Manual therapy refers to a hands-on approach used by physical therapists to diagnose, treat, and manage musculoskeletal conditions and pain. It involves skilled manipulation and mobilization of the body's soft tissues, joints, and muscles to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and promote healing.

Some common techniques used in manual therapy include:

• Joint Mobilization: Gentle, passive movements are applied to specific joints to restore normal movement patterns, reduce stiffness, and improve joint function.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization: Techniques such as massage, myofascial release, or trigger point therapy are used to stretch, manipulate, or massage the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to reduce tension, improve flexibility, and alleviate pain.
• Manipulative Therapy: High-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts or adjustments are applied to joints to correct misalignments, improve joint alignment, and restore normal function.
• Muscle Energy Techniques: Active engagement of the patient's muscles against a counterforce applied by the therapist to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle imbalances, and alleviate pain.
• Strain-Counterstrain: Passive positioning of the body or joint into a position of comfort to reduce pain and muscle spasm, followed by a gradual return to a neutral position.
• Neural Mobilization: Techniques aimed at releasing tension and improving the mobility of nerves to alleviate pain, tingling, or numbness associated with nerve compression or irritation.

Manual therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapeutic modalities, such as exercise, stretching, modalities (e.g., heat or cold therapy), and patient education to optimize outcomes. It is often utilized in the management of various musculoskeletal conditions, including neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, and many others.

It's essential for manual therapy to be performed by qualified and trained physical therapists who have expertise in assessing and treating musculoskeletal conditions. Treatment plans should be individualized based on the patient's specific needs, goals, and underlying condition.