Manual Therapy techniques are skilled hand movement and skilled passive movements of joints and soft tissues to improve tissue extensibility and range of motion. They can also promote relaxation, mobilize or manipulate soft tissue and joints, reduce pain, swelling and inflammation or restriction.
Some specific manual therapy techniques include manual traction, massage, mobilization or manipulation, lymphatic drainage, passive range of motion, and muscle energy techniques.
Physical therapists choose and implement these techniques when their detailed examination and diagnosis indicate these will be the best techniques to decrease pain, edema, spasm or swelling and promote better health, and wellness, maintain or enhance performance, increase ability to move, or prevent decline in functions or structures.
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