Have you been dealing with stiff joints, nagging muscle tension, or pain that just won’t quit?
Do you feel like stretching, rest, or even exercise isn’t quite enough to get your body back on track?
At West Henday Physical Therapy, we provide manual therapy in Edmonton as part of a hands-on approach that helps your body move and function more naturally. Whether you’re working through an injury, dealing with tension that won’t ease, or noticing daily stiffness, manual therapy can help you restore better movement and feel more comfortable in your body.
Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on techniques applied by our licensed and experienced physical therapists. During treatment, your therapist uses hands-on techniques to gently guide movement, reduce tightness, and improve how your muscles and joints are working together.
This may include gentle joint movements to improve range of motion, soft tissue techniques to reduce muscle tension, or guided stretches to ease stiffness. These techniques are always based on your unique condition, comfort level, and goals.
Manual therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—our therapists use a variety of hands-on methods based on your condition and goals. Some of the techniques we may use include:
We also incorporate Osteopathic Manual Treatment (OMT) techniques when appropriate. These techniques take a whole-body approach to restore balance between structure and function. Depending on your needs, this may include:
All techniques are chosen based on what your body needs at each stage of your recovery. These techniques are often combined with exercise therapy, movement education, and other physical therapy services to maximize results.
At our Edmonton clinic, we commonly use manual therapy for people experiencing:
That makes movement uncomfortable or limited
That doesn't improve with stretching or rest
In the neck area, back, shoulders, or hips
That may be linked to posture or muscle tension
where tissue mobility is restricted
From repetitive movements or poor alignment
Each treatment plan is adjusted to reflect how your body responds over time. The goal is to make daily movement feel easier, reduce the physical strain you’re carrying, and promote steady, lasting progress.
Manual therapy is widely used across many stages of rehabilitation. At West Henday Physical Therapy, it is considered a trusted and effective part of care for many conditions. While it may not be applied in every case right away, it remains one of the most effective tools we use to restore mobility, reduce discomfort, and support recovery.
If manual therapy isn’t introduced immediately, it’s often because the body needs time to heal before hands-on techniques are applied. In those cases, other treatments may be used first but manual therapy often becomes an important next step in the process.
No referral is needed to book an appointment. If you have extended health coverage, you may want to check if a doctor’s note is required for reimbursement.
Some parts of the treatment may feel intense, especially if we’re working on very stiff or tense areas. That said, most people feel a noticeable release and greater ease of movement after each session.
That depends on your condition and goals. Some people feel a difference after just a few sessions, while others benefit from including manual therapy throughout a longer recovery plan.
If pain, stiffness, or limited movement is affecting your day-to-day life, manual therapy may be a helpful step toward feeling better. At West Henday Physical Therapy, we take time to understand what’s holding you back and build a care plan that fits where you are in your recovery so you can move with more comfort, confidence, and control.
Reach out to us to book your appointment or ask any questions—we’re here to help you move better, feel better, and stay active in the things that matter most to you.
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