Can Manual Therapy Reduce Inflammation And Swelling?

Imagine a world where reducing inflammation and swelling could be as simple as a relaxing manual. Well, it turns out this may not be too far-fetched. At Impact Medical Zephyrhills, our team has been exploring the potential of manual therapy in alleviating these common health issues.

If you’ve ever wondered if there is more to manuals than just relaxation, buckle up and prepare to be amazed by the science behind this ancient healing practice.

What Causes Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or irritation. It is a complex process involving various cells and signals in the immune system. While inflammation serves as a defense mechanism to protect our bodies, chronic inflammation can have detrimental effects on our health.

How Manual Reduces Inflammation

Manual therapy has long been recognized for its ability to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. But did you know that it can also help to alleviate inflammation in the body?

Though inflammation is a natural response of the immune system, when it becomes chronic, it can lead to a number of health issues such as pain, swelling, and decreased mobility. Regular manual sessions have been found to decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines. This translates into reduced inflammation and an overall improvement in well-being.

Stimulating Blood Flow

One way that manual reduces inflammation is by stimulating blood flow throughout the body. When pressure is applied during a manual, blood vessels expand, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the affected areas.

Increased blood circulation helps remove waste products from cells and tissues while bringing in fresh supplies for faster healing.

Lymphatic Circulation

Additionally, manual increases lymphatic circulation which plays a crucial role in draining toxins from our bodies. By promoting these vital processes, manual aids in reducing inflammation at its core.

Activating the Nervous System

Another mechanism through which manual reduces inflammation is by activating the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS serves as a counterbalance to the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) which controls our fight-or-flight response.

When we are stressed or anxious, our SNS tends to be activated, leading to increased production of stress hormones like cortisol which can contribute to chronic inflammation. Manual helps activate the PNS which promotes relaxation and decreases cortisol levels in our bodies, ultimately reducing inflammation.

Manual Techniques for Inflammation

Let’s take a look at some manual techniques that can be used to treat swelling and inflammation.

Lymphatic Drainage Manual

One of the most effective manual techniques for inflammation is lymphatic drainage manual. This technique focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation by removing toxins and waste from the body.

By using gentle, rhythmic strokes and light pressure, a skilled therapist can help improve the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body, thus reducing swelling and promoting healing.

Myofascial Release

Another beneficial manual technique for inflammation is myofascial release. Inflammation often causes tension and restriction in the fascia, which is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. During myofascial release, therapists apply sustained pressure to specific areas of tightness or stiffness to stretch and relax the fascia network.

By releasing these adhesions, blood circulation improves, inflammatory markers decrease, and pain subsides.

At Home Manual

While it’s important to consult with a trained manual therapist for personalized advice on treating inflammation through manual techniques, there are also self-manual techniques you can try at home to alleviate discomfort caused by inflammation.

For instance, applying gentle pressure with your fingers in circular motions around swollen joints or using a foam roller to roll out muscle tension can provide some relief. However, always remember to be mindful of your body’s limitations and seek professional guidance when necessary.

Find Relief From Pain with Manual Today

Manual therapy offers a multitude of benefits for those suffering from pain and inflammation. Whether it is chronic muscle pain, joint stiffness, or post-injury inflammation, a skilled manual therapist at Impact Medical Zephyrhills can provide the relief you need.

Schedule a manual appointment with our therapists today by calling (813) 706-5156 and experience the transformative power of therapeutic touch.