There has been a greater emphasis on and extension of orthopedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) clinical practice and research in recent years. Numerous research studies evaluating the effectiveness of OMPT have lead to a greater emphasis on OMPT in entry-level Physical Therapy academic programs. These changes appear to show that OMPT is a viable treatment option for musculoskeletal (MS) dysfunctions. Some reviews and clinical trials show that OMPT has a positive effect in the management of neck pain, low back pain, and cervicogenic headache.
What Conditions Can Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Help With?
Acute and chronic disorders in the head, neck, back, arms, and legs are treated by orthopaedic manual physical therapists. An exercise and movement re-education program may be all that is required to restore full pain-free movement, function, and return to full activity when someone suffers from a neuro-musculoskeletal condition. However, in rare circumstances, soft-tissue and joint limits may exist, making these same workouts or movements uncomfortable or even worsening the illness. An OMPT therapist can help with these concerns by using hands-on techniques to enhance mobility, reduce pain, and restore normal soft tissue and joint function. The OMPT therapist can then prescribe and implement the most effective tailored exercise and movement re-education program to maintain and improve health after these interventions.
What distinguishes Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy from other types of bodywork?
At first look, OMPT and other types of bodywork like massage, chiropractic, and osteopathic therapies may appear to be quite similar. The most significant changes are in the treatment’s assessment procedure and the integration of OMPT with a patient’s tailored exercise program. All OMPT is based on a thorough study of the patient’s movement patterns, which might include both mobility limits and inappropriate compensatory movements that hinder a condition from improving. Based on the patient’s response to the therapy provided, there is a continual cycle of evaluation, treatment, re-assessment, and additional treatment. In many circumstances, a person’s response to OMPT informs both the patient and the physical therapist about how the disease can be better managed by the patient on his or her own.
Is This Type of Therapy Right for Me?
If you have muscular, joint, or soft tissue issues that impede movement, strength, posture, or create discomfort, you should seek the help of an orthopaedic manual physical therapist. This includes not only common disorders like trauma, post-operative recovery, poor posture, overuse, athletic injuries, obesity, arthritis, or congenital conditions, but also disability from diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or balance disorders. Patients with chronic illnesses can benefit from expert OMPT intervention with the goals of achieving optimal health, resuming optimal activity, and reducing disability caused by disease progression.
Is Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Available at 1 on 1 Physical Therapy in Asheville, NC?
At 1 on 1 Physical Therapy in Asheville, NC, we believe that skilled human touch, as well as specific exercise and instruction, are vital components of our therapy philosophy. With appointments lasting 45-60 minutes, we plan our program to provide patients the time they need with their therapist to make a genuine difference in their condition.
LEARN MORE about Orthopedic Manual Therapy at 1 on 1 Physical Therapy!
Studies have repeatedly shown that combining skilled orthopedic manual physical therapy, exercise, and education is the best way to treat movement problems conservatively (non-surgically) and post-operatively.
In Closing
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If you are in the Asheville, NC area and are in need of physical therapy, we’d love to connect with you!
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