Care
Soft tissue work
Hands-on work on muscles and tendons: pressure, stretching and release, with a handheld tool or tape where it helps.
Your doctor works on the area found at the exam and explains what each technique is for. You can ask to go lighter or stop.
Who it is for
Runners with a tight calf, hip or foot
Lifters with a sore shoulder or back
People who train hard and want to keep going
What a visit includes
A short talk
Where it feels tight, and what your last week of training looked like.
Hands-on work
Pressure, stretching or a tool on the muscle or tendon your doctor found.
Something to take home
A movement or two to try before the next visit.
Good to know
How long and how often
Soft tissue work is often part of a 30 minute visit. How often depends on what your doctor finds at each recheck. We don't set a number of visits.
What we do not claim
We don't claim soft tissue work heals a tear, breaks up scar tissue or speeds your recovery. Results vary, and some people are sore for a day.
When to see a physician first
See a physician first for a calf that is swollen and warm on one side, or for sudden pain after a pop or a hard push. Tell your doctor if you take a blood thinner, so the work can be adjusted. Your doctor explains the risks before starting.
How it is paid
Insurance pays for some visits and not others, and you may pay yourself. You can ask for a written estimate before you come.
How fees work
Questions about soft tissue work
Will I be sore after?
Some people are, like after a hard workout. Tell your doctor how you felt and the next visit changes.
Do you use tools or tape?
Sometimes. Your doctor explains what a tool or tape is for and asks first.
Should I book before a race?
Tell us the date. Your doctor decides what makes sense in the days before, and may suggest waiting.
Start with the exam
Your doctor explains what was found and what is suggested before anything starts.
- A sudden severe headache or neck pain, dizziness, trouble speaking or seeing, new weakness or numbness, numbness in the groin or saddle area (between the legs and buttocks), or new bladder or bowel trouble needs emergency care now. Call 911 or go to an emergency room.