Manual Therapy
Soft tissue manipulation, also known as manual therapy, is one of the most important tools in the chiropractic toolbox, alongside the chiropractic adjustment. Research consistently shows faster recovery times and improved return to activity when both therapies are used together!
What is manual therapy?
At its core, manual therapy leaves the gadgets and gizmos behind and relies on the skill of our hands and the instruments they hold to reduce the irritation in tight and tender tissues such as muscles, ligaments, fascia, and tendons.
When you find yourself stiff and tight in any one body region it will often have a negative impact on your joint motion as well. The chiropractic adjustment is essential to improving joint motion, but if the soft tissues around those joints are untreated, the joints will go right back to being restricted. These two treatments are like peanut butter and jelly, Han and Chewie, or chicken and waffles; either one is great on its own but you’re not getting the peak experience without both.
At Summit Sports Chiropractic we’ll use a variety of manual techniques to help activate muscles that have been underworked and relax muscles that have been overworked.
What tools do we have beyond the power of our hands?
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM) is a form of therapy that uses specially designed surgical stainless steel tools to decrease pain and improve range of motion and function more efficiently.
Cupping is an ancient therapy that was popularized in recent Olympics and is now used by athletes around the world. It’s used to help reduce pain and inflammation, improve blood flow, and relax your muscles.
Common Conditions Treated By Soft Tissue Manipulation:
- Muscle spasm
- Headaches
- Tight muscles
- Low back pain
- Overuse injuries
- Sports Injuries
- Postural problems