Hope Physical Therapy

Manual Therapy is a specialty of Physical Therapy in the same way the Orthopedics is a specialty of general medicine. As manual therapists, we treat patients primarily with the use of our hands. We are specifically trained in the mobilization of bones, soft-tissue and neural tissue as well as generally trained as physical therapists to perform passive stretching, prescribe exercises, instruct proper body mechanics and administer modalities such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound.

The philosophy behind the practice of Manual Therapy varies from that of more traditional Physical Therapy. As manual therapist , we believe that injured tissues often need to be repaired with the direct, hands-on application of healing techniques before general wellness can be restored through targeted exercise. ​

Like any therapists, we strive to listen and understand each patient's current complaints as well as to share a vision for their goals. We then design a treatment plan that will alleviate the complaints while working toward the patient's stated objectives. However, treatment plans designed by general/traditional physical therapists will likely consist predominantly of exercise and the use of electronic machinery. As manual therapists, our treatment plan will at least initiate with the use of our hands to "fix" the problematic tissues prior to prescribing exercise to maintain the results and optimize function.

Traditional therapists also tend to see patients with more "typical" injuries or those who are rehabilitating after a surgical procedure. In these instances, proven protocols tend to be quite effective at returning the patient's to their pre-injury abilities and activities. Conversely, we manual therapists are more likely to see patients with more complex/rare diagnoses or patients who have not benefited from traditional therapy. While we perceive patterns of pain and restriction and develop hands-on approaches to address these problems, the use of strict protocol does not apply. We are trained to customize each treatment session to the unique needs of the person standing in front of us.

Why is Manual Therapy Misunderstood?

The most common misconception about Manual Therapy is that it is the same as massage therapy. However, you can think of massage therapists as "muscle specialist". There are many benefits to massage therapy especially on a regular basis to prevent tissue injury and relieve stress. However, once and injury as occurred, it is almost never limited to soft tissue alone. In this way manual therapists may be better suited to see people who have been injured because we are trained to treat bone (joints), soft tissue and neural tissue as well as prescribe rehabilitative exercises and advise more mechanically sound ways of preforming daily activities.
Manual Therapy is also misunderstood and is still relatively unknown in the medical community. In fact, kudos on finding this website on your own or to finding a doctor who is progressive enough to refer you here. In our instant society of pills and procedures , more gradual yet permanent treatments such as manual therapy get brushed aside. Make no mistake, we can be just as effective as any pill or procedure without the side effects and risks.

Can you imagine yourself finally pain free? Maybe for the first time in your life!


We can treat you today!

Back Problems (Acute/Chronic)
​Neck Problems
Rotator Cuff
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Sprains or Strains
Knee Issues
Plantar Fasciitis
After Surgery PT
​Fall Injuries
Gait Training




Whether you are a "desk jockey", senior citizen, a teenager, construction worker, or a mechanic, "weekend warrior", been in an auto accident, in food service or just a baby boomer. Hope Manual Physical Therapy can help you get back to doing what you do!
Manual PT gets results fast!
You will see a licensed physical therapist for at least 45 minutes each session. One on one private rooms.



Please Note that we will take all insurance or only charge your co-pay.