Spine and Joint Manual Therapy

Spine and joint manual therapy overview

Spine and joint manual therapy is a physical therapy practice that involves hands-on techniques applied to the spine and joints throughout the body. Various injuries and conditions can cause inflammation and stiffness in joints, including the spinal facet joints in the neck and back. Through spine and joint manual therapy, a therapist can work to improve range of motion, allowing for a higher degree of function.

If you’re dealing with joint stiffness as a result of a degenerative spine condition, osteoarthritis or other issue, learning more about the benefits of spine and joint manual therapy is an important first step on your treatment journey. Take a moment to review the following information and don’t hesitate to contact the USA Spine Care team if you have any questions.

Spine and joint manual therapy — conditions treated

The joints in our body make basic movement possible while still allowing for a strong, rigid skeleton. To enable flexibility, the joints have a coating of cartilage and fluid that reduces friction between bones. Over time, this protective layer begins to dry out and wear down due to the natural aging process. The resulting bone-on-bone friction can cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints, leading to aches and pains as well as reduced mobility.

The general term for this degenerative condition is osteoarthritis and it can affect joints throughout the body, including the spine. There are a number of terms for this condition when it is diagnosed in the spine, including:

• Degenerative spine
• Degenerative joint disease
• Arthritis of the spine
• Facet disease
• Facet syndrome

Additionally, spine and joint manual therapy may also be recommended to treat other joint conditions, such as bursitis, as well as soft tissue injuries affecting the muscles and connective tissue around the joints. Spine and joint manual therapy can also be an important part of the postsurgical process after a spine or joint procedure.

What to expect from spine and joint manual therapy

When a patient first meets with a physical therapist, the initial session should involve a full evaluation to determine overall range of motion, identify painful areas and test posture and biomechanics. With this information, the therapist can develop a tailored treatment plan designed to improve spine and joint function.

The exact treatment plan will vary from patient to patient, but specific techniques for manual therapy include:

• Joint and soft tissue mobilization
• Passive stretches
• Therapeutic massage
• Myofascial release, or trigger point therapy

Spine and joint manual therapy is usually combined with therapeutic exercise, posture training and other techniques to create a comprehensive physical therapy program designed to strengthen the body and restore function.

Spine and joint manual therapy cost

As a physical therapy technique, spine and joint manual therapy costs can vary depending on the number of sessions, other treatments being performed and insurance coverage. USA Spine Care facilities accept patients with Medicare, most private health insurances, as well as workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. A member of our team can answer any questions you have about the cost of physical therapy.

Learn more about treatment options at USA Spine Care

Whether you are recovering from a surgical procedure or seeking conservative care after an initial diagnosis, the highly experienced team at USA Spine Care can help. Our compassionate clinical team has decades of combined experience and have helped thousands of patients find relief from neck pain, back pain and other conditions. Contact us today to learn more. Call toll free 1- 866-249-1627.