Many patients arrive at their first physical therapy appointment expecting to receive hot packs, ultrasound and instructions on how to complete a series of exercises. These treatments are warranted in many instances and most physical therapists would agree that exercise is needed to help restore muscle imbalances. However, some physical therapists now approach the restoration of function from a different perspective. Jeremy is one of these therapists who is interested in why a muscle isn’t functioning properly and views exercise not as the driving mode of recovery but as a complement to Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT).
Manual physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy delivered with the hands as opposed to a device or machine. In manual therapy, practitioners use their hands to put pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints in an attempt to decrease pain caused by muscle spasm, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction. Conventional physical therapy is often concerned with relieving the symptoms of a condition. By exclusively treating the symptoms, or a specific area of pain, the true cause of the condition may be overlooked or not treated effectively. OMPT succeeds where other treatments have failed because it is dedicated to treating problems at their source, enabling us to resolve conditions even where prior physical treatments has been ineffective.
Benefits of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy :
- One-on-one, hands-on care
- Treatment by a highly-trained, certified Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist
- Relieves the symptoms by focusing on the cause of the problem
- Increases range of motion and joint mobility
- Reduces muscle tension and inflammation
- Provides pain relief and eases recovery
- Promotes proper circulation and the healing of soft tissues
- Restores proper joint and muscle function for optimal outcomes
Jeremy has the Expertise to Effectively use Manual Physical Therapy techniques
While all physical therapists have the option to use Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT) in their practices, many don’t spend the time or the resources to become efficient in this area of practice. Realizing the complementary nature of manual physical therapy with other physical therapy techniques, Jeremy completed a three year post-graduate fellowship program in this highly-specialized area of physical therapy in 2010.
Manual physical therapy may help people get better faster and at a lower cost than more traditional treatments. In a study by researcher Ingeborg Korthals, PhD, of the Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine in Amsterdam, Netherlands, it was found the overall expenses encountered by the manual therapy group were only a third of the costs associated with the other groups. Those under-going manual physical therapy also experienced much lower work absenteeism.
As a physical therapy patient, you deserve the very best treatment available, with the most potential for lasting pain relief and long-term recovery. Contact Advanced Physical Therapy Specialists and discover how Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy techniques along with traditional physical therapy techniques can make all the difference to the success of your rehabilitation.