Therapist performing manual therapy in West Des Moines, IA at Ashworth Chiropractic to relieve muscle tension and improve mobility

Manual Therapy Services

  • Active Myofascial Release

  • Graston Technique (IASTM)

  • Trigger Point Therapy

  • Soft Tissue Injury Management

  • Prevention of Further Injury

Manual Therapy FAQ

If you’re searching for manual therapy in West Des Moines, IA, our clinic stands out for its convenience, personalization, and patient-focused care.

Here’s what makes us different:

  • Strategic Location: Located in the heart of West Des Moines, our clinic is easy to reach before or after work.
  • Individualized Attention: Each therapist limits the number of clients they see, so your sessions are customized to your exact recovery needs.
  • Exceptional Value: With lower overhead, we provide premium manual therapy at affordable rates without sacrificing quality.
  • Community-Focused: We’re deeply rooted in the West Des Moines community, treating every patient like family.
  • Flexible Scheduling: We offer morning, evening, and same-week appointments to make consistent care easy.

If you value results and personal attention, schedule your next session with us today.

No, you typically don’t need a doctor’s referral to begin manual therapy at Ashworth Chiropractic. You can book directly with our licensed therapists.

However, if you plan to use insurance, it’s best to confirm whether your plan requires a referral for reimbursement.

Our team can help you check coverage and file paperwork before your first visit.

Most manual therapy sessions last 10–20 minutes, focusing closely on the affected muscle groups or joints.

This short, targeted format maximizes results without disrupting your schedule.

Each session is designed to relieve pain, loosen tissue restrictions, and restore mobility efficiently.

Some techniques, such as deep tissue or scar tissue release, can cause mild, temporary soreness—but discomfort is always managed carefully.

Our therapists adjust pressure and technique to ensure you stay comfortable throughout treatment.

Most patients describe each session as relieving and notice smoother movement immediately afterward.

It depends on your condition and healing goals.

Most patients start noticing better mobility after just a few visits, while long-term or athletic injuries often benefit from continued care.

During your first visit, your provider will create a personalized manual therapy plan and monitor your progress every step of the way.

Coverage for manual therapy depends on your insurance provider and plan type.

Most major carriers cover it when prescribed for medical necessity or injury recovery.

Our team can review your insurance details in advance and help you understand any out-of-pocket costs. We also provide convenient self-pay options for patients without active coverage.

What is Manual Therapy and Its Benefits?

When pain or stiffness slows you down—whether from an old injury, muscle tightness after work, or strain from physical activity—manual therapy can help restore comfort and mobility.

This hands-on treatment targets the body’s soft tissues, including muscles, fascia, and tendons, to relieve tension, improve flexibility, and support recovery.

At Ashworth Chiropractic in West Des Moines, IA, our licensed therapists customize each session to fit your unique needs and activity level.

As Iowa’s weather turns cooler, many people experience extra muscle tightness and joint pain. Manual therapy can help ease that seasonal stiffness so you can move freely again.

Our specialized techniques include:

  • Active Myofascial Release: Frees tight fascia and muscles for greater range of motion.
  • Graston Technique (IASTM): Breaks up scar tissue to improve natural muscle glide and mobility.
  • Trigger Point Therapy: Targets stubborn knots that cause pain and muscle fatigue.

Whether you’re healing from an injury, managing chronic pain, or preventing future problems, our tailored treatments help you move better, feel stronger, and stay active year-round.

What is a Soft Tissue Injury?

A soft tissue injury happens when muscles, tendons, or ligaments are overstretched, torn, or inflamed.

This can cause ongoing pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility—making even simple movements harder to perform.

Common causes include:

✔ Sudden injuries – Falls, sprains, or impact-related trauma

✔ Repetitive strain – Overuse from sports, desk work, or daily activities

✔ Chronic tension – Poor posture, stress, or muscle fatigue

Did You Know?

” Soft tissue involvement is present in almost every musculoskeletal condition.”

When inflammation or microtears are left untreated, they can limit circulation, slow healing, and eventually affect your overall mobility.

That’s where manual therapy comes in—it promotes tissue repair, eases pain, and helps you move more freely again.

How Manual Therapy Treats Soft Tissue Injuries

Manual therapy uses focused, hands-on techniques that help injured muscles, tendons, and ligaments recover naturally. Each method is designed to restore movement, reduce discomfort, and strengthen tissue resilience.

Here’s how it works:

  • Breaks down scar tissue and adhesions: Techniques such as Graston (IASTM) and Active Myofascial Release gently separate restricted fascia and scar tissue, easing pain and restoring flexibility.
  • Stimulates the healing response: Targeted pressure increases blood flow and cellular repair activity, helping oxygen and nutrients reach the affected area faster.
  • Encourages stronger tissue formation: As healing progresses, new collagen fibers develop to replace weaker tissue, improving long-term durability.
  • Reduces the risk of reinjury: Regular treatment maintains mobility, minimizes tissue entrapment, and supports proper movement patterns.

At Ashworth Chiropractic in West Des Moines, IA, sessions typically last 10–20 minutes, focusing precisely on the problem area to maximize results and get you back to your normal routine sooner.

Your Path to Wellness Begins Here!

Our experts in chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy work as a team to provide holistic care that meets your specific needs. Book your appointment today and experience coordinated care.

Meet Kelly Brown Gross, PT, MPT, WCS — Physical Therapist in West Des Moines, IA

Kelly Brown Gross is a licensed physical therapist with over 20 years of experience helping patients recover from orthopedic, post-surgical, and pelvic health conditions.

A graduate of the University of Iowa, she is also a Women’s Health Certified Specialist (WCS) and trained in advanced manual therapy and vestibular rehabilitation.

At Ashworth Chiropractic, Kelly focuses on restoring strength, balance, and mobility through evidence-based care that addresses the root cause of dysfunction—not just the symptoms.

Her patient-centered approach helps individuals regain long-term comfort and confidence in their daily activities.

Dr. Matt and the entire staff have been GREAT! I went in for some issues I was having with my neck and back and Dr. Matt also helped me with some other issues I was having with my calf and shoulders that have made a HUGE improvement in my overall health and comfort.

I highly recommend using Dr. Matt!

Tyler, via Facebook
My family have used chiropractic and physical therapy services here and every one of us have had excellent outcomes. I wouldn’t go anywhere else these folks are as good as it gets.
Robert A., via Google
Very professional and in depth consultation. These people seem to genuinely care about people’s health and progress.
Laura, via citysearch.com

Dr. Matthew squeezed me in on short notice and took very good care of me. He was very thorough and didn’t just adjust me and let me walk out. Amazing experience here and the receptionist is a sweetheart.

Vanessa V., via Google
Dr. Matt has done wonders for me and I recommend him highly – I can’t say enough good things about him. Dr. Matt and staff are good people and will take great care of you.
Steve Q., via Google
I really love it here! They are very friendly and I feel Dr. Wilson is giving me great treatment! I also don’t feel pressured into coming back too frequently. The adjustments are great! Great office!
Amy, via demandforce