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Manual Therapy at New Body ~ New Mind
“Caring touch in itself is a powerful agent for the healing process. When combined with skills and techniques drawn from both ancient and more modern approaches, it can bring about many beneficial changes within the body, mind and spirit of the whole person.”
Manual therapy describes treatment performed directly by a therapist’s hands, rather than with a device or machine (such as an ultrasound machine, electrical stimulator, laser, heating or cold modalities, or massaging devices). Manual therapy involves skilled, specific, hands-on manipulation of muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, joints, and organs of the body.
The goals of manual therapy include:
- Pain modulation
- Reduction or elimination of inflammation
- Facilitation of tissue repair
- Improved mobility and extensibility of the soft tissues
- Increased range of motion at the joints
- Improved neural functional mobility
- Relaxation
What can I use manual therapy for?
Manual therapy can be used as a part of physical therapy treatment, usually to facilitate mobility at a joint or to improve soft tissue extensibility in preparation for active or passive movement retraining.
More typically, however, manual therapy is an independent elective service (i.e., not covered by health insurance) for patients who don’t have functional deficits but who experience muscle tightness or discomfort anywhere in the body. Manual therapy sessions are very effective for treatment of chronic pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, TMJ pain, myofascial pain, and other less-common medical conditions. Many patients select manual therapy for treatment of more common musculoskeletal problems (traditionally treated with physical therapy).
Manual therapy can be used to treat acute injury and pain or to manage chronic health issues. Manual therapy can also be used as a preventive measure to maintain optimal body health.
How does manual therapy work at New Body ~ New Mind?
After an initial evaluation, we will work together with you to design an individualized treatment program. Your treatment sessions will consist entirely of direct hands-on therapy. The list below provides examples of most frequently used manual therapy techniques in our clinic:
- Soft tissue massage
- Myofascial release
- Trigger point release
- Craniosacral therapy
- Joint mobilization
- Strain-counterstrain
- Muscle energy techniques and other neuro-muscular techniques
To ensure the best outcome of your manual therapy treatment, we will coordinate your care with your primary care physician, as well as any other healthcare professionals (your chiropractor, acupuncturist, etc.) with whom you would like us to collaborate.
“I was referred to Teresa for manual treatment for headaches. I was completely amazed that there was any kind of manual therapy for this at all, and even more amazed that it worked that well – my pain is now fully resolved.”
“Manual therapy at New Body ~ New Mind was the only treatment that made a difference in my chronic pain conditions. As a result of manual treatment I was able to get out of pain cycle and return to demanding work. I would highly recommend manual therapy for anyone who suffers from pain.”
Read patient testimonials about the use of manual therapy in treatment of:
Would you like to schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment, simply fill out our appointment request form online or give us a call at 617-969-8995.
* Quote at top of page is from Lacroix, N., Rinaldi, F., Seager, S., Tanner, R. Whole Body Massage: The Ultimate Practical Manual of Head, Face, Body and Foot Massage Techniques. London: Hermes House, 2004, p. 106.
