This video demonstrates the process of Manual Physical Therapy while treating abdominal scarring on an actual patient.
What is Manual Physical Therapy?
Manual physical therapy is best described as “The application of an accurately determined and specifically directed manual force to the body, in order to improve mobility in areas that are restricted in; joints, in connective tissues or in skeletal muscles” (Korr, 1978). Of course, this is just a technical definition. In a word, manual physical therapy is a much more personal, hands-on approach to treating a wide-range of conditions and health issues that has been proven to work where even traditional treatment options have failed.
What can the use of manual physical therapy do for me?
Mary uses various forms of manual physical therapy that consists of specific, hands-on techniques that can be used to:
How does manual physical therapy work?
Manual physical therapy consists of both assessments & treatment. To see an example of how both of these phases are conducted, you can watch the two videos of Mary Cox working with patients located on this page. However, it is important to know that success requires a patient to complete their course of recommended treatments in a timely manner. It is Mary Cox’s goal to keep the course of treatment as short as possible, but long enough to be as effective as possible. The patient may also be required to perform certain actions in-between treatments to assist in the treatment process.
This video demonstrates the process of assessment on an actual patient who came in with neck pain.
About how Mary Cox conducts manual PT assessments:
Assessments are conducted continuously throughout the treatment process. Techniques are altered to accommodate the patient’s response to the treatment being provided. This is done to achieve maximum success.
Mary's specialty is in manual therapy and she is a tactile, kinesthetic and visual learner. As with those who read by Braille, manual therapists like her have developed their tactile perception to become sensitive to identifying the body's strain patterns and primary restrictions. The touch receptors, which are abundant in our fingertips, allow her to easily evaluate tissue softness, texture, thickness, scarring, adhesions, organs, nerves, and so on.
About Mary Cox's treatment goals for her patients:
Mary's treatment goals are to resolve and diminish the mechanical and structural barriers which cause pain and dysfunction by lengthening, softening, restoring tissue motion and elasticity, thus improving blood flow, nerve, vein, artery and lymphatic function. Then re-educate the neurons system and muscles by teaching stabilization with functional movements; thus providing a safe transition back to the client's normal daily routines, activities, and exercise.