Discover the Powerful Benefits of Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a specialized approach within hand therapy that involves using hands-on techniques to assess, diagnose, and treat various musculoskeletal conditions. Our hand therapists at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab in Fort Myers, FL use manual therapy, among other techniques, to help our patients restore their function, reduce pain, prevent injury, and promote overall well-being.
Key components of manual therapy include joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, and therapeutic exercises. These techniques help to relieve muscle tension, correct joint imbalances, and restore optimal movement patterns in patients with various injuries or disorders.
Manual therapy techniques are often used in conjunction with other hand therapy treatments, such as exercise, stretching, and strengthening, to help patients recover from injuries or manage chronic pain.
With a results-driven approach to patient care, our treatment plans can deliver effective results based on science-backed techniques and healing strategies. Whether you’ve had a recent injury, are suffering from symptoms of an underlying condition, or are unsure about the source of your pain, our hand therapists are here to help you safely recover and return to the activities you enjoy!
Call our clinic today to learn more and schedule your first appointment.
Conditions That Our Hand Therapists Treat
At Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab, our hand therapists often employ manual therapy techniques to address a variety of common conditions that hinder mobility and cause discomfort. This evidence-based approach allows therapists to alleviate symptoms and facilitate healing.
The most prevalent conditions treated with manual therapy in Fort Myers, FL include musculoskeletal disorders, soft tissue injuries, and chronic pain syndromes, including the following:
Hand and Wrist Injuries
Manual therapy can aid in the rehabilitation of various hand and wrist injuries, such as sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, and ligament tears.
Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis
These conditions involve inflammation or irritation of the tendons or tendon sheaths in the hand and wrist, causing pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Manual therapy techniques can help reduce inflammation and restore proper tendon function.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Manual therapy, including techniques like soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and nerve gliding exercises, can alleviate symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.
Arthritis
Manual therapy can help manage the pain, stiffness, and limited mobility associated with various forms of arthritis affecting the hand and wrist, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Overuse Injuries
Conditions like tendinopathies, such as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis or trigger finger, as well as repetitive strain injuries like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, can be effectively treated with manual therapy techniques.
Scar Management
Following hand surgery or traumatic injuries, manual therapy can assist in minimizing scar tissue formation, improving scar mobility, and reducing associated pain and stiffness.
Nerve Entrapment Syndromes
Conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome and radial tunnel syndrome, which involve compression or entrapment of nerves in the hand and forearm, can benefit from manual therapy techniques to alleviate pain and restore nerve function.
Joint Dysfunction
Manual therapy can address joint stiffness, restricted range of motion, and joint dysfunctions in the hand, wrist, and forearm, promoting improved mobility and function.
Flexor/Extensor Tendon Injuries
Manual therapy techniques, including tendon gliding exercises, can aid in the rehabilitation of flexor and extensor tendon injuries in the hand and wrist, helping to restore normal tendon function and range of motion.
Postoperative Rehabilitation
Manual therapy plays a crucial role in postoperative rehabilitation following hand or wrist surgeries, helping to reduce pain, restore function, and optimize recovery.
Our highly skilled hand therapists in Fort Myers, FL use manual therapy techniques to address your symptoms by employing a personalized, evidence-based approach designed to promote healing and restore function.
Manual Therapy Techniques
Our hand therapists excel at providing comprehensive evaluations to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients. To begin, a detailed medical history will be collected, helping the therapist understand any underlying conditions, previous injuries, or ongoing concerns. This crucial step allows for the development of a targeted and effective treatment strategy.
Next, a hands-on assessment will be conducted by the hand therapist. This assessment involves palpation and observation to identify areas of pain, tightness, and dysfunction. The hands-on approach provides valuable insight into the root causes of your discomfort.
To further evaluate your condition, range of motion and strength testing will be performed. These tests allow the therapist to pinpoint specific limitations and design a personalized rehabilitation program to restore optimal function.
Our therapists will use specific research-supported treatments depending on your condition and symptoms. Common hands-on techniques include:
- Soft tissue mobilization: Soft tissue mobilization is an effective way to relieve pain and tension by targeting the soft tissues of the body. Your therapist will manipulate the tissues in your muscles, tendons, and fascia to restore tissue movement and alleviate tension.
- Joint mobilization and manipulation: Our therapists use joint mobilization and manipulation methods to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints. These techniques work by guiding the joints and surrounding tissues with mild to strong forces, and varying speeds. Both mobilizations and manipulation can effectively reduce pain, improve your range of motion, and restore function.
- Myofascial release: Myofascial release therapy is a type of gentle massage intended to release tightness and pain throughout your myofascial tissues. Your hand therapist will locate the restrictions in your fascial tissues. Then, they’ll apply gentle pressure until the tension is released.
- Trigger point therapy: Another effective way to release tension, trigger point therapy works by applying pressure to specific areas of tightness or “knots” within muscles. This can help to reduce pain and improve muscle function.
- Passive stretching: Passive stretching is fully led by your therapist so that you are able to fully rest your body in a specific position. This method can help restore your range of motion and increase flexibility.
Our hand therapists take pride in using an evidence-based approach in their practice. We specialize in treating all types of soft tissue disorders with manual therapy techniques and various other treatment methods like stretching and strengthening exercises, all aimed at achieving all your goals!
Ready to experience optimal results? Contact our clinic today and start your journey to recovery!
What to expect at hand therapy sessions
Our hand therapy practice strives to optimize your health and vitality with our comprehensive, evidence-based approach. Our dedicated hand therapists ask about your past and present health conditions, surgeries, injuries, and lifestyle habits. This thorough evaluation helps us understand your unique situation so we can tailor our treatment plan to meet your specific needs.
We identify essential insights into your physical capabilities and limitations by assessing your joints and gauging your muscle strength. We’ll also conduct comprehensive balance, coordination, and functional movement screens to identify any abnormalities contributing to your discomfort or limiting your activities.
Our evidence-based evaluation allows us to develop targeted interventions to improve your gait and overall mobility. Common treatments may include the following:
- Manual Therapy: This form of hand therapy treatment involves hands-on techniques therapists perform to increase joint mobility, reduce pain, and facilitate movement.
- Therapeutic Exercises: These are specific exercises tailored to your individual needs, with the aim is to improve or restore physical function and help you manage your conditions.
- Neuromuscular Re-education: This treatment approach is designed to restore normal body movement patterns. It involves techniques that retrain the nervous system to control and coordinate muscle activity effectively.
- Patient Education: This crucial component of your rehab involves teaching you about your conditions, the healing process, and how to prevent future injuries. We’ll provide instructions on correct body mechanics during daily activities, ergonomic advice for workplace settings, or guidelines for home exercise programs.
Our commitment to research-backed methods ensures you receive the most effective, results-oriented care possible. Hand therapy in Fort Myers, FL at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab doesn’t just alleviate symptoms—it also improves overall function.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!