Manual Therapy Techniques

Manual therapy techniques are used in physical therapy to reduce pain, improve movement, and modulate the nervous system. These hands-on methods help relieve discomfort and stiffness, enabling a smoother transition to exercise and strengthening, ultimately building resilience for long-term recovery.

Dry Needling with Electrical Stimulation

Dry needling with electrical stimulation enhances the benefits of traditional dry needling by delivering targeted electrical impulses directly to the affected muscles. After inserting the needles, electrodes are attached, similar to a TENS unit or surface electrical stimulation. However, instead of applying currents through pads on the skin, the stimulation reaches deep into the muscle tissue, addressing the source of tension and pain more effectively.

Trigger Point Dry Needling

Trigger point dry needling is a specialized technique used to relieve muscle tension and pain that may be restricting movement or causing discomfort. By inserting thin needles into targeted trigger points—similar to how pressure is applied to knots during a massage—we can directly address muscle tightness at its source, promoting relaxation and improved mobility.

Tooling/Scraping Techniques

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), also known as tooling or scraping, is a hands-on technique used to reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve mobility. Specialized tools are applied to the skin to gently scrape or glide over tight or restricted areas, helping to promote circulation and tissue healing. This technique can be an effective way to address chronic tightness, discomfort, and movement restrictions, supporting overall recovery and performance.

Cupping with Mobilization

Cupping with mobilization using silicone cups is a therapeutic technique designed to reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve mobility. Unlike traditional cupping, which uses stationary suction, silicone cups allow for movement across the skin, helping to lift and decompress tight muscles and fascia. This method helps reduce stiffness, enhance range of motion, and restore movement.

Static Cupping

Static cupping is a therapeutic technique that uses suction to create negative pressure on the skin, helping to relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, and promote circulation. Unlike dynamic cupping, where the cups are moved, static cupping involves placing silicone or plastic cups on specific areas and leaving them in place for a set period. This technique helps to decompress tight muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.

Joint Mobilization and Manipulation

Joint mobilization and manipulation are hands-on techniques used to improve joint function, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Mobilization involves slow, controlled movements to gently stretch the joint, while manipulation uses quick, precise movements to restore normal motion. These techniques help decrease stiffness, enhance movement, and relieve discomfort, making them effective for addressing joint restrictions and musculoskeletal pain.