Mobilization and stretching of joint structures have long been used to treat problems of the musculoskeletal system. Sports and work related injuries of the joints can cause or lead to the loss of normal joint range of motion and stability. The skill of restoring mobility to the spine and extremities through the use of manual (hands-on) therapy techniques requires skill and practice. Manual Therapy is one of the special tools we use at Pro-Motion Physical Therapy.
Exercise alone can rarely restore normal mobility to a joint that has become scarred down or stiff. The cause of joint dysfunction is often due to a loss of the mechanical “play” in the joint. Human joints are designed similar to the joints of machines. They both have a certain amount of “play”, or “give” to them. If the joint loses play, the bones which make up the joint lose their ability to move freely.
Joint mobilization is a technique which is applied by the Physical Therapist. The Therapist uses his/her hands to move the joint through its range of motion (thus the term manual) until the elastic or restricted barrier is reached. The tissue around the joint is then placed under tension to help restore the normal play, and to inhibit or relax the muscles that surround the joint by stimulation of the joint receptors buried in the capsule and ligaments which envelop it. These techniques, combined with the proper exercise will help facilitate the return of full, supple joint range of motion.
At Pro-Motion our goal is to create a marriage between movement science and manual therapy. though there are many practitioners who practice manual therapy, we take the process one step further. Movement occurs n the body in the form of a chain reaction. There are times when the motion and action of one of the links becomes limited. Restoring normal link action (motion) is ideal, but the question must be asked…How did the segment lose its motion? Is the lost motion the result of injury at that region, the compensation for motion or stability issues elsewhere in the chain, or because of the use it or lose it challenge? Answering this question leads our team to restore the lost motion, but to also treat the causes of the lost motion, and the compensations that result so that we not only get your motion back, but prevent it from returning.
Based in Yakima, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy and Functional Fitness helps patients and fitness center members seize the connection between mind, body and spirit in order to achieve better.
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