Manual therapy uses primarily hand-on active and passive intervention techniques, and includes mobilization and manipulation. Manual therapy is most effective when combined with therapeutic exercise and other rehabilitative activities.
Manual therapy intervention is used to decrease pain and improve range-of-motion and flexibility to stiff joints and muscles. Once pain has been reduced and joint mobility improved, it is much easier for a patient to regain optimal and efficient movement patterns and restore maximum function. Mobilization and manipulation are key components of manual therapy and consist of skilled, passive movements to joints and associated soft-tissue structures. Mobilization involves small amplitude, non-thrusting, oscillatory movements imparted to the patient by the therapist. Manipulation involves small amplitude movements imparted to the patient but also includes a thrust component. Other hands-on procedures such as massage, stretching, and deep pressure are components of manual therapy.
Who will benefit?
Individuals with a variety of disabilities and orthopaedic conditions that result in disorders of the moving parts of the body can benefit from manual Physical Therapy. In fact, there is high-quality research evidence supporting the use of manual Physical Therapy in the following conditions: acute and chronic low-back and neck pain, muscle-tension headaches, hip and knee osteoarthritis, and shoulder pain. In many cases, manual therapy combined with therapeutic exercise can produce rapid pain relief and improvement in function.
Hear from some of our patients who we treated for Pain
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Had ACL reconstruction surgery on my left knee. I originally started my journey somewhere else, and they unfortunately steered me in the wrong direction for my recovery. When I first walked into... ”
“ Had ACL reconstruction surgery on my left knee. I originally started my journey somewhere else, and they unfortunately steered me in the wrong direction for my recovery. When I first walked into ProActive, I was a little hesitant, I was hurting, couldn’t walk the best being about 5-6 months post operation I was hurting a lot still, and I wasn’t gaining any muscle surrounding the knee area. The moment I walked in, they made me feel so welcomed. They also heard what I had to say, and gave me such high hopes that I was going to get better. They asked all the right questions and really made me feel like they were going to help me recover from this surgery that caused me so much knee pain. Anyone knows that with knee pain, hip and back follows because the movements are not right. Proactive had me start from scratch and helped me with each muscle group to allow it to grow with time and commitment. I went from 120 range of motion to my full range of 135. This was so important to me and the means of my recovering knee. Thank you guys so much. I was with this team for about 4-5 months. They were so patient with me, my insurance and everything in between. I left back in August, and can say with confidence that I am feeling so much better, and I have them to be thankful for. I can walk, run and play with my 3 year old again and it’s been such an amazing experience. Thanks again! Much love! -Vanessa ”
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I had a long term injury to both my shoulders from the military and this team did an amazing job of making things so much better. I used to have constant pain, day and night, and they helped me get... ”
“ I had a long term injury to both my shoulders from the military and this team did an amazing job of making things so much better. I used to have constant pain, day and night, and they helped me get back to doing what I love. Also the ladies in the front office are wonderful. Can’t say enough good things, so I’ll leave it at that ”
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After two weeks of walking bend over and having pain that did not allow me to sleep in my bed, l finally got an appointment with Pro Active in Pearland. Amy gave me a massage and some exceises and... ”
“ After two weeks of walking bend over and having pain that did not allow me to sleep in my bed, l finally got an appointment with Pro Active in Pearland. Amy gave me a massage and some exceises and sent me home. The next morning I had no pain and could walk standing straight up. Amy and her staff are so awesome starting with the friendly reception staff!! There are not enough great words to say how thankful I am for these great folks. I have been a previous client here for a dislocated shoulder. They took care of it. I can’t say enough great things about these people. Julio Mendoza US Army Retired. ”
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This clinic makes working through pain so much easier. Lisa will stop at nothing to relieve my cervical neck and head pain. The atmosphere is light and conducive for healing the mind and body. ”
“ This clinic makes working through pain so much easier. Lisa will stop at nothing to relieve my cervical neck and head pain. The atmosphere is light and conducive for healing the mind and body. ”
