Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Essay

Introduction

Orthopedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) is defined as any “hands-on” treatment that a physical therapist provides to a patient (“Manual therapy”, n.d.). Such treatments can include the moving of joints in at certain speeds and directions with an aim to regain their movement, stretch muscles, encourage a patient to move his or her body part against the resistance of a therapist to facilitate the activation of muscles, or to perform passing movements of a specific body part that needs to be rehabilitated. Moreover, a therapist can perform various techniques with soft tissue in order to enhance its mobility and functioning (“Manual therapy”, n.d.).Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Essay

While there are some similarities between OMPT and other approaches to bodywork (massage or osteopathic therapy), there are key differences that set OMPT from other types of treatment. The key difference lies in the process of assessment that occurs in the primary stages of a patient’s treatment; analysis and assessment are used for integrating manual therapy in the program of personalized exercises. Therefore, there is no ‘one-fits-all’ solution in manual therapy because the treatment program is based on analyzing the existing patterns of movement that either restrict mobility or prevent it from improving. During manual therapy, a therapist constantly performs assessments and reassessments for identifying further treatment steps on the basis of the results of the ongoing treatment. Moreover, a patient’s response to OMPT serves as a guide for the therapist to identify best practices that a patient can independently carry out to facilitate further improvements (Werstine & Chesworth, 2012).Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Essay

Manual therapy is designed to treat chronic or acute conditions occurring with patients’ bodies (legs, back, neck, and arms). If for example, a patient is struggling with a neuromusculoskeletal disorder, a therapist may advise completing an exercise program to restore the movement and get rid of the pain. In other instances, an exercise program is not enough; in cases where there are restrictions in soft tissues or joints, exercise activities may make the matter worse. In cases of severe pain and movement restriction, a therapist performs some hands-on treatments targeted at improving mobility, elevating pain, and restoring the overall normal function of the affected parts of the patient’s body.Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Essay

Education, Scope of Practice, Manual Therapy Techniques, and treatment Claims

On average, approximately eighty percent of aspiring physical therapists are trained in the basic principles of manual therapy. On the other hand, in order for a therapist to become a professional in his or her practice, post-graduate training is required. To demonstrate proficiency and advanced competence in the sphere of manual therapy (Hands-On Seminars, n.d.), in the majority of cases, continuing education for physical therapy is necessary. Training occurs in the form of courses targeted at enhancing the professionals’ knowledge of physical therapy.

The scope of practice associated with testing the source of the issue a patient experiences, developing appropriate practices for treating and eliminating the problem, and in cooperation with the patient, creating an action plan for exercises and activities that will maintain the well-being long-term. Schooling allows manual therapists to have a legal ability to perform manipulations with a client’s tissue for relieving joint pain and enhancing mobility. It is crucial to mention that a manual therapist is eligible to offer only those professional services that were included in their certification to avoid possible complications associated with procedures that can negatively affect patients’ health.Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Essay

Case Study

Recently, researchers focused on exploring the benefits of manual therapy to incorporate the best practices into the process of treatment. It is important to note that manual therapy interventions have been bringing fruitful results with regards to improving patient outcomes. For example, a systematic review conducted by Boyles, Toy, Mellon, Hayes, and Hammer (2011) found that manual therapy techniques in conjunction with therapeutic exercises were effective in treating cervical radiculopathy. To illustrate the positive results of manual therapy in other scenarios, a case study will be presented for analysis.Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Essay