Physical therapy massage (also known as manual therapy) is hands-on techniques that relieve pain, increase range of motion, and reduce soft tissue inflammation. Physical Therapy massage types and techniques include:
- Trigger point release: As the name implies, trigger point therapy involves identifying and releasing specific trigger points in the body that cause pain. This includes dry needling.
- Soft tissue massage: Soft tissue massage involves direct physical pressure on the muscle and other soft tissues of the body.
- Myofascial releasex: Myofascial release is a technique in which the therapist uses their hands to place slow, sustained pressure on a muscle that is stiff and painful. The manual pressure loosens, lengthens, and realigns tight, stiff myofascial muscles.
- Joint manipulation: A quick, thrust-style technique that takes a joint beyond its normal range of motion in order to improve mobility and (in some cases) help with pain. Similar to chiropracter techniques, but not the same.
- Joint mobilization: Slower, repetitive oscillations within a joint’s range of motion limits that promote mobility and increase the range of motion in a joint.
- Passive stretching: Extending or lengthening a muscle or group of muscles to improve range of motion and increase flexibility in an area.
