Manual therapy is a general term used to described techniques that are used by a highly skilled therapist to improve the movement of joints and soft tissue like muscles and fascia.
Techniques may include ultrasound, taping, compression therapy, and several therapies highlighted in this section of our website. Manual therapy is an important component of the rehabilitation process. For questions about manual therapies or to make an appointment, please call 480-629-4606.
Dry Needling
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is used to accelerate natural healing of soft tissue pain and neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Our therapists are trained/certified in integrative dry needling to treat inflammation and irritations in the nervous system that cause inhibition of muscle function. Dry needling relaxes trigger points and restores normal muscle tones, muscle length, coordination, function and strength.
Dry needling vs. acupuncture:
Dry needling is similar to acupuncture in the sense that a dry, solid filament needle is inserted and manipulated under the skin to release endorphins and serum cortisol for pain relief. The difference is that dry needling is based on western neuroanatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine that creates balance in the body by influencing the flow of Qi (energy) in pathways called meridians to achieve pain relief and alleviate inflammation.
Am I a candidate for dry needling?
Dry needling has successfully been used to treat a variety of conditions including (and not limited to):
Tendinopathies
Degenerative Disc Disease (DJD/DDD)
Disc herniations and neuropathies
Headaches/Migraines
Myofascial pain (Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain Syndrome)
Post-surgical pain
Frozen Shoulder
Bell’s Palsy
TMJD
To request an appointment or to learn more about dry needling services and costs, please call 480-629-4606
IASTM
What is IASTM?
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilizations (IASTM) are instruments utilized during manual therapy by highly trained therapists to address soft tissue lesions and fascial restrictions. This form of manual therapy is found to improve range of motion, decrease pain, and improve muscular control.
Using hand-held instruments, IASTM clinicians scan over the skin to find soft tissue problems. The application provides small vibrations which allows the clinician to discover the location of the scar tissue or restrictions. Further pressure and techniques are then used to break up the restriction to help the patient recover range of motion and functionality.
Graston® is one of the types of IASTM that we offer at Arizona Manual Therapy Centers. It consists of six ergonomically-designed stainless steel tools.
Am I a candidate for IASTM?
IASTM is an effective treatment option for a variety of conditions including (and not limited to):
Neck/back pain
Myofascial pain and restrictions
Sprains/strains
Post-surgical and traumatic scars
Medial/Lateral Epicondylitis (golfer’s/tennis elbow)
Tendinopathies
Many patients report increased range of motion and reduced pain after the first IASTM treatment. IASTM has been proven successful in reducing problems from surgical and traumatic scar tissue, achieving great results with pain control and rejuvenating joint, ligament, tendon and muscle flexibility.
Please call 480-629-4606 for more information on IASTM or to request an appointment.
Therapeutic Cupping
What is therapeutic cupping?
Therapeutic cupping is tissue distraction therapy involving placement of cups, typically made of silicon or plastic, on the body. Cupping is found to improve fascial mobility and circulation to decrease pain and inflammation while increasing new blood flow for tissue healing. This practice dates back over 2,000 years, but has recently received attention due to its use by world-class athletes for injury relief.
To request an appointment or to learn more about therapeutic cupping at Arizona Manual Therapy Centers, please call 480-629-4606.
