Manual Therapy​

Manual physical therapy is hands-on treatment techniques used to decrease pain, reduce joint stiffness, increase muscle flexibility and improve range of motion. The most commonly used manual therapy technique at Sparks Physical Therapy is joint mobilizations, which involves skilled passive movements to a joint complex that is applied at varying speeds and amplitudes to restore optimal motion, function and/or to decrease pain. We also use spinal manipulations, a small, quick stretch to the spine that often is accompanied with a cracking sound. Spinal manipulations act like a “Control + Alt + Delete” for the nervous system to reset the pain cycle. We also use a technique called “Passive Range of Motion” to allow patients to regain motion while recovering from surgery or other ailments. If soft tissues (such as muscles and tendons) are more of the culprit, we use techniques such as instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilizations and active release techniques to reduce muscle spasms and improve flexibility. 

Patients with a variety of orthopedic conditions may benefit from manual physical therapy. Orthopedics is the medical specialty that focuses on reducing pain and restoring function for the musculoskeletal system that includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. The research is clear that manual therapy combined with therapeutic exercise results in the best pain-relief and improving function for patients with arthritis, plantar fasciitis, muscle-tension headaches, shoulder, back, neck, knee and hip pain. Manual therapy is also highly effective for patient’s post-operative (following surgery) to reduce swelling and improving range of motion. 

All of our physical therapists at Sparks Physical Therapy have extensive post-graduate training in manual therapy. On your first visit, we do a very thorough evaluation and discuss with you the best forms of manual therapy for your condition. We never do a treatment without discussing it with you first.

Hear from Our Patients

This place is amazing! I was in pain, but with patience and help from Jamie, Brett, and Michelle…I’m on the mend!! 5/5 highly recommended!
Trang N.
1/01/1970
Brett has been courteous, professional, responsive to communication, and flexible on scheduling. The PT itself is consistent and effective, with noticeable benefits over the course of treatment. Overall, I'm very satisfied.
Nathan F.
12/27/2021
Brett has been great to work with, after just several sessions I’ve had improvement on the trap/shoulder pain I’ve been dealing with. You can tell he knows what he’s doing, and he’s very nice! 🙂
Dante
4/01/2022
The entire staff there is friendly, professional and helpful. Brett listened carefully to all my concerns and questions and was so committed to helping me feel better!!
Joyce R.
8/17/2023

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