let’s define Manual Therapy?
Manual therapy refers to a range of hands-on techniques that physiotherapists use to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Though it’s commonly associated with physiotherapists, manual therapy is also utilized by other health professionals such as chiropractors and osteopaths. Manual therapy will usually give short to median term results and needs to be combined with exercises and education to be effective.
Manual therapy can be used to:
- Stretch tissues: Increase the length of skin, muscles, and fascia.
- Massage and release tension: Target trigger points or release muscular tension to promote relaxation.
- Activate muscles: Use techniques that help ensure your muscles are working efficiently.
- Mobilize nerves: Sometimes nerve mobility is restricted, and manual therapy can help restore proper movement.
- Mobilize joints: Improve joint mobility and flexibility, particularly when arthritis has caused stiffness.
The Goals of Manual Therapy
Manual therapy aims to achieve several outcomes that can make a big difference in managing arthritis symptoms. These include:
- Decreasing pain: Targeted techniques can help reduce pain
- Improving flexibility: Stretching techniques can increase the range of motion, making it easier to move.
- Restoring joint mobility: If stiffness is a concern, manual therapy can help get those joints moving more freely.
- Improving function: By addressing muscle weaknesses or joint misalignments, manual therapy helps you regain functional movement.
- Controlling swelling: Certain techniques can help reduce inflammation and swelling around affected joints.
Manual Therapy Online: How It Works
At Virtualis Physio, manual therapy is possible even through online physiotherapy sessions. Many technics can be demonstrated remotely by your physiotherapist. During your session, We will guide you through specific manual therapy techniques that you can perform on your own at home. This includes techniques such as joint mobilizations, stretches, and muscle activation exercises, all of which can be safely adapted for self-care. Your physiotherapist will provide detailed instructions, correct your form in real-time, and offer adjustments to ensure that you’re performing the techniques correctly and effectively. With the right guidance, you can safely experience the benefits of manual therapy from the comfort of your home.
Virtualis Physio brings manual therapy techniques directly to you through online physiotherapy, offering remote consultations and guided self-care techniques.
Whether you’re experiencing joint stiffness, pain, or difficulty moving, we can provide manual therapy techniques to help you manage your pain and symptoms, anywhere in Ontario. Book your session to start.
