Manual Therapy & Manipulation

Ease Your Discomfort with Our Skilled Manual Therapy & Manipulation Techniques

Manual therapy & manipulation are key services offered at Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic in Winnipeg. These hands-on techniques are used by our experienced therapists to diagnose and treat soft tissues and joint structures. The goal is to modulate pain, increase range of motion, reduce or eliminate soft tissue inflammation, induce relaxation, and improve tissue repair and stability. Manual therapy can include joint mobilization, manipulation, and various soft tissue techniques. Whether you're dealing with a sports injury, chronic pain, or recovering from surgery, our manual therapy & manipulation services can play a crucial role in your treatment plan, helping you regain mobility and live pain-free.

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About Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that involves hands-on techniques to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability. At Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, our experienced therapists use manual therapy to effectively address a range of conditions.


This therapy involves skilled manipulation of muscles, joint mobilization, and joint manipulation. It's a personalized approach that is tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

  • How It Works

    Manual therapy works by applying pressure to the muscle tissue and manipulating joints in ways that reduce pain caused by muscle spasm, tension, and joint dysfunction. 


    It can help restore movement and function to the body, improve circulation, drain fluid from the body, and promote relaxation. 


    Our therapists are trained in a variety of manual therapy techniques and will choose the most appropriate methods based on your specific condition and needs.

  • Benefits of Manual Therapy

    The benefits of manual therapy are extensive. It can help reduce and manage pain, increase range of motion, improve circulation, enhance tissue flexibility, and promote relaxation. By addressing the root cause of discomfort, manual therapy can also prevent future health issues. 


    Furthermore, manual therapy can help individuals manage chronic health conditions, recover from injury, and improve their overall quality of life. It's a holistic approach to health that considers all aspects of a person's well-being.

  • Who Is It For

    Manual therapy can benefit individuals of all ages and health conditions. Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing a chronic health condition, looking to improve your physical performance, or simply wanting to stay active and healthy, manual therapy can help. 


    Our therapists are skilled in treating a wide range of conditions and work with each patient to develop a treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals. At Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, we believe that everyone can benefit from the improved movement and function that manual therapy provides.

Our Manipulation Techniques

Manual therapy manipulation techniques are a key component of the treatment approach at Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic. These hands-on techniques are used by our experienced therapists to diagnose and treat soft tissues and joint structures, aiming to modulate pain, increase range of motion, and improve function. Here are some of the common manual therapy manipulation techniques we use in our clinic.

  • Joint Mobilization

    Joint mobilization is a type of manual therapy where the therapist moves the joints in specific directions to help relieve pain and increase mobility. 


    This technique involves the passive movement of a joint, using varying degrees of pressure to stretch the joint capsule and surrounding tissues. It's particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis, sports injuries, and post-surgical recovery.

  • Soft Tissue Mobilization

    Soft tissue mobilization is a form of manual therapy that targets your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The therapist uses hands-on techniques to break up inelastic or fibrous muscle tissue (like scar tissue), move tissue fluids, and relax muscle tension. This can help reduce pain, decrease swelling, improve circulation, and enhance mobility.

  • Spinal Manipulation

    Spinal manipulation is a technique where the therapist applies a controlled force to a joint of the spine. The amount of force can vary but is usually done using the hands.


    The goal of spinal manipulation is to improve physical functioning and reduce pain. It's often used to treat back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

  • Muscle Energy Techniques

    Muscle energy techniques are a type of manual therapy used to mobilize restricted joints and lengthen shortened muscles. This involves the patient actively using their muscles on request from a specific position and in a specific direction against a counterforce provided by the therapist. It's a gentle technique that can be very effective in improving joint mobility and reducing muscle tension.

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Frequently Asked Questions

At Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, we understand that you may have questions about our manual therapy services. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge to make informed decisions about their health. To help you understand more about manual therapy, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. These cover a range of topics from what to expect during a session to the benefits of manual therapy. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

  • What can I expect during a manual therapy session?

    During a manual therapy session, our trained therapists will use their hands to apply pressure and manipulate your body tissues. This may involve moving your joints in specific ways or applying pressure to certain points on your body. The techniques used will depend on your specific condition and treatment goals. 


    Our therapists will always ensure your comfort during the session and will adjust their techniques based on your feedback. They will also explain what they're doing and why, so you understand the purpose of each technique. The session may also include other treatments such as exercises or education, depending on your needs.

  • Is manual therapy painful?

    Manual therapy should not be painful. While some discomfort may be felt during certain techniques, particularly those involving the manipulation of tight muscles or stiff joints, our therapists are trained to work within your comfort level. 


    Communication is key during these sessions. If you feel any discomfort or pain during the treatment, it's important to let your therapist know so they can adjust the technique or pressure accordingly. Our goal is to provide a therapeutic experience that is as comfortable as possible for you.

  • How many manual therapy sessions will I need?

    The number of manual therapy sessions required can vary greatly depending on your specific condition and treatment goals. Some conditions may require only a few sessions, while others may require ongoing treatment over several weeks or months. 


    After your initial assessment, your therapist will discuss a proposed treatment plan with you and provide an estimate of the number of sessions needed. It's important to remember that everyone's body responds differently to treatment, and progress can sometimes be slower or faster than anticipated.

  • What should I wear to my manual therapy session?

    It's best to wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement to your manual therapy session. Depending on the area of the body being treated, you may need to expose that area. For example, if you're receiving treatment for a back or neck issue, it's advisable to wear a loose-fitting shirt. 


    If you're unsure what to wear, feel free to contact us before your appointment. Our goal is to make your therapy session as comfortable and beneficial as possible, and that includes ensuring you're dressed appropriately for the treatment.

Our Services

Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic offers services like massage therapy, acupuncture, dry needling, custom orthotics, and manual therapy. We also provide specialized treatments for sports injuries, post-surgical recovery, and conditions requiring pelvic floor, vestibular, and pediatric physiotherapy. Our goal is to enhance your health and quality of life through comprehensive, personalized care.

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Knee Replacement
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Get Back in the Game with Our Sports Injury Services

At Pembina Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, we offer specialized services for sports injuries. Our experienced therapists understand the unique demands of various sports and provide targeted treatment to help athletes recover effectively. Whether you're dealing with a sprain, strain, fracture, or post-surgical rehabilitation, our sports injury services are designed to alleviate pain, restore function, and get you back to your sport safely and confidently.