A: At North Star Manual Therapy, we use a whole-body approach with every patient. We understand that compensations for a dysfunction in one area of the body can be the underlying cause of pain or injury somewhere else. In other words, the true cause of your pain may be in a completely different area than where you are experiencing pain. Once we have evaluated how the entire body moves and functions, we can identify the cause of a patient’s symptoms. We then use our hands and senses to isolate very specific soft tissue restrictions based on a fascial distortion model. Once these restrictions are identified, deep tissue manipulation is used to re-align the distortion and return normal pain-free function and movement. We provide our patients with Home Exercise Programs with appropriate stretches and strengthening exercises when needed. However, unlike traditional Physical Therapy clinics, we do not have patients come do their exercises in the clinic. We believe that time in the clinic should be devoted only to specialized activities a patient cannot complete or reproduce on their own. Each of our patients receives an hour of one-on-one Manual Therapy treatment with a highly-trained Physical Therapist. We do not use modalities such as Ultrasound and E-stim, and we do not utilize Physical Therapy Assistants or techs for treatment of any kind.

A: Many acute injuries are not actually problems of the muscle, tendons, or ligaments, but rather the fascia surrounding and infusing them. Once these problems are identified based on the patient’s specific presentation, the distortions are re-aligned creating immediate pain relief and increased muscle functioning. Many times, our patients are ready to perform in competition, without pain or limitations, after only one treatment. When an injury involves more than just the fascial tissue, our specialized and extensive Manual Therapy training give us the ability to address these issues as well. Our whole-body approach, and the large variety of techniques at our disposal ensures that we can make an immediate significant difference in the symptoms of nearly every patient that visits us, regardless of the type of injury or syndrome.

A: The American Academy of Orthopedic Manipulative Therapy defines "Manual Therapy" as: "A clinical approach utilizing skilled, specific hands-on techniques, including but not limited to manipulation/mobilization, used by physical therapists to diagnose and treat soft tissue and joint structures for the purpose of modulating pain, increasing range of motion, reducing or eliminating soft tissue inflammation, inducing relaxation, improving contractile and non-contractile tissue repair, extensibility and or stability, facilitating movement and improving function."

On a broad scale, Manual Therapy is used to describe many different types of hands-on treatment. From joint mobilization and manipulation, to myofascial release and massage. Even hands-on stretching and strengthening techniques, as well as nerve mobilization, can be considered Manual Therapy. Many practitioners in various fields use terms like "Manual Therapy" and "Myofascial Release," though the actual techniques and their effectiveness is highly varied.

At North Star Manual Therapy, we are Physical Therapists who specialize in rare and extremely effective Manual Therapy techniques. Our primary focus is on soft tissue manipulation to realign the fascial and soft tissue distortions that occur with nearly every known musculoskeletal injury or syndrome. We are also highly trained in other areas of Manual Therapy like Joint Manipulation, CranioSacral Therapy, and Visceral Manipulation.

A: Fasia is "the soft tissue component of the connective tissue system that permeates the human body. It interpenetrates and surrounds muscles, bones, organs, nerves, blood vessels and other structures. Fascia is an uninterrupted, three-dimensional web of tissue that extends from head to toe, from front to back, from interior to exterior… After injury, it is the fascia that creates an environment for tissue repair.

- Paoletti, Serge (2006). The Fasciae: Anatomy, Dysfunction & Treatment.
Seattle, WA: Eastland Press. pp. 151–161.

A: Yes, from Headaches to TMJ, Rotator Cuff injury to Sciatica, acute to chronic. Since all tissue is alive and working together in rhythm, it must be well balanced, stable, strong, and aligned. Please see our Injuries & Recovery Times page with more detailed explanations for some of the conditions we treat and the average recovery times associated with them. Basically, if it is not broken or ruptured, we can help!

A: Make an appointment as soon as you can after your injury as waiting can lead to further fascial separation/distortion and other compensations to your body. Although you might be in pain, don’t assume that you need to wait until the pain subsides before you can receive treatment. Most often, the sooner you get in, the quicker your recovery time. However, if you can't come in right away or have had an injury/pain for many years, our treatment techniques can be just as effective. Call us or email us with specific questions about your injury today. Important to note is that when fascia is distorted and twisted, it restricts the movements of the above-mentioned structures, creating compensation and resulting in pain and dysfunction.

A: Yes, overuse of tissue during training and repetition creates micro-trauma to the fascia. This sets you up for injury. Proper tissue/fascial alignment can prevent future injuries and many times improve speed, strength, vertical and agility. This not only applies to injuries, but also to chronic conditions that develop overtime. Tightness of the soft tissues that develop due to holding improper posture, as well as neglecting to use the full range of motion available to us, can all lead to painful conditions. This tightness and postural dysfunctions are easily identifiable and treatable by our Therapists.

As mentioned above, movement limitations in one area will result in compensations that can lead to injury in other areas of the body. Each Physical Therapist at North Star Manual Therapy regularly completes pre-season evaluations to identify any unknown compensations that may result in injury during the competitive season. Don’t wait till injury occurs! Make sure your body is moving efficiently and effectively before you develop pain.

A: According to Texas State law, Physical Therapists are required to have a medical referral in their possession prior to all treatment. In urgent situations, Evaluations can be completed without a medical referral but no treatment can be rendered without a referral. Having a medical referral will also help with insurance reimbursement. This referral can come from any traditional medical professional (MD, DO, DDS, DC, ANP, DPM etc.)

A: There may possibly be some higher expenses upfront since we are not contracted with any insurance companies. However, one must look at the big picture when evaluating these costs. In most cases, the amount of visits needed at North Star Manual Therapy is far less than at other clinics. When you add up the co-pays of other clinics, factor in the time-costs of multiple visits, and consider the benefit of resolving your pain much faster than average, North Star Manual Therapy is an incredible value. Furthermore, we often have patients who come to us thinking that they will need surgery to resolve their pain. In a large amount of these cases, we have enabled the patient to avoid surgery and the incredible expenses that go along with it. Though we don’t directly bill insurance, we provide the necessary paperwork to submit claims, and most of our patients do receive some reimbursement from their insurance company. Please see our Payment, Insurance & Patient Forms page for more information.