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Expert hands-on manual therapy treatment and soft tissue techniques for pain
relief and functional restoration.
Manual therapy at VanCity Physio represents the highest level of hands-on physiotherapy skill. Our Vancouver physiotherapists have advanced training in orthopedic manual therapy, using precise joint mobilizations and soft tissue techniques to address pain, restore mobility, and restore movement patterns.
Most people think of manual therapy as a post-injury or post-surgical treatment. But one of the most underutilized applications is before surgery — and the evidence for it is compelling.
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Why prehabilitation matters.
Surgical outcomes are strongly influenced by the condition of your tissues going in. Patients who arrive at surgery with better joint mobility, reduced inflammation, and stronger surrounding musculature tend to recover faster, regain function sooner, and experience fewer complications. Manual therapy in the weeks before a planned procedure can meaningfully improve all three.At VanCity Physio, our physiotherapists work with patients preparing for a range of procedures including:
What pre-surgical manual therapy achieves.
In the lead-up to surgery, your physiotherapist uses targeted joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques to:
The continuity advantage.
When the same physiotherapist treats you before and after surgery, your recovery benefits from continuity. Your physio already knows your movement patterns, compensations, and goals — and your post-surgical program can begin from a much stronger starting point. If you're scheduled for surgery and haven't yet started prehab, it's not too late. Even 2–4 weeks of pre-surgical manual therapy and exercise can make a measurable difference. Learn more about our post-operative physiotherapy program, which many prehab patients continue into after surgery.
Our physiotherapists are trained in multiple manual therapy systems and techniques
Your physiotherapist selects techniques based on your specific symptoms, tissue response, and treatment goals.
Manual therapy can involve some discomfort, particularly when working on restricted or inflamed tissues. You should feel therapeutic discomfort (a "good hurt") but never sharp or intolerable pain. Your physiotherapist will continuously monitor your response and adjust their technique accordingly.
Many patients experience immediate improvements in pain and range of motion following manual therapy. These effects compound over multiple sessions as tissue restrictions resolve and normal movement patterns are restored
Clothing that allows easy access to the affected area. Loose-fitting or easily removable items work best.
Obtain pre-approval from your adjuster before scheduling.
If you take pain medication, consider timing your dose so you can accurately communicate your baseline pain levels during assessment.
Manual therapy is included as part of your physiotherapy session at VanCity Physio. To book, select "Clinical Physiotherapy" from our online platform.
All treatment components — including assessment, hands-on techniques, exercise guidance, and digital home program resources — are included in your session fee. There are no add-on charges for manual therapy or equipment use.
Direct billing available for most extended health plans that cover physiotherapy.
All treatment components, including assessment, needle insertion, post-treatment care instructions, and integration with other therapies, are included in your session fee.
Direct billing available for most extended health plans that cover physiotherapy.
Manual therapy is a physiotherapy technique that uses skilled hand movements to relieve pain and stiffness. By manipulating joints and applying pressure to muscles, manual therapy stimulates your nervous system and uses physical pressure to release tight muscles and joints. Types of manual therapy may include joint mobilization, manipulative therapy, Myofascial release, trigger point release, and more. Your individual treatment plan will be determined by your physiotherapist.
Our team uses a clinical approach based on skilled “hands-on” therapy to decrease pain and improve the mobility of joints, soft tissues and nerves. In your session, your physiotherapist will work on a specific muscle or joint, depending on your initial assessment. Treatments can include applying pressure to the area, stimulating the joint, or soft tissue massage. Our physiotherapists combine manual therapy with exercise prescription and rehabilitation which will lead to a faster recovery of your function.
Whenever starting a new physiotherapy program, bring a list of any medications to your first appointment, along with any relevant X-rays and MRIs. If you’re experiencing pain symptoms beforehand, make a note of them and be sure to tell your therapist ahead of time. If you are involved in an accident claim with ICBC, be sure to get treatment approval before your sessions begin.
CAfter your manual therapy session, it's normal to feel some soreness or achiness in the treated area — similar to the feeling after a deep massage. This typically resolves within 24–48 hours and is a sign that the tissues are responding to treatment.
Apply heat to treated areas if comfortable, stay well hydrated, and perform any prescribed home exercises as directed. Avoid high-intensity activity for the remainder of the day if your physiotherapist advises it. Many patients notice immediate improvements in range of motion and pain levels, with further gains building over subsequent sessions. If you experience significant pain that worsens rather than improves, contact your physiotherapist before your next appointment.
To book, please select Clinical Physiotherapy from our online booking platform. To maximize your session’s value, and take advantage of our diverse treatment options, fees are inclusive of all treatments used during your session. Your physiotherapist will work with you to help assess which treatments will be most beneficial during your visit.
VanCity Physio offers direct billing.
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