Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is hands-on physical therapy: a clinician uses their hands to treat muscle aches, joint pain and limited range of motion. Xcelerate Physical Therapy offers manual physical therapy at our clinic in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, as part of a complete plan made for your needs.
The three main forms of manual therapy
Orthopedic manual therapy is a group of techniques. Your physical therapist chooses the ones that fit your problem.
Joint mobilization
A slower, more controlled process of stretching a joint and the soft tissue around it, meant to improve how the joint moves. Joint mobilization is often used when a joint feels stiff or tight.
Spinal manipulation and joint manipulation
Manipulation is a rapid force applied to a joint. It is often linked with an audible popping sound called cavitation. The pop is the sound of the joint, and a manipulation can be done with or without it.
Soft tissue mobilization and massage
Massage is repetitive rubbing, stripping or kneading of muscle and fascia to help healing. In physical therapy it is aimed at a specific tissue and a specific goal, and it is part of the manual therapy we offer rather than a separate service.
What manual therapy feels like
Joint mobilization and soft tissue work usually feel like firm pressure and stretching in the area being treated. If you have a manipulation, you may hear the pop described above. Some people feel a little sore afterward, and some feel looser right away.
Tell your physical therapist what you feel during treatment. Your plan is built around your evaluation, and your physical therapist can change pressure and technique as you go. Our sources do not give a standard visit length or number of visits, because both depend on you: call and we will explain what to expect for your problem.
Why hands-on care is paired with exercise
Part of a complete plan
Manual therapy is typically one part of a treatment plan customized for your needs, not a stand-alone treatment. It is an important piece of conservative care for many conditions.
Movement you then use
Hands-on work can ease pain and open up motion. Exercise teaches your body to hold on to that motion, so your plan usually pairs the two.
Individual and educated
We perform comprehensive evaluations and keep you involved in your recovery, with your input on goals and treatment planning.
Where manual therapy shows up in our plans
Manual therapy is an established part of conservative care for problems such as these.
Shoulder and elbow
See shoulder pain and elbow pain.
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
- Shoulder impingement
- Shoulder stiffness and limited range of motion
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Spine, hip and knee
See back pain, neck pain, hip pain and knee pain.
- Pinched nerves
- Limited joint range of motion
- Capsule tightness
- Stiffness after surgery, covered under post-surgical rehab
Cost, coverage and who treats you
Andrew Tavernia, a physical therapist with more than 24 years of experience and a particular interest in hands-on manual therapy, is one of the clinicians who offers it at our Newtown Square clinic. Meet everyone on the team page.
Xcelerate Physical Therapy participates in the majority of major health insurance plans, including Medicare and Workers’ Compensation. Call before your first visit and we will tell you whether we participate with your specific plan. The insurance page explains the terms you may see on a bill.
In Pennsylvania you can see a physical therapist without a physician’s referral, but your insurance may require one: call the number on your insurance card to check, or call us before your first visit.
Related care
Manual therapy care in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Xcelerate Physical Therapy treats manual therapy at our Newtown Square clinic, 214 S. Newtown Street Road.
In Pennsylvania you can see a physical therapist without a physician’s referral, but your insurance may require one: call the number on your insurance card to check, or call us before your first visit.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.