Manual therapy is defined as skilled hand movements and massage intended to produce any or all of the following effects:
- Improve tissue extensibility
- Increase range of motion of the joint complex
- Mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints
- Induce relaxation
- Change muscle function
- Manage pain
- Reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation, or movement restrictions
Treatment may include moving joints in specific directions and at different speeds in order to regain movement (joint mobilization and manipulation), muscle stretching, passive movements of the affected body part, or having the patient move the body part against the therapist’s resistance to improve muscle activation and timing. Selected specific soft tissue techniques may also be used to improve the mobility and function of tissue and muscles.
