Largest Locally Owned & Operated Physical Therapy Company in St. Louis

Manual Therapy Services from Advanced Training and Rehab

A crucial component to physical therapy rehabilitation is skilled, hands-on manual interventions. Our therapists are uniquely trained to isolate the specific tissue or joint that is affecting mobility or causing the reported discomfort. Using manual therapy, we can better assess the soft tissue or joint restrictions, and then use specific techniques to address those deficits. Treatments we offer include instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), ASTYM therapy, myofascial release, joint mobilization, joint manipulation, and more.

Each type of manual therapy has its own benefits, but not every therapy is right for everyone. Your clinician will determine if any of these options are a good fit for your recovery.

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy, or BFR, is exactly how it sounds; blood flow is restricted to the injured area of the body – typically used for arm or leg muscle injuries – to allow the muscle to fatigue without excessive load. The device used is similar to a blood pressure cuff and is FDA-approved. When blood flow is restricted, the muscle is forced to work with lower levels of fresh oxygen, facilitating the process by which strength gains are made. Our therapists have seen tremendous benefits from this particular therapy especially with rotator cuff injuries, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and improperly healed fractures.

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy

​Massage is considered to be a great manual therapy technique during recovery. It can complement your physical therapy treatment by improving mobility of soft tissue, improve flexibility, eliminate restrictions caused by tight fascia, decrease pain, and increase circulation to muscles and tissues. Massage can also help your clinician locate underlying scar tissue or other soft tissue restrictions that could limit certain therapeutic exercises.

Myofascial Release

Myfascial Release

During massage therapy, myofascial release treatment may be utilized to help reduce pain by easing tension and tightness in the body’s trigger points. When the therapist locates an area that feels tight, manual pressure is applied by massaging and stretching the area repeatedly until it feels more elastic. Individuals with a variety of ailments including myofascial pain syndrome, chronic headaches, or venous insufficiency benefit from myofascial release treatments. Because this treatment goes somewhat deeper than traditional massage therapy, it may not be right for everyone. Your clinician will help determine if myofascial release is right for you.

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and ASTYM Therapy

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and ASTYM Therapy

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and ASTYM therapy are myofascial release and massage techniques that use specialized tools to improve the mobility of soft tissues. The tools are usually made of plastic or metal, and are designed for your physical therapist to massage the muscles, fascia, and tendons more deeply to help reduce pain and improve movement.

The goal of IASTM is to help injured tissues reabsorb any excess scar tissue or fibrosis that may be causing you to have pain or limited movement. It also helps release and stretch any scar tissue adhesions. This therapy may benefit patients with tendonitis, ligament sprains, plantar fasciitis, scar tissue, and more. Based on your specific condition, pain level, and mobility restrictions, your clinician may determine that IASTM or ASTYM therapy is a recommended addition to your treatment.

Joint Mobilization

Joint Mobilization

By manually applying directional force or pressure to joints, therapists use joint mobilization to help improve joint range of motion and reduce pain. Patients experiencing joint pain or stiffness benefit greatly from this fairly pain-free manual therapy technique. Joint mobilization can help treat frozen shoulder, tendinitis, spinal pain, stiff ankles, and more. Because it is low-intensity, almost any patient can benefit from this treatment. Your clinician will determine if your condition or injury would benefit from the use of joint mobilization therapy.

Active Release Techniques (ART)

Active Release Techniques (ART)

With repetitive use, the tissues in an affected area of the body can develop adhesions, causing muscular weakness, numbness, tingling, burning, or aching sensations. When using active release techniques (ART), compression force is applied to the injured area while the patient moves in a way that shortens and lengthens all of the underlying soft tissues. ART has been shown to be beneficial for patients with adductor strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries, frequent headaches, and more. After ART treatment, your clinician will continue working with you on exercises to help prevent symptoms from returning in the future.

Frank

"John C. is the best PT guy in America. I have sent about 50 people there and their reviews are the same. I would not consider any other option. They had me back dramatically quicker than I was supposed to be. I wish I was as good at my job as they are theirs."

Frank Cusumano
Sportscaster, KSDK-TV; Sports Talk Radio

Jackie

“The positive attitude at Advanced Training and Rehab helped me stay on track and perform at a higher level. I would recommend them to anyone.”

Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Olympic Gold Medalist - Decathlon/Long Jump

Jay

“I have been to physical therapy following my first knee surgery. The care I received with Advanced Training and Rehab was second to none and has helped me return to my play on the PGA circuit.”

Jay Williamson
PGA Professional Golfer

Jim

“My experience with Advanced Training and Rehab enabled me to prolong my professional hockey career following a serious ankle injury.”

Jim Campbell
Tampa Bay Lightning

Bruce

“I was in the MLB for a longtime and have had my share of injuries over the years. If you are looking for a top notch sports related rehabilitation, Advanced Training and Rehab is your answer.”

Bruce Sutter
Major League Baseball, Pitcher - Hall of Fame, 2006

Bruce Weber

“As a coach, I took a great deal of pride in having a positive relationship with my players and staff. From the first time I walked into the Advanced Training and Rehab Kirkwood location, I felt a special positive energy from all the staff members. Doing physical therapy or a work out is never easy, especially when you are recovering from surgery or an injury. A smile, a friendly conversation and positive support make a difficult task seem a much easier to accomplish! After 3 months of physical therapy I highly recommend the TEAM at Advanced Training and Rehab Center. The staff is knowledgeable and cares about each of their clients.”

Bruce Weber
Former Head Men's Basketball Coach SIU, Illinois, Kansas State, USA Basketball

Chris Kerber

"ATR is not just a place you go to rehab an injury or recover from surgery. It’s a group of dedicated physical therapists who cares for each patient with personal, knowledgeable and experienced care. When physical rehab is required for me or my family, I request ATR because I trust them explicitly. They have cared for me for over 20 years – shoulder surgery, back surgery, and other weekend warrior injuries. They have cared for my wife and three active and athletic daughters. Brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews use them because of that level of trust and care. You have a choice in your post injury care. Tell your doctor you want to go to Advanced Training and Rehab for your care like I do!"

Chris Kerber
Blues Radio Play-by-Play Broadcaster