Manual Therapy on Long Island
The hands-on component of care, and why we never use it on its own.
By Dr. Abby Dante, DC NY License #013032 Last updated
What is manual therapy?
Manual therapy is the hands-on component of care. At Dante Sports Chiropractic Rehab it means three things: soft tissue work, joint mobilizations and chiropractic adjustments. We use it to calm down a painful area and get it moving again, so you can do the part that makes the change last: moving and getting stronger.
That last part matters. Hands-on work can make you feel better when you get off the table. On its own, it usually doesn't change why the problem showed up in the first place. That's why every manual therapy visit here also includes active care and an exercise prescription to take home.
We offer manual therapy at both of our Long Island locations, in Islandia and in Quogue. Appointments are one-on-one and range from 30-60 minutes depending on the nature of the complaint.
What does manual therapy include?
Three kinds of hands-on work, picked for what your exam shows. Most visits use more than one.
Soft tissue work
Pressure and movement applied to muscles, tendons and the tissue around them. It's for the areas that feel tight, guarded or tender: the calf that never loosens up, the upper trap that lives by your ear. It can be uncomfortable in a "that's the spot" way. It shouldn't be something you have to grit your teeth through, and you can always tell us to ease off.
Joint mobilizations
Slow, controlled movements of a joint through the range it's reluctant to use. There's no quick thrust and usually no pop. We use mobilizations for stiff ankles, hips, shoulders and spines, and for anyone who would rather not be adjusted.
Chiropractic adjustments
A quick, precise, small push to a joint that isn't moving well. The pop you may hear is gas releasing inside the joint. Nothing is being "put back in place". An adjustment is one tool among three, and it's always your choice. If you don't want one, say so and we'll use something else.
Will I be sore afterwards?
Possibly, a little. Some people feel mildly sore or tired for a day after hands-on work, much like after a workout, and then looser than before. Drink water, keep moving and do your exercises. Pain that is sharp, or that is worse two days later, isn't expected. Tell us and we'll change the approach.
Who is manual therapy for?
People whose pain or stiffness is getting in the way of moving: a lower back that locks up after sitting, a neck that won't turn, a shoulder that pinches overhead, a hip that's tight on every run. If that sounds like you, our pages on seeing a chiropractor for lower back pain, shoulder pain in athletes and desk workers and sciatica go into more detail.
It's not just for athletes. If you have a body and you enjoy moving it, you can benefit. If you are coming back from a specific injury, manual therapy is one piece of a bigger plan, which we describe on our sports injury rehab page. Runners in particular tend to ask whether they can keep training, which our page for runners answers.
What happens at a visit?
Come ready to move! We start by watching how you move and finding what brings your symptoms on. Hands-on work comes next, aimed at what we found. Then we re-check the same movement, so you can feel what changed. You leave with a short exercise prescription: simple, realistic, and specific to you and your goals. Wear comfortable clothes you can move around in.
When is manual therapy not the answer?
Manual therapy is for muscles and joints. It isn't the right first stop for everything, and we would rather tell you that than treat something we shouldn't.
See a medical doctor, urgent care or the emergency room first if you have a suspected fracture or a fresh injury with major swelling or deformity; numbness or weakness that is getting worse; loss of bladder or bowel control; pain with fever or unexplained weight loss; or chest pain. If your exam here points to something outside our scope, we will tell you plainly and point you to the right kind of provider.
We also can't promise a result before we've examined you. Anyone who does that is guessing. What we can promise is a clear explanation of what we found and what we think will help.
Who will I see?
You'll work one-on-one with Dr. Abby Dante or Dr. Dave Atlas, both licensed New York chiropractors. To book, call or text 631-212-2996. To check your benefits first, text a picture of your insurance card and your date of birth to the same number.
Book an appointment
I’m excited to work with you! Please call us at 631-212-2996 to get started.
