Expert hands-on techniques designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support long term recovery.
At First Settlement Physical Therapy (FSPT), manual therapy is an important part of many treatment plans. Manual therapy refers to an advanced form of physical therapy used to improve mobility, and decrease pain. These techniques are used in combination with therapeutic exercise, stretching, and patient education. It focuses on muscles, joints, and soft tissues that may be restricted, tight, inflamed, or not moving properly.
Some conditions that may benefit from manual therapy:
At FSPT, manual therapy is never a stand alone treatment. It is integrated into your individualized plan of care based on your diagnosis, symptoms, mobility limitations, and personal goals.
After an evaluation, your therapist will determine which hands-on techniques are appropriate and when they should be used. In some cases, manual therapy is used early in treatment to reduce pain and improve mobility so you can tolerate exercise more comfortably. In other cases, it is used throughout your plan of care to address stiffness, muscle tightness, or joint restrictions that may be hindering your progress.
Manual therapy may be used to:
We will continually reassess your progress to ensure that the techniques remain effective, safe, and aligned with your goals.
Depending on your therapy goal, your therapist may include some of these techniques:
Read what patients have to say about their recovery journeys with First Settlement Physical Therapy.
We’re here to guide you through recovery. Below are some common questions patients have before starting physical therapy with us.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows for movement. Athletic wear is usually best.
In most cases, you don’t need a referral to start physical therapy in Ohio or West Virginia, but check with your insurance provider.
Most appointments last between 45–60 minutes, depending on your treatment plan and progress.