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Proactive PT has been so helpful with my neck and arm pain. I am able to function better after a year and half of pain and trying everything else without relief. Their staff is also top notch. ”
“ Proactive PT has been so helpful with my neck and arm pain. I am able to function better after a year and half of pain and trying everything else without relief. Their staff is also top notch. ”
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I have within the last three weeks, received a total hip replacement in both hips. I was referred to ProActive by my surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Jaglowski. This is my experience so far. There is plenty of... ”
“ I have within the last three weeks, received a total hip replacement in both hips. I was referred to ProActive by my surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Jaglowski. This is my experience so far. There is plenty of parking available and the building is relatively quiet, and nice and cool. Lisa is professional, caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable about the human body. I appreciate that on my first visit with her she took the time to ask me many questions about my condition, and also about my lifestyle and family. She wanted to know about me as a person so that she could best treat me as a patient, and I found that to be awesome! Lisa was able to give me ideas to modify some surgeon-given exercises, as well as help me understand the reasons for certain discomfort I was experiencing. I watched Lisa interact with other patients before it was my turn, and I was impressed by the consistency of her kindness. She used a gentle touch, in my case to accommodate my pain level, yet she's also strong and can apply strength when appropriate. The facility at ProActive is calm, yet also fun, as the team interacts with one another and also the patients. It is clean, well organized, and well equipped with all kinds of PT necessities. There was another PT caring for a patient while I was there. This lady had such a warm smile and pretty reddish hair, but I don't know her name. What I do know is that she looked like she genuinely enjoyed taking care of her patient, and the patient appeared to appreciate her helping hand. She was giving what looked like a wrist massage, and I must say it looked so relaxing! Aundrea the PT Tech took my vitals and introduced me to Lisa. She has such a kind demeanor. Alex welcomed me as I walked in for my appointment. She's friendly, kind, and was eager to accommodate me with upcoming appointments. In fact, Alex is the reason I chose this location in Webster instead of the Pasadena location which is just down the road for me. It was Alex's professionalism and friendliness on the phone, coupled with her positive attitude and encouragement that won me over. I'd much rather drive a longer distance and be welcomed by friendly happy people, so here I am at ProActive in Webster with this great team of caregivers! ”
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I vowed that after 4 years of trying every treatment that I was going to fix my lower back issue as my pain is ridiculously debilitating. This group has me on the right path. I no longer have any... ”
“ I vowed that after 4 years of trying every treatment that I was going to fix my lower back issue as my pain is ridiculously debilitating. This group has me on the right path. I no longer have any hamstring strain and my lower back is at least 60% better with 4 weeks of PT. Katherine and team are very knowledgeable. They listen and work with you to adjust as needed. Very happy with ProActive. ”
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Dan is amazing Therapist! In fact, the whole team is great! They know exactly what and when to have you do the exercises you need to heal properly. Well sometimes they tell me to slow down, sure I'm... ”
“ Dan is amazing Therapist! In fact, the whole team is great! They know exactly what and when to have you do the exercises you need to heal properly. Well sometimes they tell me to slow down, sure I'm not the only one like that. I leave 70% feeling great, which is amazing. There goal is to get me to that 100%. I have only been going for one week and notice the difference. Oh yeah, can't forget Anyssa that runs the front desk with appointments and so much more, she is easy to work with and plans ahead for you. Check in is like less than 3 minutes, Wow! I hate waiting and never have to there! I had complete right hip replacement, they tend to all of my needs and when in pain, they listen! ”
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I went there after an auto accident . They helped me be able to return to my lifestyle. It was amazing; I had multiple slipped discs and with therapy, I was able to get all but one to slip back into... ”
“ I went there after an auto accident . They helped me be able to return to my lifestyle. It was amazing; I had multiple slipped discs and with therapy, I was able to get all but one to slip back into place which relieved most of my pain. ”
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I highly recommend this PT center!! All of the staff is warm, helpful, and supportive (front staff, PTs and PTAs). After months of chronic pain and no formal diagnosis, I went to rehab and utilized... ”
