NYPTA Supports Manual Physical Therapy for the Treatment of Common Musculoskeletal Conditions
Albany, New York (PRWEB) February 28, 2017 -- The first recorded evidence of manual therapy was the writings of Hippocrates (460-335 B.C.), Greek physician known as the “father of medicine”. Hippocrates described manipulating a “Gibbus” or prominent vertebrae back into place by using his hand, foot, or body weight. In the 18th and 19th centuries bone setting was common practice in Great Brittan, a skill passed on from one family member to another. Bone setters had no medical training and believed they were putting little bones back into place. Per Hendrik Ling was a Swedish physiologist who in 1813 founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics and taught corrective exercise and different forms of manipulation and massage. Practitioners came from all over the world to learn his techniques including Mary McMillan, the first president of the American Physical Therapy Association. Since its inception, manual therapy has been an integral part of the physical therapy profession.
Manual Therapy is a “hands on” approach used to evaluate and treat muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, nerves, and joints that have become restricted in mobility as a result of acute injury, repetitive overuse, or poor posture. Techniques include but are not limited to manipulation, mobilization, and different forms of massage. Manipulation and mobilization are skilled passive movements to joints or related soft tissues at varying speeds and amplitudes including a high velocity low amplitude thrust. An audible pop is often heard when a thrust manipulation is performed. The quick separation of the joint surfaces stretches the joint capsule, relaxes tight muscles, and improves joint mobility. Mobilization uses graded oscillatory movements or sustained stretches to produce similar effects. Oscillatory movements have a calming effect on the body and help to reduce pain. Massage involves rubbing and kneading of soft tissue of the body (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments) to promote relaxation, improve tissue mobility, and stimulate healing. Other soft tissue techniques similar to massage include myofascial release, tool assisted soft tissue mobilization, and muscle energy. Physical therapists use manual therapy techniques to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, neck and back pain, tension headaches, hip and knee osteoarthritis, and plantar fasciitis. The goal of manual therapy is to restore mobility of joints, soft tissues, and nerves to reduce pain and improve function. “When used in combination with exercise and education, manual therapy is a powerful tool” said Michael Costello, a manual physical therapist in Ithaca, NY. Manual therapy is typically followed by exercise that activates muscles and reinforces correct movement patterns.
Dr. John Winslow a member of the NYPTA, states that “the efficacy of manual therapy has been studied extensively, particularly for the treatment of neck and back pain. Neck and back pain are common maladies that effects millions of Americans and are a common reason for a visit to a primary care doctor.” Clinical prediction rules (CPR’s) have been developed by physical therapists, through vigorous research, to help guide decision making as to whether a patient will benefit from manual therapy. Not every patient with a musculoskeletal condition will benefit from manual therapy and may require other physical therapy interventions. Physical therapists are trained in manual therapy techniques as part of their Doctoral education. Many also go on for post-doctoral training and specialization. If you have a musculoskeletal condition that is limiting your ability to enjoy daily life, consult a physical therapist and see if manual therapy is right for you.
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About the NYPTA
The NYPTA (http://www.nypta.org) has the proud heritage as the genesis of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in New York City in 1921. The NYPTA is currently the second largest chapter of the APTA, with over 6,000 members who are physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students. The mission of the NYPTA is to empower and support its members in advancing the practice and profession of physical therapy through advocacy, education and research.
Kelly Garceau, New York Physical Therapy Association, http://www.nypta.org, +1 (518) 459-4499 Ext: 203, [email protected]
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