If pain, stiffness, or old injuries are keeping you from doing the things you love, you’re not alone. Many of our patients come to Manual Therapy Associates after trying “everything else” — medications, traditional physical therapy, or even surgery — and still not feeling like themselves.

Manual physical therapy takes a different approach. It’s a highly specialized, hands-on form of physical therapy where your Doctor of Physical Therapy uses advanced techniques to gently mobilize joints, soft tissues, nerves, and fascia. The goal is not just to treat a symptom, but to help your whole body move and function better so you can get back to living your life.

At Manual Therapy Associates in Arvada, CO, this is what we do every day.

What Is Manual Physical Therapy?

Manual physical therapy is a sub-specialty within physical therapy that focuses on using the therapist’s hands—rather than machines—to assess and treat musculoskeletal problems.

During manual therapy, your therapist may use techniques such as:

• Joint mobilization and manipulation – gentle, skilled movements of the joints to improve mobility and reduce pain

• Soft tissue mobilization and massage – targeted work on muscles, tendons, and ligaments to decrease tension and improve circulation

• Myofascial release – slow, sustained pressure to release restrictions in the fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs)

• Neural mobilization – techniques that help “free up” irritated or sensitive nerves

• Dry needling – very thin, solid needles are used to release tight trigger points and reduce pain (performed only when appropriate and with your consent)

These techniques are always performed by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy with advanced training in manual therapy. They are carefully adapted to your body, your condition, and your comfort level.

How Manual Therapy Helps Your Body Heal

When we use our hands to assess and treat your body, we’re looking far beyond a single painful spot. Manual therapy is designed to:

• Reduce pain and muscle guarding – By calming overactive muscles and nervous system responses, your body can finally “let go” of protective tension.

• Improve joint mobility and flexibility – Restoring normal motion makes it easier to move, lift, twist, and bend without aggravating your symptoms.

• Improve circulation and tissue health – Hands-on work helps bring blood flow and nutrients to irritated tissues and supports natural healing.

• Enhance the effects of exercise – Research suggests that combining manual therapy with specific exercises can improve pain and function for many people with back and neck pain compared with exercise alone.

Most importantly, manual therapy is not a “quick fix.” It’s part of a comprehensive plan that usually includes therapeutic exercise, posture and movement retraining, and education so your results last.

Conditions We Commonly Treat with Manual Therapy

Our Arvada clinic focuses on complex, often long-standing problems where a hands-on approach can make a meaningful difference.

Common issues we treat include:

• Neck and back pain

  • Chronic or recurring pain

  • Stiffness when turning, bending, or lifting

  • Pain that worsens with sitting, driving, or computer work

• Headaches and TMJ (jaw) pain

  • Tension headaches and some migraine patterns

  • Pain with chewing, talking, or opening the mouth

  • Jaw clicking, popping, or locking

• Fibromyalgia and widespread pain

  • Full-body muscle aches and tenderness

  • Pain that hasn’t responded well to other treatments

  • Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and sensitivity to touch

• Car accident injuries

  • Whiplash and neck pain

  • Chronic pain or stiffness after the initial injury has “healed”

  • Lingering headaches, dizziness, or muscle tightness

• Sports and activity-related injuries

  • Shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle problems

  • Pickleball, golf, ski, and cycling injuries

  • Pain that shows up only with certain movements or activities

• Post-surgical or scar-related stiffness

  • Limited motion after surgery

  • Thick or painful scar tissue

  • Difficulty getting back to your previous activity level

If you’re unsure whether manual therapy can help your specific condition, our team is happy to review your history and let you know if you’re a good candidate—or if we should coordinate with your physician or another specialist.

What to Expect at Manual Therapy Associates

We know it can be intimidating to start something new, especially if you’ve already tried other treatments without success. Here’s what typically happens when you come to our Arvada office.

1. A thorough, one-on-one evaluation

Your first visit is all about listening and understanding:

• How your symptoms started

• What makes them better or worse

• How pain or stiffness is affecting your work, sleep, and daily life

• What you want to get back to doing

We’ll also perform a detailed physical exam—looking at posture, movement patterns, strength, and joint mobility—to identify the root causes of your problem, not just the painful area.

