Manual Therapy

Searching For Holistic Pain Relief? Manual Therapy Could Help

Are you suffering from pain as a result of injury, illness, or surgical procedure?

Determining the best course of treatment for your needs may be difficult, but manual therapy can help. Let Step Ahead Physical Therapy ease your mind a bit if you are concerned about undergoing manual therapy treatments:

Our Cambridge and Marblehead physical therapists have multiple instruments and treatment methods that are intended to alleviate pain while enhancing the function of your body at the same time.

We receive several first-time physical therapy patients who believe that due to the condition they are in, their appointments would be painful, unpleasant, or even agonizing. That is not at all the case, however!

You may benefit from manual physical therapy if you’re dealing with chronic nagging pain. Call Step Ahead Physical Therapy at 781-797-0844 today to get started.

Manual therapy defined

Our physical therapists have received comprehensive instruction from a large range of colleges and teachers in advanced manual therapy techniques.

Manual therapy is a form of hands-on therapy treatment designed to help physical therapists mobilize stiff joints and soft tissue.

This advanced method of therapy helps to minimize swelling, reduce restraint, mobilize joints, and improve your freedom of movement.

Does manual therapy hurt?

Manual therapy is safe, non-invasive, and painless.

Another cool thing about manual therapy? It also doesn’t require any harmful medications to work properly! Our Cambridge and Marblehead physical therapists are highly trained medical professionals who understand the limitations of your body, as well as its capabilities.

In fact, many patients notice improvement after just one session of manual therapy! Instead, our physical therapists use a variety of techniques that help move your tendons, ligaments, and joints in ways that relieve pain and promote healing. They also help in reducing scar tissue and minimizing swelling.

Benefits of manual therapy for chronic pain

Your treatment plan will likely include several different therapies, all aimed at helping a specific function of your body.

Some exercises may focus on improving your balance and strength, while others may focus on increasing your range of motion.

Movement disorders often occur following surgery, especially if a patient has undergone total joint replacement. Many primary care physicians will also prescribe physical therapy treatments for injuries, accidents, or illnesses – essentially, anything that makes you feel weak and unable to function at your normal physical levels.

Manual therapy is a vital aspect of a successful physical therapy treatment plan, as it helps to reduce pain and swelling, minimize inflammation, and increase range of motion.

Our Cambridge and Marblehead physical therapists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating movement disorders, so rest assured you can find the relief you need at our clinic.

Manual therapy techniques

There are a variety of manual therapy techniques available to patients. Manual therapy techniques may include, but are not limited to:

Mobilization

Mobilization procedures are secure, efficient, and painless, enabling the range of motion to be increased and the mobility of the restricted joint to be enhanced.

It is typically the result of a restricted joint when you feel intense pain after suffering an injury.

By applying pressure at a low velocity, our physical therapists are specifically trained in mobilization to restricted joints.

Soft Tissue Massage

Physical therapy massage treatments are a bit different from what you would expect at a spa. These are of a more treatment-oriented type, with a medical role.

Our Cambridge and Marblehead physical therapists use massage procedures to break up scar tissue and adhesions caused by inflammation or injury as a way of manipulating the soft tissues.

This is done through deep pressure and rhythmic stretching, which helps them locate and mobilize highly restricted areas of the body.

These strategies also help to increase the blood supply and circulation of the muscles and soft tissues affected.

Manual traction

During manual traction, the therapist can apply gentle strength to a certain region of the body in order to gently stretch the soft tissues and restore normal, natural motion.

This technique can also be used on other parts of the body, including the arms, legs, and back, but for manual traction, the neck is the most popular position.

Ready to get started?

Manual therapy can help you get back to leading a life. Our dedicated physical therapists will be happy to meet with you to get you moving once again.

If you are interested in gaining the many benefits of manual therapy, click here to request an appointment at Step Ahead Physical Therapy today!

OUR SUCCESS STORIES

  • "I am so impressed with Step Ahead PT in general and Becky specifically. These guy treat you for a full hour for the same price (unlike 30 minutes at other place, sometimes even 2 people in those 30 minutes). They had informed me that my tendonitis will take 2-2.5 months and that is exactly the amount of time it took for me to start feeling better. I absolutely love it and will be coming here for all my PT needs."
    Spandan S.
  • "Andy is the BEST! I have had chronic hamstring issues for decades. It affected my knee and hip as well. I have tried different therapies for many years and I had pretty much given up thinking I will never be able to jog again or be without pain. I recently had knee surgery and then through a friend I was lucky enough to find Andy!"
    T.H.
  • "Step Ahead PT in Marblehead is a wonderful facility with expert therapy. I have been going there off and on for years for back and hip ailments. Andy is the best. He has over 20 years experience with therapy and is always right on with his observations, evaluations, course of therapy and at home routines that will help and cure your aches and pains."
    Jacqueline R.
  • "I recently underwent knee replacement surgery. Andy has been extremely helpful with my rehabilitation. His expertise has enabled me to heal much quicker than I had expected. I most definitely recommend Andy for any Physical Therapy that one requires."
    Jackie P.
  • "Andy draws on his vast experience and knowledge, which includes cutting edge techniques. He is personable, has a great bedside manner, and he truly cares and takes pride in his work. I always looked forward to my PT sessions, which have recently ended. I am now recovered from acute on chronic neck and shoulder issues, and my quality of life is better than I hoped for. Thank you, Andy!"
    Eric F.
  • "I have seen Andy for several different injuries throughout my high school and collegiate basketball career. He has helped me get through every single one— from back pain/stress fracture/spasms, chronic ankle pain, hip flexor issues, and a broken ankle. With a combination of hands-on treatment, to providing exercises and protocols to follow, to helping you find the perfect way to smoothly get back to activity, Andy will successfully help you get back to feeling 100% and back to your daily activities."
    Emily F.
  • "I’ve spent several decades in front of a computer, which can cause many issues. I’ve been working with Andy for a couple of years now, and his PT has really helped me reduce the pain and discomfort in my shoulders/back and hands. He’s a kind person too, and that goes a long way in this crazy, fast-paced world!"
    Carrie T.
  • "This is the best PT practice I’ve experienced. The therapists are hands on and completely focused on outcome. The environment is very personalized so if your tired of being treated as simply a number or if you are looking to return to or continue an active lifestyle, you need to come see Andy and his team."
    Al Wilson
  • "I discovered Step Ahead PT through a yelp recommendation, and have not been disappointed. I was in a serious car accident in November, and by January I was back to my intense workouts under the guidance of Andy (Owner of Step Ahead). Each session was tailored specifically for me and around getting me back into my pre- accident strength."
    Abbi B.

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Office Hours

Find Out When We Are Open

Cambridge Location

Monday:

9 AM – 5 PM

Tuesday:

9 AM – 5 PM

Wednesday:

8 AM – 5 PM

Thursday:

9 AM – 5 PM

Friday:

8 AM – 5 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Marblehead Location

Monday:

7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Tuesday:

8 AM – 5:30 PM

Wednesday:

8 AM – 5:30 PM

Thursday:

7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Friday:

8 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed