Sports injuries can sideline athletes for weeks or even months, disrupting training and competition...
Living with orthopedic pain can make even simple activities feel overwhelming. Fortunately, manual therapy offers an effective, hands-on solution for many musculoskeletal issues. Unlike generic treatments, manual therapy focuses on restoring movement and reducing pain through skilled techniques applied directly to muscles, joints, and soft tissues.
At Maverick Manual Therapy in San Antonio, TX, we specialize in helping individuals find relief from stubborn pain and regain their quality of life without relying on invasive procedures. In this blog, we’ll explore seven orthopedic conditions that often respond exceptionally well to manual therapy—and how personalized care can help you get back to the activities you love.
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1. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder become compressed during arm movements. This can lead to pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion, making it difficult to lift your arm overhead or carry out daily tasks comfortably.
Manual therapy can help relieve the pressure and inflammation associated with shoulder impingement. Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint movements work to reduce muscle tightness, improve shoulder mechanics, and restore pain-free motion. At Maverick Manual Therapy, we assess your individual movement patterns to create a tailored plan that addresses the root cause of your shoulder discomfort.
2. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, involves irritation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It’s common not just in athletes but also in individuals whose work or daily activities require repetitive gripping or wrist movements. Symptoms often include pain, tenderness, and weakness when lifting objects or shaking hands.
Manual therapy can be highly effective for easing discomfort and improving function in tennis elbow cases. By targeting tight muscles and soft tissue restrictions around the forearm and elbow, therapists can reduce strain on the tendons and promote healing. At Maverick Manual Therapy, we combine precise manual techniques with guided exercises to help you regain strength and return to your usual activities without pain.
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the wrist. People often experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and fingers, which can make tasks like typing, gripping, or even sleeping comfortably a challenge.
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Manual therapy offers a non-surgical option to help relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and nerve gliding can help reduce tension around the wrist and forearm, improving circulation and nerve function. At Maverick Manual Therapy in San Antonio, we focus on personalized treatments to address the specific factors contributing to your nerve compression and discomfort.
4. Lower Back Strain
Lower back strain is a common issue that affects people of all ages and activity levels. It often results from muscle overuse, sudden movements, or prolonged poor posture, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Even mild strains can disrupt daily life and make routine movements feel difficult.
Manual therapy is an effective approach for easing lower back strain. Through hands-on techniques that target muscle tension and joint restrictions, therapists help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns. At Maverick Manual Therapy, we take the time to evaluate how your body moves so we can tailor each session to address the specific sources of your discomfort and help you return to your usual activities with confidence.
5. Hip Labral Tears (Non-Surgical Cases)
A hip labral tear involves damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) that surrounds the hip joint. People with labral tears often experience pain in the groin or hip, clicking or locking sensations, and limited hip mobility. While some severe cases may require surgery, many individuals can successfully manage symptoms without an operation.
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Manual therapy can play a valuable role in reducing pain and improving hip function for non-surgical labral tears. Techniques that address muscle tension, joint mobility, and soft tissue restrictions help reduce strain on the hip and promote smoother movement. At Maverick Manual Therapy, we focus on personalized care to help you move comfortably and return to your preferred activities without persistent hip pain.
6. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
Patellofemoral pain syndrome, often called runner’s knee, is a condition characterized by pain around the front of the knee. It’s common among athletes and active individuals but can affect anyone whose knee mechanics place excessive stress on the joint. Activities like climbing stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting often worsen the discomfort.
Manual therapy is an effective tool for managing runner’s knee. By addressing muscle imbalances, soft tissue restrictions, and joint alignment, therapists help reduce strain on the knee and improve movement patterns. At Maverick Manual Therapy, we create individualized plans that combine manual techniques with exercises to promote stability and reduce the risk of recurring pain.
7. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, often felt as a sharp, stabbing sensation with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing. It occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot—becomes inflamed or irritated.
Manual therapy can be a highly effective approach for easing plantar fasciitis symptoms. Techniques that reduce tension in the calf muscles, fascia, and surrounding soft tissues help decrease strain on the heel and support healing. At Maverick Manual Therapy, we focus on precise manual treatments to improve foot mechanics, reduce pain, and help you stay active without discomfort.
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Take The Next Step
Orthopedic conditions can interfere with daily life, work, and the activities you love. Fortunately, manual therapy offers an effective, personalized way to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support recovery for many common issues. Whether you’re dealing with shoulder discomfort, knee pain, or persistent foot problems, skilled hands-on care can make a significant difference in your journey back to comfort and function.
At Maverick Manual Therapy in San Antonio, TX, we’re committed to helping you move better and feel better—without relying on invasive procedures. If you’re experiencing any of these conditions, we invite you to contact us to schedule a personalized assessment and discover how manual therapy can help you return to the life you enjoy.
