What is manual therapy?
Manual therapy is a general term for any hands-on muscle therapy used to relieve pain, reduce muscle tightness, and improve range of motion. Manual therapy can be used for specific injuries or pain conditions like:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendinitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Dr. Han uses a variety of techniques with varying levels of pressure to provide you with a comfortable and effective manual therapy session. Manual therapy can be similar to a deep tissue massage which can be uncomfortable for some people. If this is the case for you, communicate with Dr. Han throughout your session and he can modify the amount of pressure for your comfort.
What are the benefits of manual therapy?
Manual therapy has benefits similar to massage therapy, including:
- Decreased pain
- Increased blood flow
- Increased range of motion
- Improved joint function
- Decreased muscle tension
Manual therapy typically targets specific areas and muscles while massage therapy covers a larger treatment area.
What types of manual therapy are available?
Dr. Han combines the best Eastern and Western techniques to tailor your manual therapy session to your needs and pressure preferences. He uses the following forms of manual therapy:
Tui na
Pronounced “twee naw,” tui na means “pinch and pull” in Chinese. Dr. Han uses finger pressure to address muscle tension and improve blood flow throughout the treatment area.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu, meaning “finger pressure” in Japanese, involves kneading, pressing, and tapping motions through light clothing. It doesn’t use any lotions or oils, and this can be beneficial if you have sensitive skin.
Reflexology
Reflexology involves pressing on specific points on the feet, hands, and ears, to relieve discomfort and tension in the body.
Acupressure
Acupressure involves using finger pressure on acupuncture points to stimulate the area without the need for needles.
Active Release Techniques® (ART)
ART involves pressure on a muscle while Dr. Han helps you stretch the muscle and move it through certain motions, like turning your head or bending your elbow.
Functional Range Release®
Functional Range Release is similar to ART but involves different muscle movements to increase range of motion and flexibility.
Dr. Han can use one or more of these techniques depending on the treatment location, your tolerance of varying levels of pressure, and the desired outcome, like pain relief or improved range of motion.
Enjoy the benefits of manual therapy at Nabi Movement by calling or scheduling a session using the online tool now.
