At Kinetic Chain Physical Therapy, we strive to provide exceptional physical and sports therapy services. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, integrity, and quality physical rehabilitation care. With us, you will always be well cared for and receive the personalized attention you deserve. Explore our options for treatment below.
Manual therapy is the skillful use of the hands to mobilize/manipulate joints, massage and lengthen soft tissues, and to monitor and facilitate improved neuromuscular control. The strength of this approach is that it requires considerable one on one time between the therapist and patient.
Manual therapy techniques are performed while the patient is performing a specific movement pattern. This functional approach allows for the facilitation of the neuro-muscular system and produces a faster and longer-lasting healthy outcome.
There are many manual therapy techniques, and after a comprehensive evaluation, the therapist would decide which techniques would work best for the individual patient.
Most manual therapy utilized in physical therapy is very compressive, in nature, such as Soft Tissue Mobilization, Myofascial Release, and Joint Mobilization.
Myofascial Decompression (MFD) or ‘cupping,’ has been around for thousands of years. It works in the decompression of adhesions; reducing inhibition of fluids and nutrient exchange. During MFD, the negative pressure created by the suction draws the skin and fascial layers away from the midline of the body. This decompression alters blood flow and metabolic exchange within the tissues. It is effective in decreasing stiffness and pain, improving tissue health, and increasing mobility.
Almost everyone, athletes included, is left with circular marks from the negative pressure of the cups. See the chart below for a description of what each color or pattern represents.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation or Simply IASTM is a new range of tool which enables clinicians to efficiently locate and treat individuals diagnosed with soft tissue dysfunction. The technique itself is said to be a modern evolution from Traditional Chinese Medicine called Gua Sha. However, Gua Sha was not used to treating Musculoskeletal conditions but was traditionally applied along meridians to move the bad chi out through the skin. IASTM is a procedure that is rapidly growing in popularity due to its effectiveness and efficiency while remaining non-invasive, with its own indications and limitations.
IASTM is performed with ergonomically designed instruments that detect and treat fascial restrictions, encourage rapid localization, and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis, chronic inflammation, or degeneration. As in any Manual therapy treatment, supplementation with exercises and additional modalities e.g. joint mobilization designed to correct biomechanical deficiencies by addressing musculoskeletal strength and muscle imbalances throughout the entire kinetic chain should be used in conjunction with IASTM.
