What is Manual Therapy?

Manual therapy is a safe, effective, and non-invasive hands-on treatment used by physical therapists, massage therapists, and athletic trainers to address musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, limited mobility, or discomfort from injury, manual therapy can play a key role in your recovery.

During treatment, your physical therapist may use a combination of techniques such as joint manipulation, muscle mobilization, soft tissue work, and targeted stretching. These methods are designed to reduce pain, restore joint function, decrease inflammation, improve range of motion, and support faster healing.

At Flex Physical Therapy in Council Bluffs, our skilled manual therapists create personalized treatment plans to help you move and feel better—without surgery or medications.

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Types of Manual Therapy Used in Council Bluffs

Joint Mobilization

Often used for pulled muscles and joint restrictions, joint mobilization involves slow, controlled movements that increase joint flexibility and relieve stiffness. By gently loosening restricted joints, this technique restores mobility and function—helping to resolve the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms.

Soft Tissue Mobilization

This technique targets tight or fibrous muscle tissue using deep pressure and rhythmic stretching. Our therapists identify areas of restriction and apply methods such as the Graston Technique to release tension, improve circulation, and promote healing in the soft tissues.

High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude (HVLA)

HVLA is a quick, precise thrust technique used to restore proper joint motion without exceeding the joint’s natural limits. While more aggressive than other manual therapies, HVLA is completely safe, highly effective, and designed to relieve pain and stiffness in patients with chronic joint dysfunction.

Strain-Counterstrain

This gentle method focuses on correcting abnormal neuromuscular reflexes contributing to postural imbalances and pain. The therapist identifies a tender area, places the body in a pain-free position, and holds it for about 90 seconds. This allows the muscle to relax and reset, making it especially useful for treating lower back pain and other structural concerns.

Muscle Energy Techniques (METs)

METs involve patient participation. The therapist guides the patient through a controlled muscle contraction followed by stretching to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. This active, pain-free technique is ideal for treating joint stiffness and shortened muscles with lasting results.

Why Manual Therapy Works

Before starting any treatment, your physical therapist will perform a thorough assessment of your musculoskeletal health, blood flow, and range of motion. Based on this evaluation, a custom therapy plan is developed that often includes manual therapy.

Benefits of manual therapy include:

  • Improved joint and muscle function
  • Increased circulation and reduced inflammation
  • Faster recovery from injury or surgery
  • Decreased chronic pain and stiffness
  • Enhanced flexibility and mobility
  • Non-invasive, drug-free pain relief

Manual therapy is especially effective for patients recovering from surgery (such as joint replacements), injuries, or neurological conditions. It’s suitable for people of all ages and activity levels.

See Our Manual Therapy Specialists in Council Bluffs

At Flex Physical Therapy, our licensed physical therapists are trained in advanced manual therapy techniques and movement science. Whether you’re healing from an injury, managing chronic pain, or trying to regain function after surgery, we’re here to support your journey to better health.

Ready to experience the benefits of hands-on healing? Call (712) 256-1800 to schedule your appointment today!