Manual therapy is a term used to describes highly skilled techniques that are used to improve movement of the joints, nerves and soft tissue like muscle and fascia, provide pain relief and relaxation, improve mobility of scar tissue, improve flexibility, and reduce swelling.
Common manual techniques include:
- Manipulation – the application of rapid force into a joint(s). Manipulation is often associated with an audible popping sound called cavitation.
- Mobilization – this is a slower, more controlled technique of articular and soft tissue stretching that is intended to improve joint mobility.
- Massage/Myofascial Release – this is typically a repetitive, rubbing, stretching, stripping or kneading of a muscle and fascia tissue to reduce pain, improve mobility, and facilitate healing.