
Manual Therapy
At Boise Physical Therapy 180 we use a variety of highly-skilled, orthopedic manual therapy techniques, which have been shown to have biomechanical, neurophysiological, and psychological benefits. Manual therapy can be helpful in decreasing pain, increasing joint mobility, range of motion (ROM), muscle length, and improving nerve mobility. At Boise Physical Therapy 180 we can help restore optimal function for a variety of tissues, including joint, muscle, connective tissue, and nerve.
Manual therapy involves thorough examination and treatment techniques integrated with exercise, patient education, and other modalities to address pain and improve function. We use a highly hands-on approach to help our patients heal and begin moving again as quickly as possible. Once pain is reduced with manual therapy, patients are progressed to higher-level exercise and activities to restore function and quality of life as quickly as possible.
At Boise Physical Therapy 180 our techniques include direct hands-on soft tissue mobilization (STM) and joint mobilization/manipulation, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), cupping, manual stretching/ROM, traction, and dry needling. Traction involves providing a sustained, low load stretch to muscle, joint, or nervous tissue. Joint mobilization and manipulation involves skilled passive movements to the joint complex that are applied at varying speeds and amplitudes. This may include a small-amplitude/high-velocity therapeutic movement (manipulation).
Joint mobilization and ROM techniques have been shown to lubricate joints by stimulating the production of synovial fluid. Synovial fluid lubricates and nourishes joints, which can reduce friction and improve joint health. Joint mobilization has also been shown to induce a relaxing effect on the autonomic nervous system, including reducing heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.