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Manual physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy delivered with the hands as opposed to a device or machine. In manual therapy, practitioners use their hands to put pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints in an attempt to decrease musculoskeletal pain caused by muscle spasms, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction. Both muscle and joint manipulation can be used to improve range of motion and tissue extensibility, mobilize or manipulate soft tissue and joints, control pain, reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation, or restriction, and induce relaxation.
All patients can benefit from having some type of manual therapy treatment integrated into their care plan.