“ I highly recommend this PT center!! All of the staff is warm, helpful, and supportive (front staff, PTs and PTAs). After months of chronic pain and no formal diagnosis, I went to rehab and utilized dry needling. Linda Anit is an incredibly warm and helpful PT who was able to help me regain functionality as a mom of two young children and one who is medically dependent. She concluded I had a significant abdominal muscle strain and I am so grateful for Linda's dedication to my case. She was willing to try new things to help me regain strength and functionality. After 3 months of PT, I am virtually pain free and can fully take care of my children without hesitation. I am so grateful for Proactive PT! ”
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I was a car accident and had major whiplash and horrible headaches. After a few weeks of therapy neck pain and headaches got better. After the full eight weeks of therapy no headaches and most of my... ”
“ I was a car accident and had major whiplash and horrible headaches. After a few weeks of therapy neck pain and headaches got better. After the full eight weeks of therapy no headaches and most of my next movement. Everyone I worked was AMAZING!!! Professional and fun!! I love the weekly riddles they do. ”
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From the friendly receptionist to Andre, their service has exceeded my expectations. Awesome, and the treatment plan was according and addressing my pains, aches and concerns. He pays attention to the... ”
“ From the friendly receptionist to Andre, their service has exceeded my expectations. Awesome, and the treatment plan was according and addressing my pains, aches and concerns. He pays attention to the details and works to get you back to normality. That's my goal as well. ”
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This place is amazing. It’s not like other places where you walk in and feel very uncomfortable. Everyone is very friendly and outgoing. I hated going to physical therapy before. I would be there... ”
“ This place is amazing. It’s not like other places where you walk in and feel very uncomfortable. Everyone is very friendly and outgoing. I hated going to physical therapy before. I would be there for only 30 minutes they would have me do things just to make the time pass until my session was over. I was truly amazed when I went to Proactive physical therapy. Every time I go I look forward to going not only because they actually care about me and do everything to make sure that I get the best treatment possible I also really enjoy the atmosphere. This place truly goes above and beyond for their patience. I also like that if something happens or you are experiencing pain and don’t know what to do you can email them directly and they will get back with you asap. I could go on and on about how great this place is. ”
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Experienced and helpful people works here. I had disc bulge on my back last year. I couldn’t even walk , my pain was 10 out of 1 to 10. I could hardly start my stretching at the beginning. It took... ”
“ Experienced and helpful people works here. I had disc bulge on my back last year. I couldn’t even walk , my pain was 10 out of 1 to 10. I could hardly start my stretching at the beginning. It took me 6-7 months to be able to go back to my normal life. Katy was helping me the whole time. She did wonderful job in my case. I would definitely recommend this place for PT. ”
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Katie, Linda, and their entire team at ProActive PT in The Woodlands are very professional and really care about their patients. You are seen promptly, and they take the time to make sure all of your... ”
“ Katie, Linda, and their entire team at ProActive PT in The Woodlands are very professional and really care about their patients. You are seen promptly, and they take the time to make sure all of your questions are answered. My comprehensive care plan was thoroughly outlined to me when I was being seen for my C-section rehabilitation. I gained back strength and mobility, and they were able to take off so much of the swelling and edema. They are utilizing a broad spectrum of techniques including electrotherapy, ultrasound, cupping, dry needling, manual stim, and more. I'm back to my routine at the gym, and feeling even better and stronger than before my pregnancy. Thank you ProActive Team! You're the best! ”
Manual therapy uses primarily hand-on active and passive intervention techniques, and includes mobilization and manipulation. Manual therapy is most effective when combined with therapeutic exercise and other rehabilitative activities.
Individuals with a variety of disabilities and orthopaedic conditions that result in disorders of the moving parts of the body can benefit from manual Physical Therapy. In fact, there is high-quality research evidence supporting the use of manual Physical Therapy in the following conditions: acute and chronic low-back and neck pain, muscle-tension headaches, hip and knee osteoarthritis, and shoulder pain. In many cases, manual therapy combined with therapeutic exercise can produce rapid pain relief and improvement in function.
