The knee is such a hardworking joint. It is critical for major body movements such as walking, running, and getting up from sitting. It is a network of different bones being connected together, and convening at the knee joint, with the patella or kneecap covering it. The knee is usually taken for granted, and its importance is only realized when it is painful.
Knee pain and issues can be caused by natural wear and tear due to aging, medical illnesses such as gout or arthritis, or due to an accident or impact to it. Diagnosing knee problems can be done through physical check, as well as using scans to determine extent of damage. Pain can be managed through oral non-steroidal medicines, as well as injectable pain relievers. In some cases, surgery may be needed. Nevertheless, in any type of case, physical therapy will help in rehabilitation and recovery.
One of the physical therapy techniques being used is manual therapy. Manual therapy is an advanced approach where physiotherapy is done through manual examination, and treatments are combined with exercise and other modalities in order to reduce pain and restore normal functions. This integrated approach is the center of this physical therapy practice.
There are three models on manual therapy effects: physiological, biomechanical and physical, and psychological. Physiological therapeutic effect focuses on a positive placebo response. Biomechanical and physical, meanwhile, aims to repair the damage and modelling the tissues. Psychological therapeutic effects provide relief for the pain through gating mechanism stimulation, reducing the articular pressures, inhibiting the muscles, and lessening nociceptive pain.
Manual therapy includes some of the following techniques:
Massage. This technique has started for many centuries and is still being used until now. It uses stretching and applying pressure rhythmically on the area, such as effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), and percussion manipulations (clapping, pounding, hacking).
Active Release Technique (ART). It is a soft tissue technique where the tension in the tissue is relieved, by removing the fibrosis or adhesions. These fibrosis can be a result of tissues getting overused or overworked, thus rendering the muscles as feeling weak, tingling, burning, and painful. ART treats the symptoms by bringing back unrestricted motion of the tissues, as well as releasing tightened nerves and restoring the texture and function of the soft tissues.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). Stainless steel instruments are used to treat the soft tissues. This myofascial technique can both be used to diagnose and treat the disorders in the soft tissues. Stroke techniques are applied through the special tools to manipulate the muscles, tendons, myofascia, and the skin.
Joint Manipulation. Manipulation combines high speed and low range thrusts and is applied to the joint. The pressure is placed on the area within its physical limits, in order to bring back the best state of function and motion.
Joint Mobilisation. This is a therapeutic technique where varying movements of speed and amplitudes are applied on the joint. These passive movements or manipulation targets to rehabilitate the muscles, tissues, and tendons into their ideal function and motion, as well as lessen the pain.
Arise Physical Therapy can provide you with the therapeutic approach that is appropriate for you to help in your full recovery and rehabilitation. Send them a message today to book an appointment for a consultation and evaluation.