Manual Therapy

Hands-on care, then movement that builds on it

Manual therapy is hands-on treatment. A manual therapy physical therapist uses their hands to move joints, work on tight muscles and ease pain, so you can move more comfortably.

It often helps. On its own, it rarely lasts. At Pursuit, we use it to open a window of comfort and motion, then use that window to strengthen and retrain the way you move. That's the part that holds.

What manual therapy includes ?

We choose techniques based on what your assessment shows, not a set routine.

• Joint mobilization. Gentle, graded movement of a stiff joint (spine, shoulder, hip, ankle) to improve motion and ease pain.
• Soft tissue work. Targeted hands-on work on tight or sore muscle.
• Stretching and guided movement. Hands-on assisted stretching and motion practice.
• Dry needling, in some plans.

What is instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization?

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is soft tissue work done with a smooth-edged tool instead of the hands. The tool glides over the skin with steady pressure along a muscle or tendon.

• The classic explanation. IASTM was first described as a way to break up scar tissue and adhesions in the fascia.
• The current view. Research now points mainly to the nervous system. The pressure changes how sensitive the area feels and how freely you're willing to move it, rather than physically breaking tissue apart.
• What we use it for. Tight or sore muscles, tendon pain and stiffness after an injury or surgery, usually right before exercise so the extra comfort and motion go straight into movement.

What is cupping (myofascial decompression)?

Cupping, also called myofascial decompression, uses cups that create suction on the skin. Instead of pressing down on the tissue, the cups gently lift it. We use it three ways:

• Static cupping. Cups are placed on a tight or sore area and left in place for a few minutes.
• Dynamic cupping. A cup is glided over the skin to work along a muscle.
• Cupping with movement. Cups stay on while you move through the motion that bothers you, so the hands-on work carries straight into how you move.

Cupping can leave round marks on the skin that usually fade within a few days. We'll let you know before we start.

What it may help with ?

Manual therapy is most useful when stiffness, tightness or guarded movement is part of the problem. A manual therapy physical therapist may use it for:

• Back pain physical therapy: lower back pain treatment, sciatica treatment and herniated disc physical therapy, where stiffness and guarded movement limit you
• Neck pain physical therapy and tension headaches
• Shoulder pain physical therapy, including frozen shoulder physical therapy and rotator cuff pain treatment when the joint is stiff
• Hip pain physical therapy, including hip impingement (FAI) treatment when motion is limited
• Knee pain physical therapy, such as stiffness after a meniscus tear or after surgery
• Stiff ankles and feet: ankle sprain rehab and plantar fasciitis treatment
• Elbow pain: tennis elbow treatment and golfer's elbow physical therapy
• Chronic pain physical therapy, where hands-on care calms things down enough to start moving
• Muscle tightness that lingers after hard training
• Early recovery after surgery, when your surgeon allows it (post surgery physical therapy)

Manual therapy, massage and chiropractic

Each has a place. If you want relief that lasts, hands-on work should lead into exercise, which is why we pair them.

What a session looks like

• We talk and assess. We look at how you move and find where the problem starts. Hands-on care follows the assessment, not the other way around.
• We treat, and you tell us how it feels. Techniques are adjusted to your comfort. Say so if something is too much. We'll change it.
• Then we move. Right after hands-on work, we use the new motion: exercises, strength work and movement practice.
• You go home with a plan. You'll know what to do between visits and why.

Who it's not right for

We may adjust or skip hands-on techniques if you have a recent fracture, an unexplained fever, signs of infection, a bleeding disorder or blood thinners, severe osteoporosis, or symptoms such as numbness, weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control. Some need medical care first. Tell us your full history and we'll let you know.

How it fits your plan

• Understand your starting point. We assess how you move and what's driving the pain.
• Build the capacity to move forward. Hands-on care eases pain and restores motion. Exercise builds strength and control.
• Get back to what matters. We fade out hands-on work as you get stronger and need it less.

Manual therapy is part of one-on-one physical therapy and can support sports physical therapy and post-surgical rehab.

Manual therapy is part of one-on-one physical therapy and can support sports physical therapy, dry needling (including trigger point dry needling), and post-surgery physical therapy.

Your physical therapist

Hands-on care at Pursuit is delivered by Dr. Tarandeep (TJ) Jaidka, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, in one-on-one sessions. No aides or assistants.

Manual therapy near Hopedale

We're at 3b Condon Way in Hopedale, MA, and see patients from Milford, Mendon, Upton and the Blackstone Valley. Monday through Saturday, by appointment.

If you're searching for physical therapy near me, or a physical therapist near me who does hands-on work, Pursuit is in Hopedale and open Monday through Saturday by appointment.

Take the next step toward your goals.

Tell us where it hurts and what you'd like to get back to.

• Book an appointment. Tell us what you'd like to get back to.
• Pick a time. Then we'll get started.

Book an appointment

Move better. Perform stronger. Pursue more.

Frequently asked questions