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Manual Therapies

At Scarborough Physical Therapy Associates we use a comprehensive approach to healing, with an emphasis on manual, or "hands-on" techniques.  These techniques, including those referred to as Integrative Manual Therapy, address dysfunctions or multiple body systems to best restore structural balance and promote the healing process. 

This approach allows our therapists to treat more conditions including those that would not tolerate more traditional methods.  This may include diagnoses that may not be addressed by traditional physical therapy.

Integrative Manual Therapy (or IMT) integrates many different techniques to rehabilitate body systems as a whole.  These body systems may include:

• biomechanics of joints, including spine, pelvis, sacrum, and extremities
• cranium
• musculature system
• fascia
• ligaments and tendons
• arterial and venous circulation
• vessels of the lymphatic system
• tissues of the central and peripheral nervous systems
• viscera

Integrative Manual Therapy techniques are typically perceived as gentle, yet are very specific.  Our therapists has been specifically trained in the interrelationships of different regions and systems, with the goal being to create an optimal environment for healing to occur.  Patients may experience a sensation of release or relaxation as restrictions in the involved tissues are gently mobilized.  Getting mild exercise, following a healthy diet in making Healthy Habits for Healing,  and drinking six to eight glasses of water a day, helps the body eliminate waste products that may be mobilized during treatment.  

Some diagnoses with great results:

• Orthopedic Injury/Post Surgical Conditions
• Low Back Pain/Sacral disorders
• Neck Pain/Whiplash
• Nerve Injuries & Impingements (i.e. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Sciatica ...)
• Headaches/Tempromandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
• Chronic Pain/Autoimmune Processes (i.e. Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
• Gastrointestinal Issues (i.e. Irritable Bowel Syndrome ...)
• Pre and Post-Partum Care
• Bell's Palsy/Facial Paralysis

And many more ...

Manual Therapy Techniques that we provide: 

These manual techniques are designed to maintain a biomechanical and soft tissue dimensional balance throughout the body.  having that balance is key to an efficient, pain-free body.  This is all supported by functional techniques, specifically designed for reeducation of the muscular system and providing optimal structural support. 

For additional information we have found King Physical Therapy medical dictionary and the physical therapy disease list to be helpful resources in gaining further insight to your physical therapy experience.

• Myofascial Release An effective hands-on technique which provides gentle sustained pressure into muscular and fascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.
• Muscle Energy A mobilization technique that helps restore joint balance and alignment of joint surfaces and other tissues by generating gentle muscle contractions by the patient against resistance provided by the physical therapist.
• Cranial Therapy A gentle method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the craniosacral system, made up of connective tissue, and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. It is especially helpful with headaches, low back pain, lymphatic and immune compromise and other issues.
• Strain/Counterstrain A technique using positional release to correct abnormal neuromuscular reflexes that can cause structural and postural problems. Treating with strain/counterstrain results in relaxation of muscle tissue and release of painful tender points. This techniques is gentle enough to be useful for problems that are too acute or too delicate to treat using other methods.
• Visceral Fascial Release A series of techniques designed to release specific restrictions between and within visceral (abdominal and thorax) tissues, releasing biomechanical dysfunction in adjacent regions (such as lower back or ribcage) and improving function.
• Lymph Drainage A method where therapists simulate gentle, specific movements which activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation as well a stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems.
• Neural Tension Release A technique that addresses fascial restrictions around and within nervous tissue. It can be used in sciatic, carpal tunnel, and brachial plexus issues, as well as other regions.
• Acupressure Uses traditional ACU points and manual contact to promote healing on multiple levels.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization Used to help in the recovery of stiff, painful, and over-tired muscles by speeding up the elimination of waste products and temporarily increasing local blood supply. Soft tissue mobilization techniques are a combination of manual techniques designed to relax, release, and stretch soft tissue. Generally soft tissue mobilization is used in physical therapy with other modalities or exercise. The advantages of soft tissue mobilization are: increased localized blood supply; creates autonomic nervous system histamine responses; and increased flexibility and range of motion through extensibility of connective tissue structures.
• Joint Mobilization A treatment used to manage musculoskeletal dysfunction where the therapist applies a force to mimic the "gliding" that occurs between bones. It is a passive movement usually completed slowly with oscillations and even with a "hold" or stretch. Mobilizations are used to restore joint play that has been lost due to injury or disease.