The International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) defines manual therapy techniques as “Skilled hand movements intended to produce any or all of the following effects: improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion of the joint complex; mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints; induce relaxation; change muscle function; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or movement restriction.”
At IPT, treatment may include moving joints in specific directions and at different speeds to regain movement (joint mobilization and manipulation), muscle stretching, passive movements of the affected body part, or having the patient move the body part against the therapist’s resistance to improve muscle activation and timing. Selected specific soft tissue techniques may also be used to improve the mobility and function of tissue and muscles.
Joint Mobilization: A manual therapy technique comprising a continuum of skilled passive movements to the joint complex that is applied at varying speeds and amplitudes, that may include a small-amplitude/high-velocity therapeutic movement (manipulation) with the intent to restore optimal motion, function, and/ or to reduce pain.
Soft Tissue Mobilization is a form of manual therapy utilizing hands-on techniques on your muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves with the goal of improving tissue slide/glide, tissue nutrition, breaking adhesions/ trigger points and optimizing function.