2. A personalized treatment plan

Based on what we find, your therapist will design a plan that may include:

• Manual therapy techniques specific to your condition

• Targeted exercises to support and maintain the gains you make on the table

• Gentle mobility and stability work to help you move with less stress and strain

• Education on ergonomics, sleep positions, and activity modifications

No two treatment plans look exactly the same. Your body, history, and goals are unique, and your care should be too.

3. Hands-on sessions with a Doctor of Physical Therapy

At each follow-up visit, you’ll work one-on-one with your therapist—not shuffled through a crowded gym or left alone with machines. We adjust techniques as your body changes, so sessions stay effective, safe, and appropriate for where you are in your healing.

4. A home program that fits real life

You’ll leave with simple, realistic strategies you can use at home between visits: a few key exercises, breathing or relaxation techniques, or small posture changes that support everything we do in the clinic. We know you’re busy—so we focus on what actually moves the needle.

Is Manual Physical Therapy Right for You?

Manual therapy may be a good fit if you:

• Have pain or stiffness that hasn’t improved with rest or basic stretching

• Feel like you’ve “tried everything” but still don’t have lasting relief

• Notice that certain movements, positions, or activities repeatedly trigger your pain

• Want a more hands-on, individualized approach instead of a one-size-fits-all protocol

Manual therapy is not appropriate for every situation—for example, recent fractures, certain inflammatory conditions, or serious underlying medical issues need medical management first. During your initial visit, we’ll screen for red flags and coordinate with your physician or other providers when necessary.

Important: This information is for general education only and is not a substitute for a personalized medical evaluation. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific condition.

Your Role in a Holistic Healing Plan

A holistic approach means we look at your whole life, not just one painful body part. Alongside manual therapy, we’ll often talk with you about:

• Movement and activity – finding the right balance between rest and movement so your tissues can heal

• Posture and body mechanics – small changes to how you sit, stand, lift, or sleep can reduce strain on irritated areas

• Stress and nervous system health – stress can magnify pain; gentle breathing, pacing, and self-care practices can make treatment more effective

• Long-term prevention – building strength and mobility so you can stay active and confident in your body

Our goal is not just to get you out of pain, but to help you understand your body so you can maintain those results over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Manual Physical Therapy

Is manual therapy painful?

Manual therapy should never feel like your body is being forced or “cranked” into positions. You may feel pressure, stretching, or mild soreness—similar to what you’d feel after a good workout—but we always stay within your tolerance and check in continuously. Many patients describe their sessions as “intense but relieving” or “a good hurt that finally lets things relax.”

How quickly will I notice results?

Some people feel a difference after the first session; for others, improvements are more gradual over several visits. Factors like how long you’ve had the problem, other health conditions, stress, and daily habits all play a role. We’ll outline realistic expectations at the start and track your progress together.

Is manual therapy safe for older adults?

Yes. Manual therapy techniques can be adapted for all ages and activity levels. For older adults or people with conditions like osteoporosis, we use gentler, low-force approaches that focus on comfort and safety while still improving mobility and reducing pain.

What’s the difference between manual therapy and chiropractic care?

Both manual therapy and chiropractic care may use hands-on techniques, but the training and focus are different. Manual physical therapy is performed by Doctors of Physical Therapy and integrates hands-on techniques with exercise, movement training, and education in a rehab and medical setting. Chiropractic care typically emphasizes spinal adjustments. Many patients benefit from one or both approaches, depending on their needs.

Do I need a referral to see you?

Referral requirements depend on your insurance and state regulations. In many cases, you can see a physical therapist directly without a physician’s prescription (a concept called “direct access”). If you’re not sure, we can help you understand what your plan requires before you schedule.

Ready to Move Better with Less Pain?

If you’re ready for a more personalized, hands-on approach to healing, we’d love to help.

Manual Therapy Associates is conveniently located in Arvada, CO:

Manual Therapy Associates, Inc.
12001 W. 63rd Place, Suite 202
Arvada, CO 80004
Phone: 303-668-2898

Click “Schedule Now” on our website or contact us directly to book your evaluation. Let’s help you get back to the activities—and the life—you love.