Today's Chiropractic Clinic
CHARLES M LAYCOCK, DC
If you’re recovering from a car accident or a sports-related injury, manual therapy can encourage mobility and complement your body’s natural healing process. At Today’s Chiropractic Clinic, experienced chiropractor Charles Laycock, DC, uses manual therapy to treat various conditions and encourage active, pain-free living. To make an appointment at the practice in Des Moines, Washington, call the office or use the online booking feature today.
Manual Therapy Q&A
What is manual therapy?
Manual therapy is a branch of physical therapy that uses the hands instead of specialized tools or machinery to treat musculoskeletal injuries, inflammatory disorders, and pain. During manual therapy, Dr. Laycock combines massage, kneading, and other types of hands-on manipulation to decrease pain, relieve muscle tension, and encourage mobility.
Manual therapy is noninvasive and requires no downtime or recovery period. Following each treatment session, you can return to your normal routine right away.
What conditions can benefit from manual therapy?
At Today’s Chiropractic Clinic, Dr. Laycock uses manual therapy to treat various musculoskeletal issues, including:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Sciatica
- Auto and work injuries
- Joint pain
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
Dr. Laycock also uses manual therapy to treat sports-related injuries like sprains, strains, and dislocated joints.
What does manual therapy involve?
At Today’s Chiropractic Clinic, manual therapy involves two specific types of treatment:
Mobilization and manipulation
During this type of manual therapy, Dr. Laycock gently twists, pulls, and pushes specific joints or bones. He varies the speed and force to loosen the soft tissue around your joints, a process that enhances flexibility and encourages proper alignment.
Soft tissue work
During soft tissue work, Dr. Laycock and the team use various types of massage to apply pressure to specific muscles. The targeted pressure encourages circulation, helps your muscles relax, and breaks up scar tissue.
Who qualifies for manual therapy?
To determine if you’re a candidate for manual therapy, Dr. Laycock asks about your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and conducts an exam. He also orders in-house X-rays and conducts a joint, bone, and muscle assessment.
If you regularly experience musculoskeletal pain and it doesn’t respond to conservative treatments like ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication, manual therapy can provide long-term relief.
Is manual therapy safe?
Manual therapy is safe and usually well-tolerated. Following each treatment session, it’s normal to experience some mild stiffness or soreness. Apply an ice pack to the affected area or soak in a warm bath. You should feel back to normal within a day or two.
To see if you can benefit from manual therapy, request a consultation at Today’s Chiropractic Clinic. Use the online scheduling feature, or call the office to speak with a team member today.